Two week to post?

Sorry, it's the best double meaning title I could come up with.

I suppose that I had better cover the basics first - why was there no post last week? Well, firstly, I wasn't at home on Sunday of last week, I was camping with the good ol' Nautical Training Corps. Secondly, I didn't return until late Monday, by which point I had to get stuff ready to go away early Tuesday morning on a two day climbing course in Southampton. Lastly, since I got home on Wednesday, I have completed and handed in a 23 500 word portfolio for University. So all in all, I've had a busy one.

But, back to business. What have I been up to over the last two weeks? Unusually, I can remember some stuff. To start with, I helped out my middle school on some trips. On Monday, we all went by train (which was very exciting) to Chichester train station. From there, we walked up to our real destination for the day: Chichester Cathedral.

And that is about as exciting as I can make that sound. There were even some exciting activities like making Gargoyles. Yet some how, that activity was made to be as dull as humanly possible. So why, oh why, did I stab my self in the eye with a metaphorical fork, and go again on Wednesday? Arghh...

So, after a week of boredom, I landed in Friday, ready for a bank holiday long weekend camp. Of course, lots of exciting stuff happened at camp, and you can see some of those exploits in our new video on YouTube by clicking here. But as a brief front load, we had 14 cadets going, and Sturdy and a parent were helping with transport. Unfortunatly, when it comes to residential trips, it's not just children that need transporting - it's all of their kit too.

So, with that in mind, the Intrepid Box Trailer (which has now been named - wait for it, read on) needed towing. As usual, that responsibility fell to muggins here, and my trusty old Escort. And I don't mind telling you that it took all 1392 cc's of my little Escort's engine to get the heavy old trailer to Surrey. And yes, the speed dial does fall in proportion to the road's angle rising. I think at one point, from a 60 mph run up, we lost revolutions back down to below 30. It's alright though, apparently the Sturdy minibus was just as bad!

Huge thanks, by the way, to Graham, who helped us out of the mire. Muchos Gracias!

So, our trailer has finally got a name? At our first parade of the camp, we were laying down the ground rules. One of the cadets (if memory serves) was becoming a serial hands in pockets demon, so he needed a grounded realistic threat. So the obvious choice was to think Great Escape, and in our best German voice threaten 'Cooler! 20 days!'. Obviously we wouldn't lock kids in the Intrepid Box Trailer (or 'The Cooler') because that would be cruel.

Although, apparently, we would steal other officers classic cars, and attempt to run junior officers over. Winning the award for best Sunset Parade of the year, Stuart provided us with immense entertainment. I noticed one of Stuart's junior officers with his hands in his pockets. So I ran accross the parade field to point him out the error of his ways. He ran, but straight into Bungle's arms. Stuart getting ready for a comedy fight, paced towards the junior officer, just before seeing Ernie.

At this point, I should say that Ernie's engine was running in an attempt to charge one of my phones up. With no success. Anyway, Stuart stops walking towars the officer, and makes a beeline for my car. In he jumps, and the car disappears behind the minibus whilst it turns around. Then it comes onto the parade field, heading for the junior officer. Ernie's life flashes before my eyes, just as Stuart pulls up to a stop, an inch from the laughing junior officer. Flipping hillarious.

So, after camp (all many more interesting things going on), I travelled down to Southampton for a Climbing Course. It was a great course, and not just because it was mainly full of attractive young women. One of them even seemed to take a real interest in me. I almost left her my mobile number (and she really was an attractive 18 year old), when my common sense hit home again. I'm leaving for America in a few days, it would be a good three months before I would be able to see anyone again. Bugger.

And now this week, I have been feverishly working away at my laptop to get my placement portfolio done. I have to hand something into Univrsity to prove that I haven't just sat on my backside for 12 months and twiddled my thumbs. And just a short 23 500 word later (did I mention that already), by Saturday I was ready to panic about trying to get it spiral bound. Thanks once again to Graham for the lead on who might do it.

Lastly, I want to leave you with the same YouTube video as above, but with a different reason for watching it. Mum came back from holiday, and brought a great hat back with her. I have a habbit of wearing 'silly' hats, and this hat is quite special!

A rare picture of the amazingly strong Mr. Ginnaw, and myself at camp (as opposed to looking camp, which I am sure some of the lesss kind amongst you would say).

So, with Stuart and my sad knowledge of Indiana Jones, and inspired by the new movie, we set about recreating scenes. Of course, to avoid copywright problems, one of my senior cadets came up with something intelligent (amazingly). I present to you:

So, for your viewing pleasure, here is Walton Firs Camp, featuring Andiana Jones and the Camp of Doom.

If you have seen the new Indiana Jones movie, and you liked it, why not leave a comment.

If you have seen the new Indiana Jones movie, and didn't like it, firstly, you're an idiot (he's 65 years old), secondly, don't leave a comment.

If you haven't seen the new Indiana Jones movie (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) why not leave a comment saying how much you're looking forward to seeing it (like I am, when I go with Michael to see it on Wednesday WOO!).

Quote of the Week: 'No, she's just always standing in ditches when you see her' Graham replied, when Hannah asked if Chrissie (who is about 5ft tall) had a height problem. Other top answers included, no she wanted to be that height.

Quote of the week: (Well, I was away last week) 'Oh dear' sighed Gillian on Monday morning, 'I fear this is going to be a queer day' as we walked to the train station with 60 children on the way to Chichester Cathedral.

Tune of the Month: Raiders March. John Williams (it's the theme tune to Indiana Jones)