I drove alone to camp this year in the school 4WD. It was a gorgeous clear day and the countryside was magnificent(as you can see in the photo). The floods have changed the waterways and there was a lot of running water. The trees have started to grow leaves over their blackened stumps hiding the bushfires. I nearly didn’t take my warm hat and scarf as the day was so clear and bright. Lucky I did because it snowed on the second morning. I’ll upload some video over the weekend.
I rode horses for two sessions and went on the walk for one. The horse riding was great and I am a lot more relaxed on a horse now after these annual rides. Last year at the Blairgowrie camp I was very uncomfortable as we took the kids over a road, in suburbia. The instructors there gave them very little instruction, yet at Tamboritha the guy is a lot more direct and down to earth. He lets them know clearly (if somewhat gruffly) what they are to do to stay safe and not confuse the horses. I feel like they had a more authentic experience. Having said that, on my second ride, I was unfortunate enough to have another horse attempt to bite mine a couple of times, which was a little scary for both of us. Spring! Once I separated the two they were fine.
The students were wonderfully behaved. I enjoyed their company and they amused themselves and socialised with one another beautifully. They played cards and sat around the campfire. I actually managed to read a small book whilst I was there, which I’ve never managed on camp before. They participated enthusiastically in all the activities, especially the night one, ‘stalk the lantern’, which involves them sneaking up to a base, whilst I try to catch them in a spotlight. I am quite enthusiastic myself when it comes to that game and a couple of them commented they were glad I didn’t have a gun! I didn’t enjoy it as much the second night when snow started to fall on us again, but the kids remained keen. I fell off a log in my zealous attempt to capture one of them, much to the amusement of those already caught.
Tonight I am relieved as I have been replaced on Monday’s trip. I felt uneasy about leaving Tom at this time, with his VCE exams looming. I didn’t want to let people down, but I appreciate my compassionate principal and co-coordinator for recognising that I am not up for it and getting someone else. He phoned me tonight as I was driving my car less daughter back to Melbourne. Although the students were great, I still had to get up and put wood on the fire possibly 5 times during both nights, so I have been really overtired the last couple of days and Tom’s end of school celebrations have added to that. I am glad to be home. I can properly unpack now and get things in order.
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