On 8 June, myself and twenty-eight Year 11 pupils set off on our Silver qualifying expedition to the Mourne Mountains.  This involved meeting at school at 7.15am and many of us were a little worried as the weather was miserable.  We travelled to Rostrevor and the starting point of our expedition.

We set off with our loaded rucksacks carrying everything we needed to survive for three days.  We would have no toilets, no running water, no showers and had to do without luxuries like our beds.  The first two days of the expedition were wet, which dampened some spirits a little.  Fortunately by the time we got to camp each night, the weather had dried up and we were able to get our tents up and cooking done before the rain started again.

There were many challenges for us to face but we all seemed to overcome them. One of the biggest set backs along our routes were the bog and marshland we came across. Several of us made the mistake of falling into these and were covered up to our waists, leaving our walking boots completely soaked.

Throughout the three days we kept our spirits high by singing camp songs and encouraging each other up each mountain.  This made up smile even though we had blisters on our feet.  On the third day the weather cleared up for us and we all successfully reached the finishing point.

There were many friendships made during our expedition and memories of the three days will never be forgotten.  Knowing you have achieved your goal is the best feeling and an experience I will never forget.    

Erin Walker