Day 20: Leeds Castle & Go Ape

After the night on the HMS Caviler the group went on to Leeds Castle & the Go Ape Exhibit.  From what I can tell, the Go Ape was a zipline thingee in the forest.  But I haven't seen any photos from that.

Three successful monkeys having completed the Go Ape course in the grounds of Leeds Castle.

Garrett bowling the ball to DB, David ready deep in the field

Sometime, before leaving Chatham, it looks like Mark Silvester took the boys to see the War Memorial that commemorates Joshua & David's Great Great Grandfather - Able Seaman Robert Grist.  I was so glad that the boys got to visit a bit of their family heritage.

Here was my request to have someone take the boys to see it: 

A British "heritage request" from an American mum. If the group's travel itinerary takes you to the Chatham Dockyards, would someone please help my boys (David & Joshua Whitney) to see the World War I Memorial. Their great great grandfather (Robert George Grist) went down with his ship - H.M.S. Aboukir - when it was sunk there by a German U-Boat in 1914. I have heard the memorial "overlooks the town of Chatham and is approached by a steep path from the Town Hall".

The "Chatham Naval Memorial" overlooks the town of Chatham in Kent England. It was unveiled by the Prince of Wales in April 1924. The memorial is said to contain the names of over 8,500 sailors. On September 22, 1914 - a German sub sunk 3 British ships. Josh & David's great great grandfather was on one of those ships... the H.M.S. Aboukir.

Joshua & David in front of the Chatham Naval Memorial.

David pointing out Robert Grist's name.

Day 19: Chatham Dockyards & HMS Caviler

Today was spent at the Chatham Dockyards, where the group had lots of tours and got to spend the night on a battleship.

Randy Martin

As all have probably guessed, internet access was limited the last couple of days. Monday morning we we headed over to Chatham Dockyards (where they've been building ships since the early 1600's) - we toured around there all day - seeing an old sailing warship, a diesel submarine, a museum of old Coast Guard rescue boats, a musuem describing the old sailing ship construction techniques, a ropery (John and Matt got to help make some rope the old fashioned way), and then we overnighted on a WWII destroyer, the HMS Cavalier. The following morning (today - Tuesday) we went to Leeds Castle and did some high wires and ziplines at a place called Go Ape. Then it was off with the host families.

The Martins, as well as Ian and David, were treated to a cricket lesson on the village green with David Beeching - followed by a "proper curry dinner".

Chatham Dockyards

HMS Cavalier, WWII destroyer which we actually spent the night on. What a thrill.

Cap'n Matt aboard the HMS Cavalier

Playing Battleship on a destroyer.....raise your hand if you have done that before....

The Ropery at Chatham Dockyard. This building is 1/4 mile long. All of the rope for the Royal Navy ships built here was made here in this building including HMS Victory.

Torpedo tubes on the HMS Oscelot. Pretty wicked.

Check out the portion size of that fish-n-chips. Tasty but I think I an having heart trouble now. I think I will carry an AED for a while..... scouts, I'm glad you all are CPR Certified...

David finding there wasn't much head room on the old submarine beds

 

Day 18: Host Family Sunday

This last Sunday was spent visiting Battle Abbey where the Battle of Hastings took place.  On the same day, Alison took Joshua, Matt, and her children to see Hever Castle & Gardens.  From previous eemails, it sounded as if there were going to be more knight demonstrations.  That's one great thing about England... they have lots of re-enactments.

While visiting Hever Castle, it looks like they had a nice picnic lunch under some shady trees.  Followed by a lot of splashing about in the water.

Below are some photos:

Outside Battle Abby

Picnic at Hever Castle and Gardens

Josh in front of Hever Castle and Gardens

Josh in front of Hever Castle

 

Josh in the Water Maze at Hever Castle and Gardens

Water maze at Hever Castle and Gardens

Water maze at Hever Castle and Gardens

Freddie, George and Robert Wright with Josh at Hever Castle

Day 17: Returning from France

Late Saturday afternoon, the weary travelers made their way back to Ashford, Kent.  After 4 nights in France the boys were hungry, tired, and in dire need of showers.  Alison said that after feeding Matt & Josh, she got to work on the laundry.  Having learned from "Pen-gate" (i.e. when Joshua left a pen in his pocket and it got all over the wash) she checked all pockets thoroughly!  After a hearty meal, the kids took off to go bowling.  Later they came home and spent the evening watching the Olympics on TV.

Back in Ashford, the leaders were able to catch us all up on their France excursion... so I am adding some additional comments and photos.

From Randy:

Catch up time! Being the lowly leader without an iPad, I didn't have what little access was available to the others during our French adventure... So, I thought I'd add a few pictures and a bit of narrative. 

As you all know, on Tuesday we took the ferry over to Calais, rented three cars and headed down to Normandy! Driving in France was a breeze...the drive on the correct siode of the road, although their signs are all in some strange language. The American Cemetery superintendent was more than accomdating and allowed us to literally camp in his backyard. Over the next couple of days we participated in 2 flag raisings and 2 flag retrievals (all exteremely moving and impressive - a British Brigadier General on hand gave us glowing compliments), toured the American Cemetery, visited Pointe du Hoc, had lunch in a seaside French cafe, visited St. Mere Eglise (saw the Airborne Museum, had lunch at a street fair and all had some real French pastries), visited Utah Beach, and splashed in the waters of Omaha Beach. After a night of violent thunderstorms on Thursday night, we headed to Paris for a "drive-by" site seeing tour (Effiel tower, the biog bus tour around town, and unfortunately only an hour in the Louvre) - with lunch in small cafe, including a chance for ALL the boys to try escargot! Early the next morning (today) we headed back to England, all very tired.

From Jason:

I would like to say what an amazing group of boys we have. The maturity and presence is profound. Parents, you can all be proud of you scouts. I have received countless compliments on this group. 

In the Normandy Cemetery we we marching out to a flag ceremony and the place went to a stand-still. There were around a thousand people with their eyes on us and we were real pros. Really, I can't put this into words as it was a moment in time for me I will never forget.

From Tom:

I was so proud! I'm so pleased to be associated with theses boys! I can't put into words how awesome it was to watch! (Flag Ceremony).

 

Troop 1 performing a flag retrieval at the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach

 

The boys really did a great job - retiring the colors at the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach.

This picture was taken with some American Military Officers after a joint retreating of the flag.

 

How many Utah scout troops get their pictures taken at Utah Beach.

This patch was presented to Troop 1 by Cemetery Superintendent Hans Hooker for the great display of Scout Spirit during our visit.

Postcard From Mom

Here is the postcard I sent the boys (via email).  If you are not a Dr. Who fan it won't make much sense.

Daleks on the Job!

Postcards From the Boys

Devon and I were so thrilled to receive postcards from the boys.  Joshua's card arrived on Thursday and David's arrived yesterday.

Postcard from Joshua (Lord Baden Powell statue in Poole)

Postcard from David - Brown Sea Island (Lord Baden Powell - Boy Scout Camp)

Day 16: Paris in a Day

Well it looks like the group arrived safely in Paris this morning.  I don't know how they are going to do Paris in one day... but as we all agreed, one day in Paris is better than no day in Paris!

A couple of things that were originally on the tour were:

• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum
• Arc de Triomphe
• Notre Dame Cathedral

I believe they are doing one of those hop on hop off bus tours.... but again details are sketchy!  They took the train into Paris from Normandy and will be returning to camp there again for one last night.

Mark Silvester reports:

 1st whistle stop tour of Paris

Joshua & David at the Eiffel Tower

Must be tall!

  

There she stands... in all her glory.

Day 15: Normandy, France

Today was spent doing more D-Day tours and spending time at the American Cemetery.  I would imagine it was a very somber day.  Crystal got a phone call from Jason today, who reported that the boys did get to participate in a Flag Ceremony.  We are all looking forward to hearing the details on that.

The boys in their full Class A Uniforms.

Memorial at the American Cemetery - Normandy.

Incredible photo - taken by Jason.

Day 14: France

The schedule says that today was spent doing D-Day tours.  Afterwards it looked like the group headed out for some French Cuisine!

Joshua looks like he is really having to study the manual.  Could it be all in French?

Day 13: Ferry to France

Today the group departed Ashford bright and early (8:00 am) to leave for France.  This part of the trip is a 4 night excursion.  The boys were instructed to pack light for the trip.

The crossed the English Channel by ferry.  The goal for the first day was to set up camp, which I think is on Omaha Beach.  Or perhaps that is where they are having their first tour?  Details are sketchy.

On the Ferry to France - Looks like the Ferry serves food!

Day 12 - London

Randy:

We headed off towards Buckingham Palace, but decided to have anice picnic lunch in St. James Park. And note the sunshine, we actually sought out shade!!   David found some British Air Cadets to exchange notes with in St. James Park.  From there, we headed down towards the Thames and towards our ride with the London Eye. We split up intio two patrols with some just walking/touring around and others heading to the London Film Museum - apparently the "tardis" was calling.


Yep...another busy day. We headed off to London today for a tour of Parliment, by a nice ex-patriot from Georgia, and it was really interesting. As usual the building was amazing and we learned alot about the history of the British government, and got to stand on the floors of both houses. The old section of Parliment was built before 1100 - and we got to stand on the spot where William Wallace - among many others - was tried. 


I think everybody's favorite activity of the day was the ride on the "Eye". The views were incredible and the weather was perfect!

Big Ben (or is it "Big Liz" now?)

David hanging out with a British Air Cadet at St. James Park.

The London Eye

Stopping for ice cream before or after the London Eye.

Day 11: Host Family Sunday

After the trip on Friday to Stonehenge, onto Poole, and then Brownsea Island for one night... the boys all were back with their host families by 2:00 pm.

Alison wrote that the plan for the evening was for the all the kids to go see the new Batman movie.  First order of business was dinner.  Where everyone had a traditional supper of Steak & Ale Casserole with Chips (aka French Fries).


Alison wrote:

Sunday is 'host family' day and we're off to Battle Abbey - site of William the Conquerers 1066 invasion - they've got re-enactments of knights that day, so it should be fun.  I'm taking Josh to Jousting at Hever Castle (Matt is going to church with his Dad, so won't be joining us).  *** Looks like Paul Siliborn, one of the English liaisons, was able picked Tom & Matt up from church and bring them to the tournament later.***

Here is the event description that Alison sent me:

The King's magnificent Knights of Royal England return for the annual Jousting Tournaments.

Spectators will be treated to an exciting display of action, stunts, falls and fights as the Knights of Royal England bring the medieval sport of jousting to life in this former castle of Kings. Which knights will win the tournament spurred on by the cheers of the crowds: The brave knights of the Blue Order or their arch rivals from the Red Banner?

There will be minstrels, dancing and visitors will also have the chance to participate in the medieval sporting activities and can put their skills to the test in 'Have-a-go Archery'*.

Here are the knights (Wonder if they said "NEE")

The Knights Tournament | English Heritage

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Marvel at the medieval knights as they take on the ultimate tournament. Fully armoured and ready to do battle, you can watch our knights in hand to hand combat, archery competitions and much more. Who will reign supreme and be the victor?

 

Knights jousting it out!

 

Day 10: Brown Sea Island

David Beeching:

Troop 1 have successfully made it to Brownsea, bravely chauffered by Mark "the bus driver" and Jason "keep on the left!!" Grimes. Hope you all have a great time. See you tomorrow. DB.

Mark Silvester:

Brownsea. The home of scouts. what a magical and peaceful place.

Tom:

This is our boy's performing for a rather large Troop from Scotland. This went on for quite some time. You should hear those girls impression of American cheerleaders LOL!!!!!

Randy:

Learning how to play American football, these Brit's soon ended up schooling our boy's at rugby.

  

All the boys at the Baden Powell Camp - founding stone.

 

Troop 1 entertaining Scottish Girl Scouts.

Looks like the Girl Scouts & Boys Scouts had a grand time.  Look at Joshua in the back whooping it up!

Looks like rugby is appealing to both sexes.

Day 9: Stonehenge & Poole

Randy:

Here's a group shot from Sonehenge, I was not only impressed and awed by the spirit and the history of the "Henge" (est. 3000 BC - or so says my souvenier T-shirt), but I was also impressed with the attention and reverency of our boys - all should be proud.

After touring Stonhenge... the group headed down to Poole to catch the ferry to Brown Sea Island.  The did take a time out for Fish & Chips!

Group shot in Poole.  David must be cold cause he's still wearing that hat!

Day 8: Canterbury

Today the Scouts are off to Brownsea Island to camp.  Brownsea Island, near Poole, is the location of the Lord Baden Powell's first Boy Scout Camp.  It is a great honor for the scouts to spend one night at the Boy Scout camp that was developed by the founder of scouts. On the way to Brownsea, the troop made a pitstop at Stonehenge, so it's been a busy day already!  Looking forward to seeing those photos soon.

In the meantime, looks like yesterday the group spent time in Canterbury.  First off, they went on a tour of the Eurostar Simulator (trains) and then went on to Canterbury to see the castle and get some shopping in on High Street.  Looks like one of the things the boys found on High Street... was English girls!

Here is Joshua's latest update:

Today we went to Canterbury Cathedral, and hung out in the Canterbury markets. It was a quite day, which I think was good because a lot of people seem to be coming down with something.

I don't have a lot to write about today, because not too much happened, but fortunately, there were some things about London I forgot to mention. On Sunday, Tom sent Matt a picture through the Facebookamajigs of him, standing next to a Tardis, in the London Film Museum (He evidently took a day trip up there). Hopefully, we'll be able to go there when we go back to London next Monday. There was also something else, but I can't remember now.

Update from Randy:

 Today was train simulator driving and Canterbury Cathedral (uber-incredible). Since they posted other pictures, I'll post a picture I took of some of the boys during our Canterbury High Street shopping tour.

Canterbury Cathedral

Shopping on High Street (David's in the back row)

At a cafe in Canterbury - at the end of a very long day.