THURSDAY.
After breakfast the whole troop went on a day-trip around the island. Once again the weather was unsettled. Our first stop was at the famous Laxey Wheel, which was used to draw water from the nearby mines. A brief spell of sunshine coincided with our passage along the front at Douglas, and cameras clicked at the horse-trams. By lunch-time the rain had started again, so our packed lunch was eaten under cover in the wellpreserved medieval castle at Castletown. After exploring the castle we continued towards the south coast of the island and were dropped off at Cregneish to walk along the cliffs to be picked up at the Sound, the most southerly part of the island. We refreshed ourselves at the Café and left for Port Erin. Here the train enthusiasts made for the station and others for the small but interesting aquarium. On arrival back at camp at 5-30 p.m. it was found that Stags kitchen site was waterlogged, so this was moved to a drier position, almost, but not quite, in one piece. FRIDAY. A fine day at last. After inspection, the troop paid its first visit to the beach where varied activities, including swimming for those who could brave the Irish sea after use of heated baths, cliff-climbing and soccer, took place. The beach was revisited in the afternoon with pioneering equipment. An aerial runway was erected from the cliff top to the beach and tested by our A.S.M. The first descent was not very successful, Bailey finishing the last part upside down and backwards, but later travellers were much more successful. SATURDAY. This day is usually set aside for visiting nearby towns and doing any necessary shopping. The majority went into Peel, but unfortunately the weather prevented them from trying their rowing and fishing skill in Peel Bay. SUNDAY. Traditionally a day of rest at camp. A party went to Holy Communion in the chapel of the Bishop of Soder and Man and remained to cook the evening meal whilst the rest of the troop went to Evensong. The Sunday joint was cooked by two patrols in the usual biscuit tin oven but the others tried the Maori "Hangi" method of underground cooking, but this, lacking Mr. Duncan's guiding hand, was not quite as successful as on Arran. Although the lunch was thus overdue it was finally a success. In the afternoon an inter-patrol football match between Hounds and Stags ended in a draw after three periods of extra time, several names being taken by the referee, who eventually got the sack or retired from the job. MONDAY. The trips to the top of Snaefell and Slieu Curn had to be postponed because of bad weather. This improved in the afternoon and various activities were soon organised to fill the time. A successful camp-fire, led by A. D. Bailey, was held in the evening. 41
