We're on our way….

Devonport:
Well this is it! We've just had the first of our 'Last's'…..our 'Last Supper', and we're about to have our 'Last night'. The kids are enjoying roaming the boat ("Have you seen Jarryd Miss?" or "Did Bella and Jade go past here Miss?") and we will be pulling out of Devonport very soon, at which time I will lose internet connection. I'm actually enjoying over-hearing the comments of many and various passengers who are also 'roaming', marvelling at the changes the refurbishment of the boat has brought.

Today's long haul in the bus (although being from NSW I really don't think you can say that any travel in Tassie is a long haul!) was interspersed with a 'shopping' stop in Ross, a 'walking' stop at Cataract Gorge (Launceston) and an 'eating' stop at a cheese factory near Devonport. And then there was the start of the trip home…..

We're still here…..

In case you're wondering….we're still here….but not for much longer! We had an epic day yesterday…'full on' with awesome adventures, great experiences, amazing talent, scrumptious food…so much so that we all (and that includes me!) fell into bed, exhausted but extemely happy! So sorry that I didn't get to post anything last night. Still having a few IT issues, but they're being sorted, and hopeful I will be able to add some more photos soon. The plan is to 'settle in' on the bus shortly, and as we tour through Hobart and beyond, give you further updates. Stay tuned…..

Breakfast with a view…

Waking up to yet another beautiful day, only made better by such a beautiful view from the dining room. We didn't get much time to enjoy the view the night we arrived as we were 'beaten' by light. We couldn't hang around for long and enjoy it in the morning either as we needed to make tracks for 'Pirates Cove' and the Eco Jetboat cruise. We were entertained by Cam and his pirate antics along the way……Cam: "Why are pirates called pirates?" Others: "I don't know, why?" Cam: "Because they argghh" (all in a thick pirate accent!). The trip in was very interesting and scenic, but quite windy…. most of us managed to get there intact! 

'Not quite' dressed ready for action….

All good now!

More than a few anxious participants voiced their apprehension at what the trip would be like, and yet when it came time to board, the front 'thrill seeker' seats were in high demand, and filled fast! The atmosphere was one of anticipation…. the surge of motors and spray of seawater as we 'took' off only added to it!

The famous Tasman Arch

The scenery along the coastline was spectacular! So good to be able to see it up so close. Ben-the-boat driver/tour-guide kept us well informed with fascinating facts about the ecology and history of the area. Mr Leon was suitably impressed and was heard to say on occasion "Listen up…..that'll be on the Geography exam!" Miss Roser was equally impressed with all the wildlife and started 'Animal Bingo'. The weather conditions on the day involved a moderate north easterly wind, partly cloudy, with cool crisp air, made all the cooler when the wind chill factor is considered (for Mr MacCallums benefit….) The trip out to Tasman Island was relatively smooth, punctuated with short sojourns into the cliff face to visit caves, interesting rock formations, wildlife colonies and even a waterfall. 

Animal bingo! Found a seal :)

At the half way point, there was nothing much between us and Antarctica, except for a lot of cold water! It was also an ideal time for a 'changeover' to allow those who wanted to…. to move from the back to the front. A few ventured to do this. The divide soon became very obvious….

Those up the back….

…and those up the front!

Turning into the wind, the swell increased, and we were in for one roller-coaster of a ride, complete with the raised hands, flying hair and screams! Those up the front didn't want it to end….. and those up the back couldn't wait until it did!

Hang on….where did all the kids go?

'Chilling out in the sun' or 'Replentishing lost supplies' (for some) aka Lunch at Port Arthur

Port Arthur was our afternoon activity. Fascinating history, conveyed interactively and complimented by an engaging tour guide helped to keep our guys on their feet. At this stage of the trip, it wouldn't have been surprising to have many of the kids struggling to stay focussed and engaged, but they were great!

Watch your step!

Not quite our final 'Port of call'

So much to learn….

Back at camp, the outside games area was replaced by the games room as soon as it got dark. This area kept most people busy whenever there was any 'down' time, not that there was much of it. 

Can he do it?

At dinner time, a 'set list' was made of all the acts that were scheduled for the talent quest. It became obvious that we needed an early start to fit it all in. From skits, comedy, practical jokes to musical items, photo and art displays, we were thoroughly entertained and all impressively hosted by Brooklyn and Teagan. 

End of a great day

It's snow time...

What a day! We finally managed to get TO the snow and not just SEE the snow from a distance. Eric-the-brave-heart-bus-driver is epic! Instead of going around the usual route, he ventured up and over the Highland lakes district on the trip from Poatina to Hobart. This meant that we got to the snow! And just in case you are wondering yet again about the safety of your child, Eric-the-bus-driver is really known as Eric-the-snow-bus-driver for his regular jaunts to the ski fields every winter! 

So, once again, this year is a first….first to have seen so much snow in Tassie and have a 'real' snow ball fight. This will definitely be a highlight of the trip and a memorable memory for many….especially those in the group who had never seen snow before. It was 'full on' war for a good 30 min! Even the camera(wo)man wasn't exempt (thanks Mackenna! I'll get you back sometime).

Anyone up for a snowball fight?

Ok….that'd be everyone!

Action stations!

Check out the action on the link above!

Here I am…..come and get me!

Watch out Bella!

Just letting you know…..tonight's accommodation!

Come at me if you dare!

That's not fair!…..nothing's fair in 'snowball' war!

Can you build (see) a snowman?

Thanks to everyone checking out our updates each day. In reading out the comments each night, there seems to be some concern as to the whereabouts of Fletcher and Brayden? Not sure what you mean..

 

Who's missing?  Brayden….Fletcher?

After all the excitement of the snow and once we had all 'brushed' ourselves down, we ventured back on to the bus to settle in and continue watching 'For the Term of His Natural Life', just to get us 'primed' for our visit to Port Arthur tomorrow. But before that…..

Bonorong Wildlife Park has a great set up to rescue and look after orphaned and injured native wildlife. We met Laura and Tina, and got up close….but not too close….. to some Tassie Devils. We also met AND got up close to a couple of emus and a couple of hundred (well….according to Mr Leon it seemed that many) kangaroos. Great times!

'Laura' the baby koala

'Tina" the baby wombat

You little (Tassie) devil

I'll just take that…. thanks Brayden

Just part of 'the mob'

Getting up close

Pleased to meet you

After all this 'interactivity' the hand sanitizer got a good work out as we headed into the Richmond Bakery for lunch! And continuing the history lesson… we headed to Old Hobart town to check out an amazing replica of Hobart in the late 1800's. Incredibly constructed, I think I can vouch for the others and say we were all suitably impressed by the amount of time, effort and talent on the part of the owner, over a period of 25 years. And for more interactivity…. there was a 'Where's Wally' activity for teams to complete which was keenly contested!

Old Hobart Town

Looking for clues

I think I see it….

Enjoying the winning spoils….

There was enough time to roam the shops in search of more spoils to take home….

……or not!

Mr Gilmour brought the best ice-cream! Lucky he shared…

After visiting the beautiful old Catholic church on the hill (a timely relief from the light rain that had started) we made our way to Dodges Ferry (not really a ferry!) and the Blue Lagoon Camp Centre. A fantastic site, perfectly geared for teenagers 'hungry' for chillin' out time. Giant slides, in-ground trampolines and basketball area entice kids straight off the bus and into the action, until light 'interrupts play'. And then, being 'hungry' teenagers, a massive dinner awaits inside. Not much is left over after Pasta bake and tossed salad is served. It looks like Peter and Cathy's chooks are going on a diet while we are here!

The last night of devotions again provided an opportunity for real sharing and real caring. Seeing the way the kids have bonded and grown together as a year group has been so inspirational. These guys have always been very inclusive, but seeing this 'mature' in the more intense 24/7 environment of a long-term camp has been rewarding. Hearing comments along the lines of "I just so want to be able to take this feeling back into school" and… "I want to make sure those of us who weren't able to come to Tassie feel included in what we have experienced" are a testament to the maturity of thinking that has developed. 

Flying high

It's Sunday! And that means a sleep in….. Breakfast at 8 is actually quite civilised! Followed by your choice of activity until time for church.

     Anyone for a game of cards?             Brooklyn's choice of souvenirs has been marvellous!

PD time….

All eyes to Vicki…

It's still Sunday! And that means we had the blessing of attending church with the Poatina community. After breakfast we walked to the small community hall, where we were welcomed by Poatina villagers, and helped run the service. Students opened with singing that lifted the spirits of everyone present. Luke Graham, Nicholas Van Honk and Isabella K-M shared their story as a testimony of how God has been present and working in their lives. With a few teary eyes surrounding us, shortly all eyes would turn to the screen to watch the finished video of the work all of Year 9 put into yesterday's workshop. 

Meeting with the Poatina community at Church...

Isabella shares her story with the community

Time to sing!

Connecting with the environment in a performance video...

Making a difference

 Soccer in the sunshine

What a blessing little Amy is!

After church, meeting new people and enjoying morning tea

An hour later, nerves and excitement spread through the bus like wildfire as we headed for our next adventure… the HollyBank Treetops! After strapping in and going through a practise run, we were soaring through the air like birds at speeds making it almost impossible to breathe! As the climax that was flying through the trees for 400m at 70-80km/hr approached, our excitement heightened! At one point we were 50m above the ground over a creek. Adrenaline! Adrenaline! Adrenaline! We were like a cannon ball of awesomeness! The tall trees were beautiful, the air was crisp and clear and we had an amazing and exhilarating time. Surely an adventure that will not be forgotten any time soon!

Pumped...Let's do this!

Everything is awesome!

Flying through the trees on the Treetops adventure! Well… the practise run at least.

Gettin' pumped for the 400m 70km/hour ride to come :-) 

As long as we have ALL of the instructions sorted…

Check this out….!