I had another busy few days last week with both Haygrove and Heathfield schools. This time both were DofE training. For the first time since I started doing this I had people crying in both groups. The Haygrove group were very new to walking – the first time out on the hills – and they were carrying full packs – a bit of a shock to anyones system. Climbing hills when you are not used to that kind of walking let alone carrying extra weight was very tough on some of them and they cried. I felt very sorry for them but we had to get around and I’m delighted to say they all finished the route despite the struggle. I admire their grit and determination despite the hardships they had to endure.
The Heathfield group had a tough day when I met them at the campsite in the evening. They seemed OK but their spirits were a little down. The next day walking with them, however, I discovered how tired they were and every hill was painful for them. I wondered at one point if we would ever get to the top of the first one but they battled on, despite the tears, and made it to the top. The second hill was not as steep and they managed it better, although they did complain a great deal.
One of the teachers very wisely observed that they were taking out their frustrations at the route on me because I was always the bearer of bad news as I had to keep telling them that there was more hill to climb and more distance to walk before the end of the day. We parted friends though and I hope I was forgiven for making them walk up the hills.
It made me think, once again, how tough hill walking can be. Going for a walk may sound like an easy enough pursuit but climbing hills and carrying loads is very physically demanding and for those who never do that kind of thing the sheer physical endurance nature of it can come as a shock. I love the hills but you have to learn that the puffing, grunting and sweating is all part of the fun.