On Wednesday 24th July, 11 Leaders, 16 Scouts and 16 Explorers from throughout Midlothian District set off for Adelboden, Switzerland. We arrived safely after spending 28 hours travelling by coach and ferry.
On Friday we enjoyed a leisurely walk to Engstligenalp where Switzerland’s second largest waterfall can bee seen. The young people spent some time exploring the area, climbing rocks and enjoying the views. We also celebrated Damian and Linda’s wedding anniversary with cards, gifts and cake.
Saturday saw us visiting the Schilthorn where we invested seven new Explorers, a Cub Scout Leader and handed out a 10 year service award. On the way back down we visited Murren village and Birg where the young people and some of the braver adults attempted the sky walk.
On Sunday it decided to rain, a lot, so we adapted the programme to suit. Frutigen indoor swimming pool, then in the afternoon back at the chalet everyone took part in a bin bag catwalk, which was great fun for all. Ron and Gravy our coach drivers kindly judged the entries.
Monday 29th we visited the Top of Europe, Jungfrau, after a brief walk out onto the glacier which we had to evacuate due to several people suffering from altitude sickness.
Tuesday the sun shone very brightly, we all enjoyed some sightseeing and shopping in Thun. We also met some Swiss Scouts and helped them with their Monopoly game. We travelled to Spiez by boat and met up with Ron and Gravy who took us to Interlaken to visit the chocolate factory.
Wednesday was Kandersteg day. We took the gondolas to Oeschinensee, walked to the lake and some brave Scouts went for a swim before heading to the toboggans. In the evening we went to Swiss night, and one of our Scouts, Struan, kindly played the bag pipes and we sang Flower of Scotland, to about 200 other Scouts and Guides.
On Thursday 1st August we celebrated Caroline’s birthday, she thought we’d forgot. Caroline tested herself by taking part in the zip wire activity at the Adventure Park. We continued the birthday celebrations with a Luau and as it was Swiss National Day we were treated to a fireworks display at night.
Our last day, Friday, we visited Niesenbahn, Swiss Pyramid travelling by funicular to the top, the clouds lifted enough for us to get some spectacular views.
Saturday 3rd we said a sad goodbye to Adelboden, arriving home on Sunday.
Jo Whiting, Cub Scout Leader, Midlothian District
