So...here we are again. And we thought they were sleepy yesterday morning at breakfast! There was an eerie calm across the tables this morning with some finding lifting cutlery a step too far for their aching limbs. Today's challenge was tying laces on walking boots. Various methods were applied with varying degrees of success but soon we were on our way to Donard Park ready for our hike into the Mournes.
Yet again, we lucked out with the weather...blue skies and a warm breeze! A revitalised group set off towards Slieve Donard, rucksacks packed with some unique sandwich choices, hot chocolate and wet weather gear (just in case). A brief stop for lunch along the Mourne Wall and we set off out of the treeline towards the icehouse and ending up in the granite quarry where bottles were refilled with fresh mountain water. Many were adamant that this was the best water they had ever tasted so parents beware...your tap water might not cut it anymore! Your children have developed quite a discerning water palette.
We then made our way down the old granite trail where granite from the quarry was carried down the mountain from the quarry on slipes (wooden sleds) to Newcastle Bay where ships would transport much of it to Liverpool in the 1800s. This was a steep walk down but we all made it back to the buses in one piece. A welcome ice cream followed before making our way back to Delamont. As I write this, the pupils have just finished the night line and the less sleepy of the group are headed to the campfire for some singing, smores and really bad dad jokes. Some just want to go to bed! It has been a wonderful day with a wonderful group of children. Enjoy the pics and tune in for the final report tomorrow.
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