On Wednesday of week 8, the year 10 – 12, Outdoor Education students set off from the Mambray Creek carpark for an overnight adventure. Students had been preparing for and planning this trip as a part of their studies. The year twelve students took the lead role for the camp and were responsible for navigation and ensuring that the group maintained an appropriate pace. The walk began with an extensive uphill section to the top of the battery (5KMs!), which tested our fitness and mental strength! At the top of the battery, we were rewarded for our hard work with stunning views of the Spencer Gulf and surrounding areas (check out the pictures!).
Throughout the walk, students challenged each other with riddles and games to help take our minds off the number of kilometres still left in the day (See if you can solve one of the riddles below). The most picturesque section of the walk was the descent through Hidden Gorge, with views of the stunning quartzite cliffs. Due to some recent rain, this section of the trail was also extremely slippery, which resulted in a couple of falls and the group maintaining a slow and steady pace. Once we were on the ‘open trail’ again, the group’s pace picked up immensely as the smell of the campsite long drop became noticeable!
Once we arrived at the campsite, students set up their tents and began cooking their evening meals. Some masterpieces were created, including pesto pasta, burgers, spaghetti and lots more! My favourite section of the walk was sitting around sharing stories and laughing with the students cooking dinner.
After a restful night, we arose from our tents at 7 am to ensure we had plenty of time to make it back to the carpark for Barry to take us home. Students were eager to get into the walking and set a blistering speed to start the day. With an estimated 14kms between them and a warm shower, who could blame them? With a few blisters forming and fatigue setting in, we continued setting small achievable goals and staying as a close-knit group.
I want to thank Renee for coming to the camp as an extra staff member and Barry and Leon, who ensured that we were transported safely to and from the camp.
Riddle: Leave me once, I’ll come back stronger, lose me twice, I’ll leave forever, what am I?
If anyone would like to take on the trail, follow the below link:
https://www.walkingsa.org.au/walk/find-a-place-to-walk/hidden-gorge-hike-mambray-creek/
Luke Bartlett - Outdoor Ed Teacher