Bryce Canyon....

Bryce Canyon......

Well hello again, as I sit here typing - I have several emotions running around my head - 'pride' at having completed the challenging Bryce Canyon walk earlier today; 'surprise'

at the level of competitiveness of our students as they take part in the daily 'Grand Canyon Trip Quiz', and of course 'thankfulness' for the wonderful weather and scenery we have been so very priviledged to enjoy over these last few days.

Once again I will place a small 'moviette' to try to summarise what our day entailed - but I will admit even that is difficult to do given the many, many great images we have seen

today.

After a very hearty breakfast in Ruby's Inn - we set off to the Bryce National Park - after a quick visit to the visitor's centre - we headed for the real challenge of the day - I like to call this 'The Walk of Death!!!' - as two years ago I did indeed feel like dying at the end.

We started at a brisk pace, but dealing with the snowy slopes and having to stop and just try to take in what we were actually walking in, did take a slight toll on the speed.

The somewhat slippy slopes gave us a few challenges -as you can see below..........

The amazing orange of the slopes and 'hoodoos' were set off perfectly with the cloudless blue skies above. It is true when they say that certain scenes can render you speechless - as many of our group found.

The group coped admirably with the terrain - and even I managed to make it to the end of the hike - without feeling like my time was up. The whole day was helped with the fantastic sense of fun and adventure that the group has engendered over the last few days. In fact since we met on that cold Friday morning, it is fair to say that they have all been a credit to the school and their parents.

The competitive edge has been set - with the group being placed into one of four 'families' for the duration of the trip - no matter what Bethan Carr might think - and the families each having a 'parent' from the staff to look

after them. The catchphrases from each keep being added to - with the Zion team, headed by Miss Flanagan, feeling left out - so they have latched onto the 'stamps' phrase - as linked to the numerous National Park stamps they had placed onto themselves before leaving the Visitor Centre!!

The main point of conversation whilst on the coach is the now regular quiz. With yesterday's victors - The 'Hoover' Team, led by Mr Daniel - consisting of Jac, Abul, Alex, Tom P, Jamie C, Steve, Nathan and Tom J, having a close lead of 26 to the 25 of the Linforth led 'Bryce' team. However, with the 2 rounds held today - the lead has switched from Hoover to Bryce - but once again by only 1 point!!

DAY 1 - HOOVER 29
BRYCE 26
VEGAS 25

ZION 19

HOOVER DAY 1 WINNER

DAY 2 - HOOVER 15

BRYCE 19
VEGAS 14

ZION 11

DAY 2 WINNER

BRYCE

THE BONUS SCORES WILL BE ADDED AFTER THE 'GREEN' CHALLENGE THIS EVENING

There are also many opportunities for each team member to gain bonus points, or to lose them. Tonight - after they had relaxed in the pool and jacuzzi, they will all potentially gain bonus points for wearing items of clothing which are green - so as I type I can hear some discussing what they are going to wear - and have several checking on shades of green which are acceptable. So as you can tell - the competition is fierce. I will let you know later how they looked and who did the best job.

Overall, the whole trip has been a huge success, with all finding out about something new about themselves and their previous limits. It has been a trip of seeing limits extended in many guises.

I am sure you will see your children changed when they come back - they will rave about Bryce for many months to come. The photos will only say a little of what they have already experienced on this trip of a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we travel south towards Flagstaff, on the way we will stop at a few interesting landmarks - so yes - more photos to be posted.

We hope you are not missing us too much - well, maybe a little....

Noreen - signing off...