Sunday - Travel

What a rollercoaster of a day for our staff and students. Students arrived bright and early at 7:00 am to the college and many nervous faces were noticed around the room, the majority of those coming from the parents/carers. After a stirring address from Mr Patzel students were split into three large coaches and tasked with packing the bus. There was very little room for error.

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Students met their Wilderness guides in Strathalbyn at about 1:30 pm and from there they have travelled in separate classes in their 25 seaters. This will remain for the rest of the trip.

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Inclement weather has forced us to make some changes due to safety and although this is fairly infuriating there is nothing we can do about it and the kids have adjusted to this well. Please see below for a quick update on each group.

 

9A

Lewis Leans group were unable to undertake Rock Climbing/Abseiling in the Onkaparinga Gorge however were lucky enough to get a few hours of great weather to take on the high ropes course. The high ropes are located inside our ‘base camp’ at Douglas Scrub and students from the inaugural 9SHINE also did this course three years ago. There were a few tears from those that struggled with heights however many shone through in their willingness to give it a go. Special mention to Gemma Irons who surprised herself with just how high she was able to reach. 9A will spend the night at base camp and snorkel at Marion tomorrow.

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9B

Unfortunately 9B have had a big change of plans with their bushwalk having to be moved to the Kuitpo Forest instead of the Deep Creek Conservation Park. This will not quite be as difficult as originally planned, which will limit personal growth however they will still enjoy a beautiful expedition in trying conditions. Our Head of Senior School Ciaran Buckley has also joined for the bushwalk leg of the trip. At about 10:55 am tomorrow we are concerned about his potato cake withdrawals however have no doubt that he will push through. This is an energetic group and they are made for experiential learning.

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9C

9C were unable to Kayak today due to 50 knot winds at Hindmarsh Island. Luckily they were able to travel around and explore the mouth of the Coorong whilst dipping their toes in the water. Additionally, the bad weather also means they won’t be able to enjoy the solo experience and will sleep in dorms at one of Wilderness Escapes properties. They will Kayak throughout the Hindmarsh Marina tomorrow before undertaking their bushwalk expedition. Mr Thomas and our sports trainee Elyse will no doubt keep spirits high amongst the group.

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9D

Mrs Queale’s group enjoyed a fantastic afternoon after having their snorkelling relocated to the Marion Aquatics Centre. They enjoyed relay games and sang their hearts out on the bus whilst travelling back to base camp. Vaughn Stratford was very comfortable in the indoor pool facilities. Rumours circulating Mrs Queale also enjoyed a coffee or two whilst supervising. They will undertake the high ropes course tomorrow morning before their Kayak expedition.

 

9E

9E are in the same predicament as 9C and like them have also enjoyed a day of sightseeing. Both of these classes will no doubt relish a night in a bed and hopefully be challenged tomorrow as this is at the core of the programs goals. Mr Patzel will be a special guest at their campsite tonight and he has promised to give Mr Raymond a nice shoulder and neck massage upon arrival. What a man.

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9F

Miss Goodfellows class faced the same fate as 9B and have spent the afternoon on the first leg of their bushwalk through Kuitpo Forest. This is a far safer alternative and students will be able to catch an early sight of the mountain biking trails that await them later in the week. They will undertake a full day walk tomorrow and cook their meals on a Trangia stove tonight. From what I’m hearing pasta has been a very popular option.

 

Day 1 was not what anybody had planned however as we expressed to the students, that’s life.