1st Heath Hayes invade Paris!!!
Paris here we come.
After many years of organisation, the day finally arrived for 1st Heath Hayes to depart Britain.
In the early hours of the morning everything and everyone was regimentally loaded by John, our driver and we began our adventure to far off lands. The coach was full of excitement and anticipation for about half an hour, then the snoring began.
The sun arose over the horizon revealing the English Channel where we made our first quick pit stop. Before we sort out refreshments we were reminded that there was to be no eating or drinking on the coach. Whoops, sorry John it fell out my pocket....
Refreshed, we followed the seven mile walk up and down cordoned queue lines until we managed to reach the customs desk (actually 10 foot from the entrance). Security checks including the dementor stare from French Customs were carried out. Luckily, no Scout was left behind and furious head counts were carried out by Raksha, Chatter, Chil and Tic Tac.
Around the slalom of Dover port we tootled before bouncing up the ramp of our vessel looking out onto open seas. Full of joy, everyone headed to the lounge area oblivious to the next hours of our lives.... Poseidon was about to teach us about a day in the life of a Sea Scout! The colour slowly drained from many faces (mentioning no names) and it wasn't long before the lounge filled with Orange Hoodies sprawled out face first on the floor, hanging on to anything on the upper deck, white knuckled hands squeezing the ship rails for dear life rethinking all life decisions. Eventually unyielding seas began to settle, the clouds parted and the scouts looked elatedly to a welcoming view of Calais. Those left standing scooped up 'downed' leaders from the lounge floor, those on the top deck carried down with a surviving scout under each arm for support. Raksha, Chatter and Tic Tac staring helplessly to Chil and Ant-Man to confirm head counts. Even though many would describe it as a scene from The Perfect Storm or the Poseidon Adventure, we made it across and we were in the land of France.
On arrival at the Château de Grande Romaine, everyone was sorted into rooms before a tour of the facilities. We finished in the canteen with a well deserved dinner. Thankfully, the stomachs and heads had settled. The PGL staff then took the scouts for an evening of outdoor adventures before bedtime. Fortunately, everyone was so worn out, the heads were down and eyes closed in no time.
Day One
1st Heath Hayes ASSEMBLE!
After a hearty French Breakfast, for which of course everyone had fruit and yoghurt. The Orange Hoodie Crew boarded the coach d'aventure and we were off. Driving alongside the River Seine, we passed incredible feats of French architecture and amazing historical buildings including Notre-Dame and Pont Alexandre III.
The coach came to a halt at the foot of the Iron Giant that is the Eiffel Tower, staring up at the 10,000 tonnes of iron. The pictures just do not justify the sheer presence of the 300 metre structure. At this point the penny dropped in many heads (including mine) that we were about to walk, yes walk up it! Amazingly, every single person took it in their stride and began the climb up the tower. Step by step looking out on to the view of Paris from higher and higher. Several people taking on their own demons and fears as they climbed higher up the tower. Each step reaching ever closer to the pure joy and sense of achievement in reaching the main level, not to mention the aching legs. The breath taking views of Paris took everyone by surprise as we all looked out for miles and miles. The look in many of our young peoples eyes knowing that this is something they will remember for the rest of their lives.
The question then loomed, stay put or take that lift to top? Those mad enough to do so jumped on the lifts, filling them with Orange. Looking out of the glass walls of the lift flying upwards further from the ground, many began to question their decision. This soon left them as they stepped out of the lift seeing Paris in its entirety before them. The view was just breath taking and all we could do was just stare out to a 360 degree view of some of the most beautifully designed structures in the world.
Returning to the first level, the most impressive scout meeting of all time was held. We handed out many badges and achievements to our amazing group. Even an investiture and a very strange proposal (if you know, you know)!
The climb down was a lot easier and many took the time to encourage the people on the way up as they passed. Finally regrouping at the bottom, again to a head tap from Chatter, Raksha, Chil and Tic Tac.
A short walk back to the Seine and it was '1st Heath Hayes Aboard'. Sitting along an open top boat for the trip up and down the River Siene, we took in the view of Paris in from a different angle, happily waving to everyone along the way. We saw the Notre-Dame close up, although surrounded by scaffold we could still see the grandeur of the cathedral. The gargoyles staring down at us, looking very similar to some of our leaders that morning! After doing a 180 we headed back, which I think most were pleased about as it was getting quite windy.
The plan was then to take a coach tour of Paris, but protesters with smoke and flares soon put a stop to some of that. We did manage to head for the Arc de Triomphe for one experience the leaders will happily never undertake again. Willing our coach to make it through, with sharp intakes of breath and yelps, we headed back to the Chateau in one piece. After a stomach busting dinner, the day was finished off by making pancakes with the topping of your choice, which let's be honest was mainly chocolate.
All worn out and hoping our legs wouldn't ache too much in the morning, we headed off to bed. Again, surprisingly, the dorms were quiet pretty quickly.
Mission - Effiel Tower & Paris Tour
Day Two
To infinity and beyond!
Day two of awesome. After the most important meal of the day, we made up a lunch and then it was Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho and off to Disneyland we go.
We charged through the gates of Disneyland like an Orange wave, taking the walk down the Main High Street lined with shops of wares and wonders. Ending in the main courtyard surrounded by Disney castles and characters, we split in to our groups to hunt out the rides of our choice. I can tell you from my experience that these varied massively. From rides of happy music pew-pew'ing pesky aliens, rickety mine roller coasters and a haunted house to an insanely fast fly around a track in the pitch dark making star wars noises.
Everywhere you looked there were groups of Orange Hoodies whipping back and forth around the attractions. We all had a great time on the rides, eating ice cream and grabbing snacks along the way. Some did them all, some watched from the side lines laughing, but it was a safe bet everyone was having the time of their lives. Sticking together in true Scout style we soaked up every ounce of Disneyland Joy. Occasionally being stopped by curious onlookers wondering who these bouncy humans were in Orange Hoodies and Neckers. No, we're not new Disney Characters.
Mission - Disneyland Paris
Looking out from the Disney Castle Bridge, we all gathered and finally that magical tune started. In the distance, we spied bright colours and sparkles coming ever closer. Goofy, Donald, Chip & Dale growing bigger and bigger until the colossal observatory passed by. Everyone began jumping up and down as Buzz came flying past followed by Woody and all his friends. Transported to the The Pride Lands of Africa there was a giant Roar from Simba, followed by a battle between Hook and Pan in Neverland. We found Nemo with all his friends surrounding Squirt and his Dad, Crush. This was all topped off by a Fire Breathing metallic dragon and finally the Disney Princesses, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Merida, Rapunzel and Ariel all gracefully waving and blowing kisses.
Our group suddenly all became the same age and their surroundings became irrelevant. Every one of us flashed back to our childhood sat in front of the TV being swept into a world of magical fantasy. The entire group came together in that moment of wonder and all ages were waving, cheering and jumping for joy, bringing a tear to some leaders eyes, again knowing what a once in a lifetime experience this was.
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Full of the magic of Disney, we spent the last hours of sunlight grabbing last rides, visiting shops or generally running around like lunatics before settling in front of the castle ready for the next spectacular.
The twinkle sounds began as the entire Castle lit up in sparkles and glitter, then that ever famous tone of a Disney princess voice began to sing. The Castle showed princesses singing, swash buckling fights and swooshing of magical creatures flying around the Castle. Colourful water fountains joined in cascading jets of water in time to the music before drones appeared in the sky revealing the shape of Mickey Mouse in glorious colours. The drones worked in unison to bring the Castle to life, producing giant shapes in the sky.
It suddenly fell silent before those piano chords struck out across the crowd. The Castle turned to ice and Elsa began to belt out the most famous song in the world. A crowd of thousands, including me, sang along at the top of our voices. The chorus arrived to an explosion of fireworks in the skies, everyone's breath taken away by the vast explosion of bright light.
This led into the spine tingling Star Wars sections where X-Wings and the Millennium Falcon chased TIE Fighters around the skies, Vader breathing and Light Sabers clashing.
The display continued to build until climaxing into a spectacular finale of explosion, bright colours and cascading waters. Looking around, everyone was smiling from ear to ear, eyes as wide as they could possibly go, soaking in every morsel of magic right until the end.
Then the skies fell dark and the crowd erupted in applause.
Day Three
Booooooo! Time to make our way back to normality.
The day started with everyone trying to open their eyes on the way to breakfast and then returning to a manic room inspection, leaders up and down the corridors "Whose shoe is this?", "Who's left their toothbrush in the bathroom?" "Whose towel is this?" After twenty two checks per room we managed to get everyone packed up and ready to go. Furious head counting out the door from Chatter & Chil regimental loading by John, head count from Tic tac & Raksha and then bums on seats.
Are we ready? Then off to Calais we go. Little chatting, the entire coach is exhausted.
We slowly approached Calais and the panic started to set in again for the journey across the English Channel. You could actually see leaders having flash back and cold sweats running through them.
Again, time to earn the hiking badge as we headed up and down the queuing system to travel ten feet. It was time for the British Customs to stare into your soul, wondering why we all look like exhausted satsumas. We managed to assure them that we were, in fact, all normal. Again, the furious blurred imagery of Raksha, Chatter, Tic Tac and Chil's arms flying from head to head ensuring no scout was left behind.
On the coach the silence slowly fell as we neared the ramp of our vessel. All souls wondering what lay ahead of them. Will they be upright or lying on the floor staring to the ceiling, praying for it to end?
Trepidatiously heading to the lounge, we all anticipated the release into the turbulent seas. Poseidon had decided to reward our good behaviour in France and we drifted gently through the seas back to England.
Pleasantly surprised and elated, we reached dry lands and we were home. Now for the next mission, feeding the ravenous hoard behind us. Could we make it to a food source before they turned?
The Golden Arches appeared in the distance and we knew we were safe.
The motorway services overtaken by Orange, the ordering of more happy & value meals than most people have seen in a lifetime began. Surprisingly, everyone ended up with the right meal and they were all happy. The leaders all breathed a sigh of relief and buried their head into their meal.
More head tapping, sorry counting, and we were loaded for the final stretch.
We finally arrived in Cannock and were home. As they all left the coach, John received a smile and a thank you from everyone. We handed them all back safely and in one piece and you know the rest.
A huge thank you to every one that came. They made the trip such a joy and, of course, these things wouldn't be possible without the organisation from our wonderful leaders and GSLs so a massive thank you to every one involved.
We can't wait for next time.
Ant-Man
Mission - Get home in one piece.
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