Despite having waited all summer to get our Junior Cert results, I hadn't thought too much about them in the days leading up, as I had been planning for the camping trip. I was happy to have something to preoccupy my mind, as there was no point in stressing about the results!
There was a sigh of relief across the year as we opened the envelopes. I was delighted with the results and before long we were making our way to Lough Dan to begin our camping trip. We began setting up the tent, our new home for the 3 days, and before long, everyone had pushed the results aside and started to embrace the nature that surrounded us. On our first day we set off for a short walk up the mountainside. I was glad to have come well prepared for the unpredictable weather we faced since the moment of arrival. From Powerful winds and torrential rainfall, we battled through! This walk was approximately 6km. We were surrounded by beautiful scenery. The cool, crisp air was a refreshing change from the stuffy air which filled our tent. For future reference sharing a 4 person tent with 6 lads is not a great idea. We returned in the evening, and it was time to light up the barbecues and fires. Marshmallows and half cooked burgers were the only items on the menu. The next day followed in a similar manner to the first. We prepared for all possible weather conditions when heading out for the walk. This was a longer trek than the first day, as we walked approximately 17km. Despite being a much longer walk, I took little notice of the length. It was a great experience to explore the natural beauty of the area. We arrived back at the campsite tired and mucky, and the only solution was a swim in the freezing cold lake! Personally, I couldn't call it much of a swim since I only reached knee height level with the water, before being forced out with the fear of catching pneumonia. Hot showers, burgers and fires followed this, and to be honest it was a lot more enjoyable. I slept better the 2nd night, having borrowed a pillow from a friend. Despite it being my first time camping, it was still poor organsation to forget a pillow! We were up early on Friday morning. After breakfast, we began taking down the tent and packing away. Having caught a cold and becoming tired of living off tined tuna, I was happy to be going home, but in a way I was also disappointed to have to leave. It was a great experience and was good craic, and something I hope to do again in the near future.
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