After a little subtle persuasion the children passed a peaceful and unbroken night.

This morning was a little overcast but it was dry and not too cold. Breakfast was received with great enthusiasm and many rashers of bacon and eggs, sunny-side up, devoured.

The agenda for the day was:

Crabs - Rocky Shore and orienteering;

Blennies - Coastal walk, rock climbing and abseiling;

Barnacles - Kayaking and canoeing.

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The Barnacles began with the unenviable job of trying to squeeze themselves into a wetsuit

They then drove to Cresswell Quay, left a minibus, and drove on to Lawrenny. Once the boats were unloaded, Gez gave a short demonstration on kayak and canoe techniques. The children were then let loose on the water, closely watched by Gez.

After lunch the whole group canoed and kayaked down the Milford Haven estuary back to Cresswell Quay. Unfortunately it's mandatory to be baptised on this activity so all the children were allowed to capsize their canoes.

During the two hour journey they saw oyster catchers, curlews and little egrets. The sun also came out and accompanied them for the last hour.

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The Crabs set off to explore the rocky shore at Freshwater West.

Basically, after a short insight from Matt into what they might find, the children are set free with buckets and nets to find as many interesting creatures and plants as possible.

It's rock pool paradise there, as every pool is jam-packed with flora and fauna. Apparently all the Crabs are now experts on barnacle development and starfish eating habits. Yuk!!

The orienteering activty was in a local woodland area and involved the children reading from maps and finding hidden markers.

Finally the Blennies enjoyed a coastal walk and indulged in a spot of seal spotting. The walk took them to Barafundle Bay, one of the most idylic beaches in Britain. White sands, clear sea, sheltered and secluded. Bliss!

Another short walk took them to Stackpole Quay where, within a disused quarry, the group learned to rock climb and abseil. Julie reported the activity to be a huge success with no refusals to go up or down.

Dinner was enormous, a proper roast with all the trimmings. All the children were famished so there wasn't much of that left.

Snake handling rounded off a thoroughly enjoyable day (although not for those who don't like snakes). Here's to a silent night!!