Summer Camp 2004
Genus Network's first ever Summer Camp took place in Mid-Wales, on a campsite just outside of Machynlleth.
After arriving at the campsite on the late Sunday Afternoon and setting
up camp, We headed off to Aberystwyth to check out the nighttime scenery.
On Wednesday we visited the Centre for Alternative Technology, which wasn't
far away from where we were. It all started with us being moved up a hill
on an odd sort of water powered train, at 45 degrees. If the rope had snapped,
it would have resembled something from Alton towers, but fortunately that
didn't happen. In the centre were many exhibitions of alternative energy
technology, some were rather simple but it was quite impressive nonetheless.
On to Thursday and we decided to tackle Snowdon. We succesfully managed
to walk all the way up to the top of Mount Snowdon, catching some fantastic
views (and photos). We could have took the train up to the top if we wanted
to, but that wouldn't be Scouting! A very rewarding walk in our opinion,
and luckily the weather was on our side for this one.
We decied to do another walk on the Friday, though not as hectic as the
Snowdon walk. This time we went on a coastal walk along a golden sunny Welsh
beach. This soon turned into a 'sea walk' (see pics!) We called in at a
coastal town to get some lunch before heading back along the coast to the
car, and then it was back to camp. I soon realised that 5 miles of walking
on sand with blisters on my feet was probably not such a good idea...I could
hardly walk afterwards. The camp ended on the Saturday.
It was a very enjoyable camp and we would certainly like to go back there again sometime in the future. The weather wasn't too bad, although we had a lot of drizzle. We'd also recommend the campsite to anyone who is thinking of going, it has a very Scouting feel to it, surrounded by woodland and a stream, and has good basic facilities (and hot water!) and even a swimming pool and canoes.
A Few Photos:
The campsite
Campsite again
Another pic of our camp
...and by night
The Entrance to the Centre for Alternative Technology
The lift
The lift again!
A solar powered phone box
Some solar water heaters
Michael attempting to fill a leaking bucket!
LLandudno pier
The famous 'Rice Bee', decided to move into the rice bag
Coastal walk (literally)
Hiking up Snowdon
The trail leaving to the top...
...and the top of Snowdon