Day 2 – Into the Wild
The sharp ring of alarms cut through the silence at 0700, signalling the start of a day destined for the hills. The team stirred from their bunks, groggy but buzzing with anticipation. The promise of a challenging day in Snowdonia had everyone on their feet quickly, washing up and heading for a hearty breakfast. The cold air outside hinted at the day’s rugged demands, but inside, the atmosphere was warm with camaraderie and shared excitement.
By 0830, the entire squadron gathered for the day’s briefing. The mountains outside were calling, but first, we needed our strategy. Maps were studied, compasses checked, and a few deep breaths taken. The peaks, cloaked in mist and mystery, lay ahead of us, and the group would carve their own path across the vast terrain.
At 0915, the day’s challenge was clear: navigation training across some of the most unforgiving landscapes in the UK. Nerves mingled with excitement as the final details were locked in.
By 0930, we were off. Boots hit the trail, and the adventure truly began. The terrain was everything we’d expected—steep, unpredictable, but breathtakingly beautiful. Snowdonia’s hills rose and fell in a dramatic display of nature’s might, and we had to rely on our training and instincts to navigate through it. The hours flew by as we tackled the hills, pushing our limits and testing our skills.
1215 found us at a high point on the hill, stopping for a much-needed lunch. As we rested, the sense of accomplishment began to settle in—just being there, among the wilds, was a victory in itself. The wind whistled through the valleys, but the views were worth every bite of well-earned food.
As we navigated the rugged trails on Day 2, it wasn’t just the dramatic landscape that caught our attention. Around mid-morning, as we trekked through the open hills, we were greeted by a small herd of wild Welsh ponies. Their sleek coats glistened in the misty air, and they moved with graceful, unhurried elegance. It was a moment of calm amid the challenging terrain, a brief connection with Snowdonia’s untamed beauty.
Not long after, we encountered the iconic local sheep, their woolly figures scattered across the hillsides, grazing peacefully without a care for the trekkers passing by. They were as much a part of the landscape as the jagged rocks and green valleys, a reminder of Snowdonia’s deep-rooted pastoral life.
And then, just as we paused for lunch atop the hill, a friendly local dog, seemingly out of nowhere, joined our group. Its wagging tail and cheerful demeanor were a welcome sight, lifting the spirits of the entire team. The dog stuck around for a while, accompanying us as if it had always been part of the adventure, before wandering off to continue its own hillside exploration.
These encounters with Snowdonia’s wildlife added an unexpected and heartwarming element to the day, reminding us that the wild wasn’t just about the terrain—it was alive with creatures that called this rugged paradise home.
By 1345, we were back on the move, continuing the routes we’d planned. Every turn presented new challenges, from steep inclines to tricky navigation points. Rain started to fall, so we changed into our waterproofs, pressing on despite the weather. Along the way, we encountered Valais Blackneck goats, a striking sight.
By 1630, the group returned to base—exhausted, yes, but triumphant. The day’s efforts left us with a sense of accomplishment, having navigated both the terrain and the elements.
A quick debrief followed at 1700, where we swapped stories of the day’s adventures, mishaps, and triumphs. The sense of pride was undeniable as everyone scrubbed off the mud and sweat from the challenging hills.
By 1800, the cadets were tucking into a well-earned meal of classic fish and chips, the perfect fuel after a day of exertion.
Meanwhile, the adult staff indulged in a richly spiced Indian feast, their plates filled with aromatic curries and naan. Both meals, though different, were a fitting reward, the hunger from the day’s efforts evident in the satisfied smiles all around.
At 1900, the team gathered once again, this time for a lesson that delved deeper into the skills we’d practised on the hills. The night air settled outside, while inside, the warmth of learning and shared achievement filled the room.
As 2000 rolled around, free time beckoned. Some chose to relax, while others shared stories of the day’s feats, laughter ringing out against the backdrop of the darkening Snowdonian wilderness.
By 2200, it was lights out once again. Exhaustion hit like a wave, but so did the sense of accomplishment. We had met Snowdonia on its own terms—and we were ready for more.
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