On Friday, July 23, Kenneth Bartram, the local Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme coordinator, along with an assistant, accompanied a group of 11 Bermudian teens overseas to the mountainous and beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada where we would embark on an adventure that we would never forget.

We all had one mission to accomplish ? to complete our Duke of Edinburgh Gold Expedition successfully and be eligible to receive our Gold Award. After months of fundraising, physical training and a practice expedition the moment had finally arrived. We were heading to Grenada ? ?The Isle of Spice where everything is nice?. This is what happened...

It had been a very long day of travelling once we arrived in Grenada and were soon engulfed in darkness, windy roads that weaved up, down and around at high speeds, large crabs that danced in the street as if the car headlights were a spotlight and finally the ride ended at the steps of ?Westerhall Secondary School?, our base camp in St. David?s, Grenada. The school building would soon be bombarded with youth from islands throughout the Caribbean as well as England and Canada ? all with one goal in mind. Roughly 200 persons in total attended the camp. A welcoming ceremony marked the beginning of a diverse blend of fun, frustration, triumphs and trials which all lie ahead over the next two weeks.

The main highlight of the first weekend was the formal reception that was held at the Governor Generla of Grenada?s home. Our evening concluded with a vibrant display of fireworks.

We soon learned that even base camp was going to have its challenges with wake up calls at 5 a.m. for physical training sessions that commenced at 5.15. However, somehow, in between the tiredness, shuffling of shoes on the pavement and the echo of leaders telling us to ?keep bouncin?, even when we were ready to drop I was able to find some enjoyment in the PT experience. That was because of the lively and motivating spirit that was evident as we chanted in unison while jogging along the roadside.

However, there was a flip side to the base camp experience, as not all activities were so physically demanding. For example, the hilarious talent shows that were put on by the participants, going on wild bus rides into the town of St. George?s (the capitol of Grenada) with other camp members and learning about different cultures.

We delved straight into some of the Grenadan food and beverages while at base camp which gave us insight as to what is commonly consumed on the island.

All participants had been placed into multi-national groups of five to seven and by Friday, July 30 all groups had completed a week of intricate map and compass work, route planning, setting up tents, a practice day hike and other sessions such as first aid which were all in preparation for the five-day expedition. We would commence early that morning.

While preparing for our hike, each group had to decide what rations were more important to take with us, keeping in mind the need to ease the load of our rucksacks but at the same time, take sufficient food for each member.

After loading up the trucks and jeeps that awaited us, we were driven to our starting point. I tried to catch glimpses of the scenery but often lost the battle to my heavy eyelids that refused to give up. We were elevated off the ground by wheels that forced themselves to run up every steep hill and still manage to enjoy the brief moments they had to splash in slushy mud puddles.

Upon arrival at our starting point, everyone busied themselves with the tasks of adjusting every buckle, strap and clip on their rucksacks until they were comfortable and snug. Whistles and compasses hung from necks, hats were firmlyplanted on heads, fingers skimmed maps, boots screeched as they were re-fastened and tightened, teeth gleamed or hid for cameras while faces told tales of excitement, uncertainty, determination and anxiety.

The challenging hiking expedition that I had imagined was about to become a reality?

Shortly after my group began to trot along an upward-twisting road our route began to lead off into the bush. When I found myself practically crawling for balance and sliding on my backside down a seemingly never-ending, steep, muddy and mossy embankment while grabbing onto any stable roots, rocks or trees in my path for support, it was clear that this expedition was going to be unlike anything I had ever done before!

The first time my group had to cross a river was on that first day of hiking and it was such an interesting experience. It tested my balance, patience, creativity, determination, endurance, trust and teamwork skills as I tried to safely get from one slippery rock to another without stepping in the water. Once we reached the bank on the other side of the river I turned around and saw a whole row of assessors across the way. That same day we also enjoyed the beautiful sight of the Mt. Carmel waterfall. It was the perfect spot to take a break.

Goats were commonly seen throughout our travels. Walking along the trails we were often surrounded with spice trees, such as nutmeg and fresh fruit trees from which we picked and ate delicious pamoracks, fivefinger/starfruit, mango and cocoa as we walked. Sugar cane was also a rejuvenating snack that was enjoyed whenever attainable.

We depended on standpipes throughout the day to re-fill our water bottles. Sometimes we walked for hours without seeing one and unless you were well stocked with water, you were left with the dry feeling of dehydration in the Grenadan heat.

At our various campsites throughout the expedition dinner was cooked over wood fire so it was necessary to search for the perfect sticks, twigs and rocks that would aid in the building of flames.

Throughout the expedition our route involved mountain climbing, including Grenada?s highest point ? Mt. St. Catherine ? which has a height of 2,756-foot. Mt. Kublal was conquered on Day Two. As we got closer to the peak the gradient definitely became steeper. In fact, it was so steep that I literally had to lean forward for balance and force myself not to look ahead or stop walking because I would?ve lost the courage to keep climbing. We pitched our tents for the night at the summit where we fought with the wind to keep a blaze going.

Early the next morning we began a hike that would last for 24 hours. We were descending and ascending Mountains from sunrise to sunrise. Mt. St. Catherine was conquered during this 24-hour hike, after descending Mt. Kublal. It was an arduous journey through the thick Grenadan bush. The needle-covered vines and razor grass, which was my height in some areas, scraped my bare fore arms and hands like sharp paper. There were more mosquito-filled river crossings and slippery slopes than I had ever experienced.

Having to reach up and grip any rock, vine, root or branch nearby, carefully testing its sturdiness first and then propelling myself off whatever rocks or logs my feet may have been planted on at that moment was a continuous task when climbing the mountain. Everyone constantly had to work together by giving the person behind you advice on where was best to plant their feet and hands, often reaching out to help an individual that needed assistance over a tough spot, once you had been assisted by the person in front of you. Teamwork was essential for the progress of each and every participant.

Every now and then you would hear someone shouting further up the mountain ?Rocks! Heads Up!? and then you?d see rocks come sprinting down near you. Therefore, we had to be very careful not to use loose rocks for support.

It rained off and on all day. It was uncomfortable because our clothes were drenched and covered in mud by the time we reached the summit where it grew cold and windy. A poncho was not always convenient to put on during the climb but once we reached the top we made sure to put them on and huddled together hoping to create the slightest amount of thermal energy. We were up in the clouds, which felt like another world because nothing around the mountain was visible. Today we had taken our daypacks. They were smaller than our rucksacks and contained basic items such as food, water and possibly rope, insect repellent or a pair of gloves.

Everyone dove into what was left of each other?s snacks like vultures during our rest at the peak of Mt. St. Catherine. Dusk was quickly approaching.

We descended Mt. St. Catherine in darkness with limited flashlights. That was definitely a challenge. You had to depend on the person in front of you to guide your every step. However, those with flashlights put in a lot of effort in order to provide everyone with as much light as possible, especially when we encountered very treacherous areas. The random bursts of rain only added to the miserable atmosphere. I remember there being what appeared to be leaves glowing on the ground and in the bushes around us, as well as glow worms. It was such an airy feeling. Eventually the darkness faded into dawn and we were listless. My nostrils burned as the smell of tiger balm filled the air later that day.

On the last day of hiking every downhill step was a challenge for my sore knees. The idea of the expedition coming to a close was a relief.

We had a sudden burst of energy as we recognised the streets that led to Westerhall Secondary School, our finishing location. A triumphant wave of noise arose amongst us as we approached and entered the school gate. Then I flopped to the ground with exhaustion. Cakedin mud, the showers at base camp seemed like a long awaited luxury.

It?s amazing how every item I had on the expedition was needed, including rope, whistles, electrical tape, bungee cords, extra shoe laces and my flexible wide-brimmed white hat which was the perfect coolant.

Rope, superglue, electrical tape, extra shoe laces, elastic bands and bungee cords were all used in the struggle to keep my deteriorating boots of which both soles were half detached, together. My boots became worse with every step in the deep mud and moss that filled the bush. Not all of the above items actually worked or lasted for long but my small bungee cords were definitely the most durable and secure. Surprisingly, my boots made it to the end of the expedition.

Rope was also needed to tie around trees and one by one we held on to it for support as we carefully climbed up and down steep, mossy banks where there was nothing else to hold on to. Whistles were used whenever someone up front went too far ahead and we couldn?t determine the trail they had followed. Everyone would sound them in unison.

As a group we faced challenges and dealt with them. What made this expedition so enjoyable was the fact that most of my team-mates worked well together and walked at a pace that was steady and comfortable for each and every member.

Whether we were hiking along the roadside overlooking the coastline or climbing Grenada?s highest mountain in the bush, we hung in there and encouraged one another. Singing and laughing also helped the hours go by and in fact, I felt in better shape than any other hike I have ever participated in. I owe that to the above factors, as well as the fact that I forced myself to exercise regularly leading up to the trip.

During the last week of camp each group had to complete and hand in a group, as well as a personal, report of the expedition to their assessor. PT commenced once again and over the weekend we had the opportunity to enjoy a talent show in which participants performed as a country. We also had a chance to do some shopping, take a tour of the island and swim at the beautiful white sand Grand Anse Beach.

There was a Scavenger Hunt on the Friday where each group was given a list of items to obtain and questions to answer between 9 a.m.and 4 p.m. Amongst the list were a donkey, conch shell, five nutmegs,a live soldier crab and five live flies. It was hilarious when three groups actually did bring a donkey back to base camp!

Community Service was on the Saturday for all ?Gold? participants and included picking up the trash along the roadside across from the National Stadium. During that clean-up period we had the honour of meeting the Prime Minister of Grenada.

Our closing ceremony was emotional for many as we sang songs including ?Lean on Me? while everyone roamed around the room hugging each other. A party was held that evening concluding the two-week adventure. Our time spent in Grenada had sadly come to an end. I learned a lot about myself as well as other people and there is no doubt that this quest for gold was an enriching experience that I will never forget.

Sadly, I must add that my prayers go out to the people of Grenada who are now recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Ivan. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend time there and learn so much about the island over the summer.