Sunday morning started with a dawn service, as the mist rose from the black tannin-stained Noosa river, staff and students paid their respect to those service men and women who have made sacrifices that allow for the freedoms we are grateful for today. With our backpacks on and spirits high, we set off for Wandi waterhole, some 12.5km away. Students helped each other navigate creek crossings and muddy paperbark swamps and shared their stories of adventure as we approached our campsite by lunchtime. Although energy started to wane, determination was high, students decided to take on the challenge to walk the remaining 10km to Harry’s Hut. Looking out for each other and encouraging the team, the group reached the beautiful Noosa River by sundown. What an achievement, a show of their absolute determination, commitment and tenacity to achieve 22km carrying everything they needed on their backs. It was a proud moment for the group, celebrating their success together over dinner and cards again.
Monday morning was filled with celebrating the success of yesterday’s longer walk in the form of recreational swimming and some lessons in personal safety and risk assessing the area before swimming and jumping into aquatic environments. The trip continued to have highlights as the water taxi shuttled us down the beautiful Noosa Everglades to our awaiting bus, in the company of a white-bellied sea eagle who led us down the river branch by branch. I would like to thank the students who took every challenge in their stride, pushed their bodies and minds to new heights and showed care for the whole team. I hope they are proud of their achievements and looking forward to their next adventure. I would like to also thank Simon Williams and Gen Lee as the other staff who accompanied the group and provided support for our adventure.
If your young person is interested in knowing more about the personal development and leadership opportunities that the Duke of Edinburgh Award provides, please don’t hesitate to contact me further kwood@pacluth.qld.edu.au.
Ms Kim Wood, Head of Outdoor Education