And so the wanderer returns. In case you had not been reading Nick's blog and were not aware, I have been away for a week with the children from school. It is something I love to do even though it means being on duty 24 hours a day and very little, if any sleep at all during the course of the week.

Day one saw us using a map and a compass to plan and execute a night walk up and over the hills that you can see in the background of this photo

It is very steep in places and not an easy walk for little people!

Day two involved a long hike from Swanage to Corfe Castle over Nine Barrow Down,

including a tour of the castle itself,

a ride on a steam train,

and ice-creams on the beach!

We also took part in archery, swimming, orienteering, climbing and team building exercises. We learnt how to swivel hip on the trampoline, solved a murder mystery, sang songs around the campfire and danced at the disco.

The weather was glorious and we have all returned with a healthy outdoor glow and some interesting tan lines!

The kids, as always, were a credit to us and their parents and though I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, it is always nice to be home.