Monday 15 April 2013

Wilderness Immersion Course

IMG_2456

The Immersion course never ceases to amaze me in how people react to it and the experiences they take away. This April course was no exception (Photo: Vinny)

IMG_2452

We battled through Somme–like muddy conditions at the main base-camp and had to endure some lasting rain throughout Saturday afternoon, evening and night. Despite this, the participants didn’t give up and were rewarded by some great close encounters such as fox, fallow deer, squirrels and bird life; oh… and in Vinny’s case, a snail on the face!

IMG_2449

The close encounters are a credit to everyone’s ability to quickly take on board the principles of concentric circles and low-profile wild-camping and the use of natural camouflage.

IMG_2443

Sunday was another amazing day, and in the warmth of the afternoon sunshine we all watched what I now know to be a Daubenton’s bat probably just coming out of hibernation, hunting amongst insects on one of Hatfield’s rides. Even better was the swooping into a puddle of water to gather drops of water to drink. Fantastic stuff.

This was closely followed by a train of 60 – 70 fallow deer crossing the ride about 50 yards ahead of us.

8650885593_c1976e0eac_c8651927124_6445776a15_z8651941092_2e651b2804_c8651977674_6b8f2fc209_c

As usual, Harry the Hawk was there to enthral the participants as they all had a go at flying him. Their faces say it all! (Thanks Beccy for the photos.)

Thanks to everyone who came and, of course, the assistants, in this case Troops and Jason who also passed their potential instructor assessment and will now begin the long journey to become an instructor. Also well done Trooper on being awarded level one of the Diploma. That’s a year’s hard graft and a great achievement. He now joins Richard who was achieved his a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks for the visit.

No comments: