FISH RIVER JOURNEY 2011 REPORT BACK:
The 2011 John Jones Fish River Journey ended in glorious sunshine at the Mouth on Sunday. This is the biggest group of Grade 10s to go through this adventure since its inception. There were 5 groups that ventured from the Nardousberg near Graaff-Reinett to the Mouth some 600km later. The programme of hiking, rafting, cycling, running, community service, activities, was crammed into a very complicated plan that seemed to be a logistical nightmare. It is largely through the efforts of the logistics team led by Mr Tim Barnard, that things went so incredibly smoothly without significant hitches to the programme. It has been many years in the making, that we now have each group doing their very own Journey and only meeting at the mouth.
Although the Journey is planned from the source to the mouth of the Fish River, the end is certainly not the ultimate goal. It is called 'the Journey', not 'the Destination". It is along the way that the real growth and change occurs, and by and large, the Grade 10s of 2011 have done just that. This year, we had more rain than in the past, but there was a great mix of wind, heat, and cold to challenge them in many ways. The experiences en route will hopefully have had a positive influence on all those who took this once off opportunity and made the most of it. The hills weren't higher, the rides weren't longer, it wasn't hotter - but the way these challenges were met is a highlight of this year's Journey.
Definitely, the influence of some very enthusiastic and dedicated staff has made this one of the better Journeys to date. The group leaders in particular, really engaged with their groups and enhanced the spirit and energy observed along the way. To all those who doubted themselves, or underestimated their abilities, this is hopefully a wake-up call to what they can achieve through positive thinking, co-operation, and effort. The world is now at your feet. I challenge you to continue, in some way to change your lifestyle to include exercise, the great outdoors, and an appreciation of the simple things like food, water, shelter, electricity (and those wretched electronic devices!). Continue to bear in mind those less fortunate than ourselves when we expect instant gratification for our thirst, hunger etc.
There are too many staff to thank personally in this report. And it is very difficult to express gratitude when they have gone beyond what is expected. My sincere appreciation to Mr Barnard, Mr Alcock and their team; the group leaders; the drivers; Francois du Preez and his team of medics; and Mr Crosby Duda, the magical mechanic; Ms Potgieter and the Community Engagement team; and of course the 'home' team who made it possible for these staff to be away for 18 days.
I think the College motto was truly taken to heart (even by the DSG girls). Difficulties certainly didn't dismay anyone.
Deon Boshoff
SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER:
The ride today was cut short because of the rain. Am I getting soft? Arrived at Piggotts Bridge yesterday and were put up at Chris and Audrey Thomas's hunting cottage. They are overly generous and let the boys and girls swim. The shelter from the heat and then the rain was greatly appreciated. How the weather changes. We left at 6h45 and had some rain at the top of a 5km climb back up to Douglas Heights. They have certainly improved and even the very capable who decided to take things 'easy', were gently persuaded to make an effort. Again the medics were unemployed (thank goodness!) Even down Munaf's Hill. The only excitement really was my 1st close encounter with a Puffy on this trip when I practically put my bike down on top of it. It slithered away as we all were able to at least get a close look at an elusive snake that I'd been warning them about.
At Fort Brown we decided to get out of a pending thunderstorm, and have been "chilling" on the stoep of the Koenap Farmers Assoc. Hall. It has been bucketing down almost constantly since arriving. Todays shower was under a leaky gutter, fantastic to see some bush-initiative coming out. Some girls even got to wash their hair! (We're definitely getting soft!!). 2nd last ride tomorrow with Gr 2 to N2 at Huntshoek. Heard good reports from the other groups. Everyone looking forward to getting to the mouth. Deon
THURSDAY 1 DECEMBER:
Photos from Group 3, 4 and 5 received and are being uploaded onto the external gallery:
http://gallery.saprepschool.com/index.php?/category/2
WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER:
Finished yesterday with Group 1 to Schelmdrift, after a solid 50+ ride into the wind. The weaker riders battled over the rollercoaster route but did well to get in before 13h30. We were joined by Group 2 for their 3 rides. Today started with a very challenging 9km climb, not only steep, but also the very 1st real evidence of summer. After that the heat was an issue, but a couple of egg/mayo rolls and a dip in a water trough was enough to get us up the last hill before a fast descent to Piggots Bridge. Chris Thomas has kindly put us up at his hunting cottage where there was some shade, a swim in his pool, and a great communal supper whilst watching a stunning lightning display. A decent downpour has them all in their tents hopefully in preparation for tomorrow's climb to Douglas Heights. I may have to leopard-crawl to strangle a particularly annoying guinea fowl and a sheep that might disturb a deserved sleep tonight. Deon.
WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER:
Photos from group 1 and 2 received - on the external gallery:
http://gallery.saprepschool.com/index.php?/category/2
MONDAY 28 NOVEMBER:
Lots of new photos on the external gallery!
MONDAY 28 NOVEMBER 20h00:
Day 2 with Gr 1. Yesterday was a half ride from Olivewoods to Klipfontein. Nice to see so many OAs and Old DSGs and a couple of Journey vets (Jacques and Vanessa van Niekerk) who reminisced about theirs (including crashes). Climb up Patryshoogte showed what this group were capable of doing. Then the rain came down but not without a fire and some potatoes in foil. This morning was wet, cold and muddy. Luckily it all cleared up in time for 2 challenging hills to Kriegerskraal. And they all stayed on the bike all the way. What progress the non-riders have made! Better still, we have kept the medics unemployed and bored other than some slippery driffies to get through. We reached camp at 13h30 and spent the afternoon washing bikes and bodies of mud. And everyone now preparing supper (pasta) as the sun is setting overlooking the valley near Middleton. As I caught up with some admin and calls lying in a hammock, my thoughts were on how much hell it was in Africa. Never a dull moment as the group leaders tell me of their degrees of awesomeness, and the competition to be the 'best' group. I reserve my judgement till the Mouth. Very difficult to decide at this stage, but will play along for the moment. Schelmsdrift tomorrow and as always the question "how far is it?" Is given the standard '4.2' answer. And except for the uphills its downhill all the way. Deon.
SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER
Message in from Deon Boshoff Thursday 22h06
Had 3 days cycling with Group 3. They certainly had the big challenges and until now can claim bragging rights for their rides. 1st ride included a heart-breaking 9km climb up the Swaershoek Pass. It was slow going for the backmarkers but they received a lot of encouragement and help. Tristan claimed KOM (King of the mountain) and group leader Mary Robinson, QOM. Day 2 was cold at the start, but warmed up enough to swim at our brunch spot at Mt Marlow. Some braved the foofyslide and one particularly retarded fellow did a training swim! (No guessing who). Camp 2 was at Waterval after a rough, technical climb where there wasn't any 'water' to 'val' never mind wash or drink. Particularly challenging when most expect a tap and a fridge close by.
Then it started raining, but even this couldn't budge the starchy pasta that was eventually only good for dam-plugging and road building.
Day 3 was cold windy and wet. Enough ammunition to ensure a really grumpy group, but they persevered without complaint into a stinging headwind. All credit to them. I managed to see them at Kriegerskraal and are living up to the adage that what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. And NO accidents (well serious ones in any case). Rest day for group 3 and 5. I saw group 1 and they were quite upbeat after 4 days of hiking. Group 2 were a bit 'broken' but spirits are high for tomorrows hike to Glen Avon and rest at Die Kaia.
They're all doing really well, now starts the 2nd half to the sea.
Up at 04h30 to get the oats going for group 5 ride to Olivewoods. Early night, early start. Deon.
FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER
Lots of new photos for all the groups from Day 1 - 8 have come in from the field this morning and will be uploaded during the course of today - keep checking:
http://gallery.saprepschool.com/index.php?/category/2
THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER
Mrs Frayne's visit - photos:
http://gallery.saprepschool.com/index.php?/category/140
THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER
Blog by Mike Loewe:
http://makanamoon.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2297:journey-kids-in-cold-and-wind-but-no-rain&catid=23:education&Itemid=21
THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER
I have just completed day 7 with Gr 3 on the bikes to Waterval above Mortimer. A monster climb yesterday didn't break their spirits ( and luckily not the bikes or their bodies either). The weather has been kind to us although tonight it is raining so an early night for all.Really pleased to see how the Grade 10s have reacted to this challenge. Some of the physically weaker ones have grown immensely. Some just needed to adjust the attitude slightly to achieve a positive outcome. The 3 groups I have seen so far have been very cheerful in their 1st week. The Eastern Cape is looking stunning and one can only hope they appreciate the beauty of it all. Many of them have already found a new passion (I don't mean a BF/GF), and hopefully will be riding/hiking/camping with their parents soon. Having great fun interacting with some very enthusiastic staff. What a privilege being out here. Deon
WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER
Group 4 Photos Day 7 Canoe
http://gallery.saprepschool.com/index.php?/category/103
TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER
Group 5 Photos Day 5 & 6 Hike
http://gallery.saprepschool.com/index.php?/category/99
TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER
We have just come back from checking on the groups. After a hot and mostly dry Journey so far, the weather has cooled down. This evening is particularly cold and windy - the first time many of us have put a jersey on.
Group 1 is at Mount Marlow next to a huge, clear dam. They have enjoyed the foeffie slide and the jetty that they swam off. The campsite is green with running water and plenty of shade. The group got going early (at 5am) to beat the heat, but it wasn't very hot today. They were in camp by 1pm and spent the afternoon washing and sleeping. We dropped fresh water for the group and checked on the group. Tomorrow they have an easy hike to Stegman.
Group 2 is still at Kamala and out of communication. We will see them soon and be able to download their photos.
Group 3 set off from Cradock Spa this morning for their cycling leg. They phoned through their news from their campsite. They were strong on their cycling again. They had a 10 km uphill which the group accepted as a challenge and conquered!
Group 4 canoed today and enjoyed their day on the water. The weather was good for being on the water and the children enjoyed the rapids, particularly. They are camping in Cradock Spa tonight and tomorrow night. It is a treat to keep your tent in two places for a night, particularly when there are ablution blocks with hot water showers!
Group 5 did their community service at Vukusebenza Shelter in Cradock today. They put up shade cloth and put in an irrigation system in the new vegetable garden. They painted a large part of the inside of the building and painted a mural on an outside wall. They worked in the kitchen to prepare lunch and served lunch to those who came to the shelter. They also sorted material, which is used once it is sorted, and helped in the shop where household goods, clothes and other items are sold very cheaply to the poorest of the poor. They were also able to gather a huge amount of items for the shop before they came out on Journey. Tonight they are sleeping at Baroda Weir before canoeing tomorrow.
MONDAY 21ST NOVEMBER
Group 1 arrived at Cradock Spa yesterday afternoon after a tough 4 days. They had had 2 very tough hikes – long days and steep hills – but this had made the group a tighter unit as they helped one another. They had also already fallen into the routine and discipline of camp life as a result of their early starts and tough days.
After their hikes they had 2 days of canoeing, which was, by all accounts, great fun. The expressions on the faces in the photos taken on the water will show just how exciting it was!
They enjoyed the warm showers at Cradock Spa, especially as it had started to rain when they arrived. Most of their time was taken up with the food issue for the next 5 days. Most of them found that they did not eat everything that they took on the first hike and so they were more cautious in what they took with them this time. Packing for 5 days takes some careful planning.
The group set off at about 7am this morning for their run from Cradock to Blomfontein and were in their camp by lunchtime. There have been some sore throats, so we are dosing the whole group with some vitamins and throat lozenges this evening. The group sounds cheerful and were resting in preparation for their hike starting tomorrow. We have just seen them briefly in their campsite and will catch up with them tomorrow.
Group 2 have been on “the other side of the mountain” and so we have not been able to see them to download photos (we will see upload these as soon as we have them). They are at Kamala for the next two nights, having hiked for three days after canoeing. They will be grateful for two nights in the same place and a relatively easy day, physically, when they do community service tomorrow.
Group 3 have just arrived in Cradock Spa. We saw them at Baroda Weir last night before they canoed. They hiked for the first 3 days and were strong and in good spirits. Their climb over the mountain was hot and dry. They are a tight-knit group who seem to be having a whale of a time! They have just settled in at Cradock, setting up their tents before they hit the showers!
Group 4 have cycled for 2 days and are camping tonight at Baroda Weir in preparation for their canoeing tomorrow. Some of the girls and boys found the cycling a challenge, but did it! They spent a short while at Cradock Spa this afternoon after cycling in and dropping off their bikes.
After their cycling, Group 5 hiked over the Nardouwsberg and then to Lennoxdale. Their feet were rather sore, but they did well to work as a group. They are sleeping on the Holmes’ farm tonight before they do their Community Engagement day at Vukusebenza in Cradock tomorrow.
SUNDAY 20TH NOVEMBER
NEWS JUST IN: We have just had a message to say that Group 5 was on top of Nardouwsberg at about 09h30 this morning - all well and cheerful.
Group 5 is a pioneering group! The first group 5 in the history of the Journey and the first group to begin their Journey with cycling. We also began our Journey with the sound of the “sea” at our first campsite – camping next to a roaring weir at De Keur, home of the Karoo River Rafters. This first campsite not only had roaring water in the background, but a fast-flowing river to provide an entertaining swim and soft, green grass for camping. Our first evening meal was a braai with wors rolls. CM Muller, a professional photographer, (chauffeured by Dave Wright) visited the campsite to take photos, which will hopefully be on the website – they are amazing!
The group had an easy start to their cycle on Friday morning – cool, overcast weather and a relatively flat cycle. The clouds burnt off, however, and the day turned out to be an absolute scorcher. We camped at Greycliff, right next to the river, which was somewhat more overgrown than in previous years, which meant long grass as a mattress. We got in to camp early and, as they do every year, most of the group found shade under the Greycliff bridge and spent most of the afternoon swimming and lying in the shade. Supper was baked potatoes cooked to perfection in the coals, filled with curried vegetables and lentils before an early night.
The second day of cycling was even hotter than the first and quite trying for the group. It was an incredibly long day – 8 hours on the road. We had snacks at a reservoir where they could cool off – once the algae had been scooped off the top! The group arrived at Petrusdal rather hot and bothered, but after a (very) lunch and some time in the shade (some preferred to stand after 2 days in the saddle...) had regained their energy. They were issued with food for the next few days’ hike (you’ve never seen so many treats!) before setting off for the base of Nardouwsberg in preparation for their hike over the mountain on Sunday. They hike to the “big dam” at Welgemoed on Sunday and then over the hill to Lennoxdale (their pick-up spot) on Monday.
Group 4 We met up with Group 4 at Petrusdal when they hiked in. They had just hiked from Lennoxdale to Welgemoed “top dam” on Friday and then over the Nardouwsberg (up the “angel”) on Saturday. Their feet were sore, but otherwise they seemed to be in fine spirits with plenty of energy left to have a ball in the lovely cool river. By the time we drove out of camp, they had done their washing and hung it on the fence and washed themselves and were settling down to prepare supper.
Group 2 Although we haven’t met up with Group 2, we have heard reports from them. They had a tough hike up the Nardouwsberg, with some of the boys and girls finding it particularly tough. They had reached Excelsior safely and were being hosted and looked after by the Kroons.
SATURDAY 19TH NOVEMBER DAY ONE AND TWO
Cellphone signal is scarce in the hills, and with logistics teams having fed the multitudes in Cradock, then followed groups to hike, canoe, cycle in to their starting points.
Group one have had two awesome days of mountains, with an adventurous start from Bo Petrusdal, to Summit the Nardousberg, and then walk on down to Welgemoet. The descent along the jeep track is long and winding, ending next to a dam and the welcome sight of busses, to take the group to Soutpansdrift, where food was being distributed, and a braai fire was lighting the twilight sky, alongside the fast flowing river. Two days of exciting canoeing await. All in the group were hale and hearty, very much looking the part of seasoned journeyers.
Group two paddled from De Keur to Wolwyn bridge, a distance of about 18km, in glorious sunshine, before travelling to Bo Petrusdal, and walking in to the base of the Nardousberg, apart from dusty packs, and some rosy knees from sitting in canoes, the group looked in fine fettle.
Group three bused to Rietpoort, camped next to a small tributary of the Fish River, where it was possible to swim, wash, drink the purest mountain water. A small fire, games of squench, cards, some frizbee tuition, saw very contented bodies to bed early, in anticipation of the first day of “real” walking. It was good to awake early, the group packed impressively quickly, before leaving to walk on for about 45 minutes before stopping for breakfast. There is so much more water than in previous years, and we were able to swim at least once a hour (if we chose to)- we got in, after a hot last half-hour at Bo Pertusdal, at about noon, with loads of time to swim, wash clothes and gather our thoughts before the walk to the summit tomorrow. Standing on the top of a small mountain today, looking up the Nardousberg, without a house or any sign of human activity in sight, we realised how privileged we were to be here.
Group four were due to set off from from Lennnoxdale. We have had no direct contact with the group, but Mr Alcock assures us that all was well on that side of the mountain.
Mr Boshoff said that group five had had a “nice” ride, but there were no hills, no excitement but that he was very impressed with how the group seemed to get stronger and stronger as the day grew hotter- camping next to the river near Greycliff farm, having swum, washed and making a small fire, they seemed in very high spirits. Fr Gary, who with Ms Cobbing, Ms Davies and Mr Nupen, is leading this group said what Mr Boshoff said about hills was to be taken with a pinch of salt, but that he was becoming “one with his bike saddle”. As we drove past a second time, it was the idyllic Fish River Journey image, the very last of the twilight, tents against of a backdrop blue black mountain, foregrounded by groups of boys and girls standing beside a river.
It has been a great start, and we are looking forward to three groups summiting tomorrow, exciting canoeing on a fast flowing river, and what Mr Boshoff describes as a “fun” ride. It has been a great start.
Kelly Long represents South Africa 10th May 2012
Kelly Long represented South Africa at the 5th International Sustainable World Project Olympiad in the USA
