By Charlotte W, S3

Last weekend, everyone that took part completed the final expedition for the Prémio Infante D. Henrique (Duke of Edinburgh Award).

The expedition started on Friday evening when we camped at Silves by the river. The next morning, each group departed at ten-minute intervals between 7 and 8 am. From Silves we walked about 24 km to Casa Carapeta, near Fornalha. Here we stopped for an hour-long rest, with snacks and drinks. We then walked roughly another 2 km to our campsite for Saturday evening. On Sunday morning the same procedure, we walked about another 10 km to our final destination where our parents were awaiting our arrival.

This expedition was very hard work, but most people would now tell you that looking back it was actually quite fun!

The scenery once in the hills was breathtaking and this was a part of the trip that I think everyone enjoyed! The weather wasn't all that appropriate as it was so hot that we had to keep stopping for water breaks. We're not complaining though, it could have been pouring with rain! It was a long way to walk in such heat, and so we found it very enjoyable to swim in the river in certain places. One problem though, wet feet caused blisters. I'm sure we won't forget that for a while!

Although hard and extremely challenging, each group completed the walks and finished before midday on Sunday. Congratulations to all those who took part!

Previous page..