More than 80 5th Year students completed their Silver qualifying expeditions along the South Downs 7-9 July 2013. Starting from Lewes they trekked over 30 miles and finished at Amberley Station. Dry, warm (hot on Sunday Day#1) and sunny weather was continuous throughout and, despite some blisters, groups finished in especially good spirits. Well done!
81 students completed their Silver training expedition June 30- July 2. In 3 days they walked over 30 miles in beautifully dry weather over the North Downs and Surrey Hills. Navigation was easy on Day1, following the North Downs Way, but proved more tricky for several groups on the route over Blackheath and the Surrey Hills on Day 2. Group speeds varied with some arriving at camp in the early afternoon, whilst others took their time and arrived 6 hours later! No real problem in summertime but please remember that sticking closely to ETAs is important to qualify and it is not a race… accurate navigation is the goal; if your group is going to be late to a checkpoint then call your supervisor and rearrange things.
This group was one of the most affable and spirited Silver training group of recent years. Well done and keep it up!
@RGSweather has been predicting a HEAT WAVE for over a week now for this weekend and warming up through next week.
Updates rgsweather.to/weather
WARNING: Shade temperatures will reach the high 20’sC and could even approach 30C!
Strong sun, lack of breeze, high temperatures and a LACK OF TREE COVER or much shelter or shade on the South Downs is a hazardous recipe for hikers.
Heat exhaustion and sun stroke are possible risks and are very serious conditions.
Sun stroke is essentially brain damage and can develop rapidly and become very serious indeed.
Sun burn is an additional risk and easily avoided.
PLEASE PREPARE PROPERLY AS FOLLOWS:
Carry plenty of your own water. 2 litres PER PERSON recommended. Back-up minibus and fill-up points are available but sparsely located.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Heat-exhaustion-and-heatstroke/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
more info will be issued when you pick up your KIT.
Reigate Grammar School DofE 