Swim trek - Day 5

Friday: Final swim this morning and then home. A great time had by all.

swim trek - day 4

Thursday afternoon: Finally the storm cleared and we went out paddle boarding. Quiz and prize giving in the evening.

Swim Trek - Day 3

Wednesday: Lovely weather. We had three swims and a long hike. Good spirits and very impressive swimming. 

swim trek - Day 1

Most of the day was spent travelling, but spirits are high in the swim trek camp! Finally arrived at Lithuania. 
Looking forward to our first swim tomorrow!

Swim Trek - Day 4

To mark the occasion of a 5.5km swim (or so we thought - it was actually 6km!), I attempted to boost the SwimTrekkers with Al Pacino's 'Inches' speech from 'Any Given Sunday'. This worked to an extent (at least they humoured me), but it was clear and understandable that nerves were very much present across the group. 

After a short bus ride, we jumped into lake Asainai and off we went! The group has naturally fallen into three groups based on ability, rhythm, and, in light of Mr Willingham and I spending time with all three, very different levels of 'banter', humour and entertainment! 

Both Mr Willingham and I have been blown away by the level of swimming across the group, but today was really an exceptional show of all the hard work that they've put in this week. The 'orange' group deserve a special mention; they've gone from strength to strength and swam in a perfectly tight formation for the full 6km. I was definitely kept in my place when leading the group and receiving frequent feedback on whether my speed was too fast or just right! 

All three groups met up on a jetty for a quick cup of hot chocolate, biscuits and gummy bears at around 2.5km before we set off for the final stretch (endless stretch that is!). The water was like glass today and some of the best conditions the SwimTrek guides have seen. We were also told the lake had good energy; a point met with slight disdain, which was promptly rebuked by all upon completion of the swim. We all fell into a sort of trance and lost in our own thoughts as we powered through the final 3km. 

To celebrate the end of the swim, and the end of our swims for the week, we all ate a tremendous amount of quesadillas and drank a lot of water! A relaxing evening of beach volleyball, packing and sleep is now on the agenda! 

Swim Trek - Day 3

The SwimTrekkers had another wonderful breakfast of oatmeal, granola, fresh fruit and yogurt before our excursions began. We set off on a short bus ride to reach our first lake. Our first swim was beautifully quiet and still. Both groups swam the 3km distance with far more prowess than yesterday and really did us proud! Lots of fun and games were had by all en route: squid synchronised swimming, a D.I.S.C.O. singalong with uniformed dance moves and some seriously good formation technique. Oh and did I mention that we swam 3km non-stop?! 

We then jumped out of the water for a quick cup of hot chocolate and a seemingly endless supply of biscuits! We walked for an hour before reaching a wonderfully secluded campsite and feasted on a Hungarian goulash (hot over cobbles!) - much to our delight! 

The final 1km swim saw us safely to the other side of the lake before our final trek which covered some outrageously beautiful scenery! We've all just tucked into some much needed paella ready for a relaxing evening!

Swim Trek - Day 2

After a dismal performance by the English football team, we all promptly fell asleep on day one somewhat disheartened (minus Giacamo who supports Italy). We rose early to a breakfast feast (after a wake up call by Matthew, who owns the Tiki Inn, playing D.I.S.C.O!) courtesy of Audrair who is fast proving to be the SwimTrekkers favourite person: her cooking is out of this world.

We started off with a 1km swim across the first lake, Lusiai. Both groups swam brilliantly and seriously fast. It was then time for a quick cup of tea and a snack before we trekked for an hour across the stunning National Park. 

Upon arrival we had another fantastic lunch (yup, essentially our third meal of the day!). At this point, the SwimTrekkers were faced with their first proper challenge: a 4k non-stop swim. Through sheer grit, determination and an indefinite number of gummy bears, all fourteen swimmers heroically completed the swim in roughly two and a half hours. 

It's quite hard to describe the scenery - it's utterly breathtaking woodland that endlessly stretches out around us. Safe to say, we all looked up in awe and enthusiasm whenever we stopped for a breather. 

As I sign this off, we are all huddled around a campfire watching the sunset awaiting a Lithuanian fish soup by a local chef! Very happy SwimTrekkers!

Swim Trek Day 1

Swimtrekkers have arrived after a long journey. We have had our safety briefing and done a short acclimatisation swim. We now await our first barbecue of the week. A 4.5km swim beckons tomorrow.

Swim Trek Final Day

Final Swim Trek photos

What a fantastic trip we had ...

Swim Trek Day 4

Swim Trek in Portugal Day 4

The SwimTrek team undertook their final 5km swim today, racking up a total of 17km in the water this week! With a few achey arms, but all-round motivation, we jumped in the water at Carnerous and swam to Carveiro. Both teams passed through some new caves, secluded beaches and even spotted a couple of octopuses. Both Mr Willingham and Miss Chapman could not be prouder of the group today. They swam with steely determination and focus throughout. Mr Niblett then adjudicated the first ever SwimTrek mini Olympics, which saw synchronised swimming, relays and doggy paddle races. Home tomorrow - we all wish we had an extra day! 

Trip Returns

ALL TRIPS: Essential information for parents

We are very much looking forward to our trips returning over the next day or so.
Please be assured that if any trips are delayed we will be in touch with you.
Please do not call the school to check on arrival times.

Swim Trek Day 3

Day 3 in Portugal

We woke early again today to ensure we were on the boat by 8am. The boat took us to Carveiro via a breathtaking selection of caves, namely paradise cave and the love cave (for the heart shaped opening in the top of the cave). We arrived at the drop-off point exuberant and ready to go! The 5km swim was a tough one despite the almost perfect conditions. However, after a few stops for water and jelly babies, we all made it to the end. The Pink Team even managed a sprint finish! After copious amounts of food, we set out for a short coastal walk to a lighthouse we had seen on our swim. Plus another successful BBQ in the evening! Last swim tomorrow!

Swim Trek Day 2

Swim Trek Day 2

The SwimTrek team were up at 6am for their first full 5km swim! They explored stunning caves, and after lunch, completed a two hour hike on the return journey back to Benagil. 

The BBQ is now in full swing, mastered by Ness and Alex. Another brilliant day! 

Oh and it's Hadyn's birthday so we've arranged a surprise birthday cake! 

Swim Trek

Fantastic weather for team Swim Trek!