Pasta Wars, Perseverance, and the Pinnacle

Georgina Lee

Hi! My name is Georgina, and I’m a city girl from London. The first time I came to Outward Bound was in 2017, when I went to Aberdovey. I remember asking my team leader where in Wales we were, and he told me “Abu Dhabi.” Naturally, I repeated this to my mum - who promptly panicked, thinking I’d somehow ended up on another continent!

Before that, I was the kind of person who got grossed out by absolutely anything. I used to feel sick just looking at raw chicken. But after taking on the Pinnacle expedition in Loch Eil? Let’s just say I’ve been through much worse (in the most fun way possible, I promise - like slipping on sheep poo).

That said, I’m still very much a girly girl. I love makeup, and I even got caught applying it in a canoe by a photographer (see photo below). It made the local news... that was so embarrassing.

Pasta Wars and Other Lessons

The highlight of my Pinnacle expedition? Without a doubt, the pasta war. It happened the first time our group leader trusted us to complete an expedition on our own - responsibly. Now, you might think what happened next was irresponsible, but hear me out.

After a full day of hiking and adventuring, the last thing you want is your 6’4” teammate - who can inhale a kilo of pasta in a single mouthful - stealing your food while you take a quick nap. Not naming any names, but... not cool. So, we fought it out. Interpret that however you like. Let’s just say we weren’t each other’s biggest fans for a little while. But that didn’t last long - because nothing bonds a group like watery, grass-filled hot chocolate before bed.

We are just teenagers after all. No one was seriously hurt in the process. I think. Unless you count someone tripping over a tent wire while running away from flying pasta… Definitely not me.

If I had to sum up what I learned from the Pinnacle in one sentence, it would be this: I’m stronger than I thought.

What Outward Bound Taught Me

There were so many moments when I wanted to quit. It was pouring with rain. The boys were in a mood. I was on my period. I’d run out of snacks because I didn’t ration them properly. And worst of all - my socks were wet. (The worst thing EVER!). But I didn’t give up.

Honestly? Part of me stayed because I didn’t want to leave my best friend alone with all the boys. But it was tough. Really tough.

The only reason I got through it was my team. The stronger ones helped carry the group kit. I had meaningful conversations with every single person at some point. And most importantly - I kept going.

We always hear “never give up,” but actually living that lesson changed everything. Now, when I’m exhausted at the gym or struggling to study for an exam, I remind myself: I did the Pinnacle. I pushed through. I made it. And I have people around me who will help when things get hard.

That belief in myself has rippled into everything I do, and even into my friends and family. So, thank you, Outward Bound!