On Sunday our Explorers went exploring at Dunseverick on our beautiful north coast. We took the opportunity to get our wetsuits on and swim in the many natural sea pools at Dunseverick harbour. Water pistols where a must to get each other even wetter. We even had a few seaweed wigs on display. After our swim we went to the harbour and relaxed around a campfire with s’mores and hot chocolate to get heated up again.
On Sunday Explorers dodged the weather and went for a beautiful walk from Castlerock around the coast to Mussenden House then onto Dungannon Hill in Downhill forest. Then we relaxed with a BBQ and are usual laughs.
On Sunday our explorers were out enjoying the beautiful weather once again. We took the opportunity and stayed local at Riverside Park. The explorers split into teams and erected some new tents ahead of our group camp. We then played rounders and tag rugby before heading back to base. There was some minor maintenance carried out by way of weeding and general tidying up out side the hall before they finished up with a good old bounce on the bouncy castle đź‘Ś
On Sunday some of our explorers seized an amazing opportunity to board the Tall Ship Phoenix whilst she was moored in the bay just off Ballycastle. The ship and her crew were in Ballycastle as part of the maritime festival. Before boarding the explorers had some free time to explore and enjoy the stands and artisan markets on the promenade. We then jumped into a small rib (which was an experience for some). After a short trip we were welcomed aboard the Phoenix by Captin Joel Foote and his crew. We where then given a tour of the ship along with plenty of sea worthy stories to go it.
One of our new members was due to be invested and we were honoured in the fact the Captin Joel presented Alfie with his new Phoenix necker. As a token of gratitude and the fact we share the same name we decided to present the Captin with a Phoenix necker for the ship to take on her next voyage.
After an amazing afternoon aboard we headed back to dry land which was a welcome end for some of our explorers who realised they didn’t have sea legs …..
On Sunday some of our explorers took a much needed break from their studies to relax with friends at white rocks beach Portrush. This time of the year can be stressful with exams so it was good to see books getting temporarily closed even just for a brief period. The explorers and leaders played rounders, volley ball, explored caves  and even braved a swim. 
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On Sunday our phoenix explorers took advantage of the weather and hiked from Bushmills Tramline to the Giants Causeway then via the coast all the way to Dunseverick Castle. These days away give our explorers the chance to relax and unwind from their busy exam study timetable but also give them a feel for hiking of road in preparation for starting DofE later this year. We will continue these sorts of activities progressively getting longer and more remote, of the beaten trail…..
