What our instructors are up to this summer

It’s summertime and our instructors are making the most of the sunshine. We spoke to Zofia, Lead Environmental Educator at Calshot, about her recent adventure in Wales.

Where did you go?

I enjoyed a spontaneous long weekend in north Wales.

What did you get up to?

We managed to fit so much in a short time. From hiking the whole Snowdon Horseshoe, including the famous Crib Goch, taking a dip in the lake, to having a coasteering adventure near Anglesey.

We also completed a treasure hunt, where we dressed up as magical creatures (like fairies, elves, and butterflies) and adventured around the slate quarries. This involved ziplines and freediving in a secret lake to retrieve clues which led to a chest full of treasure (tropical fruit of all sorts)

One of the lakes we visited was a stunning site, however it was full of rubbish left behind after BBQs. We partnered with #TrashFreeTrails and borrowed litter pickers and bags to tidy the site. Everyone got into it, and we managed to collect eight bags of litter.

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park rewarded us with four days of sunshine, breathtaking views all the way to Pembrokeshire and the Lake District and not a single drop of rain. It was very exciting!

What was the best bit of your adventure?

When coasteering, we visited a small but wonderful cave off the coast of Anglesey, nicknamed Dragon’s Breath. At just the right point of the tide and with a small swell, it was like the cave was breathing out entire rainbows. It was truly remarkable. We were mesmerised by the spectacle and sat on a nearby rock to enjoy it.

Then, when the conditions were right, we entered the cave itself. It felt as though we were in the realm of a mysterious underwater creature. The gurgling sounds of the tide entering the underwater rock formations made it feel as though a dragon was there with us. I’ll never forget the emerald light illuminating the entrance and shimmering from below the waterline, the cold wind on my cheeks from the changing pressure, and the rainbows spraying outwards. It was like magic.

Did you try anything new?

I don’t think I’ve ever ziplined wearing a sequined dress, eco-glitter, and fairy wings before. And, while I enjoy litter picking, it was the first time I’ve done it in a costume. It certainly made a lot of people, including myself, smile.

What’re you up to next?

I am heading to French Polynesia next to work on a private catamaran. This adventure will involve travelling the Society Islands: Bora Bora, Moorea, Maupiti, Huahine, Taha’a, Raiatea and returning to Tahiti. Alongside helping to sail, I’ll be a teacher and nanny for two great home-educated children who live a very adventurous lifestyle. I’m excited to learn about Polynesian culture through the eyes of children and return with stories that will help me create new environmentally themed sessions at Calshot.