I am pleased to report that we have all landed safely and checked into our first hotel ( the above image is the view from our hotel )  The team was greated by 25 Degree temperatures at 6am! - by 12 Noon the temperature was up to 33 Degrees. The Group was extremely shattered after a 10hr flight and stuggled to remain awake for much of the day. The cadets could not wait to get into the pool; quickly tired themselves out and many had a late morning knap. We all had a buffet lunch and made the most of of the day off. The expedition staff had a number of meetings to attend to finalise activities for the next two weeks. Despite this WO Bird and WO Collins found time to visit the local barber for a haricut and a prefessional shave ( local especiality, colonial style)Everyone is in high spirits and very much looking forward to getting on with the expedition from tomorrow morning.. and just in case you think we are on holiday.. we are getting up at 6am!

The Expedition Team assembled together yesterday at 344 HQ for a final meet and kit check before departing later this morning.  Cadets spent the evening carying out final preparations ensuring that the paperwork is all in order ahead of the departure. The expedition team were treated to pizza in the evening before lights out and a well deserved rest. Expedition Leader, Flt Lt Piedade said ” clearly everyone is very excitted about the trip, it all feels so real now.  We have been talking about it and planning it for such a long time, some of us cant believe that we are actually going.” The Team is expected to touch down in Colombo in the early hours of tomorrow morning ( local time)  Keep logging into the the website to get more updates. 

The Team has returned back from Wales after a very successful training weekend.  The Cadets and staff tackled a very grueling walk over the Brecon Beacons made all the worse by driving rain and 50 MPH winds which turned out to greet us half way through our walk.  The group was expertly supervised by Pilot Officer Dan O’Mahoney a qualified Mountain Leader. A video clip of our training day will shortly be available on this website.

We are pleased to report that everyone returned from the walk in great spirits and in good health despite most being drenched.

Cadets and staff are off on a training weekend to Wales.  The purpose of this trip is to give the cadets an opportunity to gel together as a team while at the same time get them mentally and physically prepared for the Expedition. Flt Lt Piedade Commented ” Obviously, Wales will be nothing like Sri Lanka, but it’s a great opportunity for us all to continue to bond as a team. Its also a critical stage for the staff to carry out final briefings.  The next time we all meet will be the day before we depart.”

Kit Checks will be carried out on the 31st March.  make sure that you dont forget your expedition Poloshirts. full kit lists have been provided to you if you need any more copies email me.