Day and Night Hike

Hiking with the Qrendi Scout Group can be extreme fun. With this aim in mind the Scout troop led by Scout Leader Louis Sammut assisted by his son Clinton and Brenda Zammit decided to hike together with the scout group from Mdina, the old medieval capital of Malta down to the Busketto forest at Rabat, up to Dingli cliffs, Gebel Ciantar then down to Fawara proceeding to the San Niklaw airfield and finally to Qrendi.

As the hike was to take a good number of hours and due to the extreme summer heat, it was unanimously decided to organize this hike late in the evening and hiking through the night. Ending at the Qrendi Scout Headquarters it was also decided to have a “sleep over”, returning home the following day.

A worthwhile experience, an activity in the country, a chance to polish on map reading and a get together, one thought. But above all, a fun but safe activity that would see the group hike through some of Malta’s finest beauty spots. Staring off at Mdina, the Qrendi Scouts took the opportunity to loosen their muscles by spending time at the old Capital’s playground. The “Merry go round” and swings being unable to confuse the group’s homing skills.

Matthew, Emilio, Joanne, Nikolai and Norma prepare for a spin	Ryan and Bjorn think different and show that they are the true “Swingers”

“Now to the serious business”, Louis Sammut cries out. “After all, we do no want anyone to take the wrong turning, do we???” And So, Brenda, Clinton, Nikolai, Dorita, Svetlana and Norma show Scout Leader Louis how easy a task map reading is, hoping he will not get lost on our way home. (Wishful thinking scouts!!)

With loads of energy, off go the Qrendi Scouts, taking note not to face onward traffic and not to walk in an Indian file	Pausing for a break at the Busket forest, the group wonder whether there are more uphill roads than downhill ones in Malta.

Arriving midway through the hike as dusk was approaching, the Qrendi Scouts stoped for “eats” at Busket,Malta’s only forest. After a good rest the scouts left to Dingli cliffs, Fawara and later to the San Niklaw airfield then onward to Qrendi village.

“If nobody is looking, I think I shall water one of these trees” thought Scout Leader Louis	“Fresh air, no parents, no teachers, just freedom”. “But where are our leaders?”

“I could do with a drink” thought Manuel	“And me a hamburger” said Nikolai

“Not having any of mine” warned Bjorn.	"And I could do with a good sleep" remarked Samuel (Dynamite) Bonnici

GIRL POWER AT ITS BEST Dorita and Svetlana get lectured by Joanna	“Hey “G”, which way’s home?” Whisperd Svetlana in a low voice

Arriving at the Scout Headquarters some four hours from the start of their journey, the group prepared their bedding and tried desperately to sleap the night out, unable to do so through excitement.

Waking early the following morning, breakfast was prepared, bedding put away and all returned home to a cold shower and a good day’s sleep after a worthwhile scouting activity.