Flying high.....

It was freezing this morning! Half the problem though was, that we woke up to clear blue skies...amazing for Tassie in winter! So, we got to appreciate the sunshine (for a few hours at least). On our way out to todays activities, Eric took us on a tour of the historic part of Hobart town, which the kids all thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed (ok, I have to be honest.... it was really me who thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed it!)


The first stop today was at a little town called Huonville, on the Huon River, where we visited another school.  This time it was a Traditional Boat Building School, where people can come and do courses on the art of building wooden boats. The guys doing the tours explained the different processes involved in joining timbers together and how to make them water tight (Mr Wong, you would have loved it! All the different sorts of timbers, tools and techniques!) We were allowed to wander through the workshop and check out the different boats in progress of being built or repaired. This tied in really nicely with what we've been learning about the maritime history of Tasmania, thanks to Eric's informative commentaries.

Lunch was bakery pies and sausage rolls.....what a choice....and all sooooo yummy according to everyone.  It didn't take long to polish them all off, which was just as well, as a weather alert for all of Tasmania had been issued for early afternoon, predicting heavy rain and high winds. This would seriously affect our scheduled afternoon activities (air walk and hang gliding). So seriously in fact, that they would be cancelled! We wasted no time in getting to our destination.

'Games' while waiting in the bus.....

Of course by the time we arrived, the rain had started (it wasn't too bad) but the wind had yet to pick up. Both the Air Walk and the Hang Gliding activities were given the big thumbs up. It was really pleasing to see a number of students tackle their fear of heights and adventure head on; everyone completed both activities admirably! Not so sure about the 'fear' of leeches, of Tasmanian Funnel Web spiders and of getting lost and (completely) eaten by Tassie devils (bones and all, oh wait, perhaps not the skull?) Thanks go to Tim, our Air Walk guide who had the students enthralled by his tales of (mis)adventure in an engaging and informative style.

God is so good..... He waited until we'd finished the activities before fulfilling the predicted weather forecast.  Needless to say, our trip home was made all the more interesting, with the bus being buffeted by the high winds.  Eric capably kept us on the road and heading in the right direction to get us home in perfect time for another yummy camp meal of kebabs, baked potatoes (and toppings) with salad, topped off with chocolate self-saucing pudding and ice-cream (in abundance!). The camp staff at Blue Lagoon Christian Camp Centre surely know how to look after their guests, and they are so generous with their time and resources. I was so proud of our kids.....how many times did I hear them say 'thank you' to any of the kitchen staff they saw throughout the course of the evening? Oh wait....I've lost track.....

Tonight was the last night in the series of devotions "Proof of Jesus".  The kids have really been grappling with so many BIG questions and issues over the last four nights, and it has been humbling to see how they have accepted each other despite their differences, and encouraged each other in their discoveries. I am sure these times will form many strong memories for these guys to take through life. Tonight we were looking at how we need to 'trust' in the evidence there is for Jesus. Mr G tested our ability to trust in asking us to participate in a number of trust building activities which was challenging for some, but a lot of fun for everyone!

Once again, the games room was a perfect place to 'hang out', 'chill out' and maybe even 'make out' before 'lights out'........

Farewell to Poatina

After a hard day's work and a good night's sleep, it was so good to be able to go back to Trinity College and spend some more time at the school, this time when the teachers and students were there! We soon became quite aware of the fact that we tripled the population of the school as soon as we arrived! In the beginning, the excitement of our arrival there was nearly out done by the presence of four 'runaway' cows on the school oval belonging to a neighbouring farmer. However, it wasn't long before everyone was settled and enjoying getting to know each other.  Different school, different climate, different rules! The abundance of mud means it's 'shoes off' before coming into class.....

Living and working in the same small community has it's interesting facets.  For instance, the Principal of the school is also a family friend to all the students, and so it's first name basis all round. Steve (Mr Cooper) made us feel very welcome and had us all working together to create interesting stories. Wagga students collaborating with Poatina students, teenagers with young kids, all enjoying the time together, laughing at the stories being told.

Once again, Ezra had people marvelling at his amazing tricks!

Monday mornings are community morning tea times in Poatina, where many people from the village meet together for a devotion, to share prayer points and give any community announcements. So, after our time at the school, we headed back to the village to meet for morning tea.  This gave us a deeper appreciation of community life in Poatina.  It also gave another opportunity to be a blessing to others. Yesterday in church, we prayed for a family who have four children, three of whom use wheelchairs.  They really want to head to NSW to visit a very sick family member, but they call it their 'impossible dream'. They only have enough money to cover their fares.  Our kids were talking about it before they went to bed last night, and of their own undertaking, decided to pass 'a hat' around the group. So.....after morning tea, our students presented $260 to the Bell Family to help them realise their 'impossible dream'.  How proud were we (the teachers)!!

It was time to say goodbye to Poatina. In a time of reflection this evening, many students said that our visit to Poatina has made a huge impact on them, and has been a real highlight of the trip so far. 

The trip form Poatina to Dodges Ferry (near Hobart) passed through some magnificent countryside, as Mrs Meyer keep reminding us; "Oooh look at that..... Aaagh isn't that beautiful....... What a view.....!". After lunch, we visited Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and 'got up close' to the animals, especially koalas, wombats, Tassie Devils and kangaroos. 

Finishing off the day with Roast Beef and vegetables, chocolate mousse and drinks around the open fire (for those who wanted to 'chill out') and romping around in the games room with pool, air hockey and table tennis.....

Community.....

 Sunday.... Today's life lesson was "it is better to give than to receive." It was embedded within the concepts of community and purpose, two challenges put to us by Ali, one of the residents in Poatina. She got us thinking about how we can so quickly revert to becoming self absorbed in our own needs and concerns at the expense of others around us, whether it be our friends and families, or strangers in need. She reminded us that a sense of purpose helps us gain meaning in life. All big issues and faced before morning tea on a Sunday morning! Thankfully, many of us had begun the day with an early morning invigorating walk around the town, and where a simple skateboard ramp provided an opportunity for exercise, team building and generally just good fun.....                                           

Meanwhile.....back at the camp, the musicians were busy practising for the church service. They did a fantastic job and were a real blessing to the small gathering that normally meets each Sunday. In fact, everyone was a blessing, as the 'regulars' were so encouraged by our presence, singing and those who helped with the children. The students did a fantastic job of 'engaging' with 'new friends' especially considering that some of the children they met had special needs. 

After lunch we had further opportunity to be a blessing to others, as several teams were formed to achieve a number of projects around the community school. We worked on a Permaculture garden area clearing the area of a number of large stumps and timber, collecting pea straw and manure, creating garden beds and fencing off the whole area to (hopefully) make it rabbit, possum and kangaroo proof! A small team also finished off a timber floor area under the new library building ready for sanding! What a mammoth effort, and EVERYONE worked over and above what was asked of them! The 'Heads Up Award' for today could have been given to any number of people, but the general consensus was that it be awarded to Teneisha, as she literally ran from task to task in her endeavour to get the job done!

 God really blessed us by keeping the rain and wind away (it was still cold!) while we were busy working, but later in the evening it began teeming and howling outside! Needless to say, after working so physically hard today, everyone was struggling to stay awake after tea tonight.  After devotions, and the obligatory camp experience of 'horror stories around torch light', an 'early mark' was given so people could head off to bed......

Wet 'n Wild?

Maccas for breakfast! What a way to start the day...but of course the kids loved it! After all, there is not much else open at 6:30 in the morning...but it was not as if anyone desperately needed to re-stock (thanks for your prayers...we had a sick free trip!) So... the sun was shining to start the day off, but unfortunately it was just teasting us!

Leaving Davenport and heading towards Cradle Mountain gave us the opportunity to see some beautiful and amazing countryside, and marvel at God's handiwork. We were also astounded at mans creativity it the variety of roadside letterboxes along the way. There were tractors, cows, windmills etc all intricately constructed and proudly displayed at the front of their properties.

Inside the bus, we enjoyed group singing (thanks everyone) and harmonising (thanks Olivia and Kirsty) to such a variety of songs, which made the time spent together so enjoyable.

Cradle Mountain was the first destination today, and we have to trust that that was where we were taken, because we didn't get to see it! The weather was very bleak, and for some of us, it was the first opportunity to see and touch snow.....

and of course you can't touch snow and not throw it at someone....

Consequently, after checking out Dove Lake, which we could at least see part of, we returned to the bus all totally drenched and freezing! Hot dogs for lunch were definitely the order of the day, followed by the BEST hot chips ever! Scrambling through the 'boat bags' at the back of the bus was a priority for many in the hope of retrieving some dry clothes to make the afternoon bus trip a little more bearable. By the time we reached Sheffield, the town of murals, most of us had dried out, warmed up and were ready to descend upon the many gift shops in search of some spoils to take home.

All the little towns through Tassie seem to be famous for one thing or another, and Railton is no exception.  It is known for all the 'topiaries' along the main street and in people's front gardens.  This was one of many towns we went through before stopping in Poatina where we will spend the next couple of nights. Poatina is an amazing village, owned by Fusion, a christian organisation that is in the business of helping people in need.  Having a whole community geared towards serving each other, and other people who come through the town, is so unique. We will have a chance to serve the community tomorrow, when we are all going down to the school to do some 'beautification'!

Mr Gilmour set a challenge today.... right from when we first got on the bus this morning, we were playing 'Cluedo' in an attempt to solve a murder mystery. This evening proved to be very enlightening, as after a whole day of investigating, various people gave their rendition of 'who, what and how'. It became a real team effort in solving the mystery (well done everyone).  Likewise, when the discussion turned to the case of proving the evidence for Jesus, there was much lively and animated discussion as everyone had an opportunity to put their thoughts and views out there. The depth of knowledge, passion and insights surrounding the discussion was incredible. It is so encouraging to see young people grappling with the BIG questions of life, and in a way that respects each others views.....

To finish off.....the quote for the day "I know all about cars, my dad has one" (Ryan) and the 'Heads Up Award' (something to be proud of award) goes to Mitchell Webster for his untiring efforts in helping Mrs Meyer with dinner (yum yum!) and that was cooking, serving AND cleaning up....amazing!!

We're on our way!

 What a great start to what is going to be a great trip....! First stop at Beechworth gave everyone a chance to visit the 'lolly shop' and re-stock the already diminished supplies!  We're already acclimatising  to Tassie weather with bleak, wet and windy weather before we've even left the mainland. A visit to the famous Beechworth Bakery was high on the list for many, trying out the hot food to warm up! Coasting down the highway saw us in Melbourne in time for a scenic tour of the city area, capably guided by Eric, the bus driver. His insights along the way are already proving to be informative and engaging. There is an incentive to listen carefully as Mrs Meyer will be using much of this information to form the basis of a trivia quiz later in the trip!

Arriving at St Kilda beach was met with great enthusiasm. Everyone was very keen to get out and stretch their legs and burn up some energy on the playground. One comment overheard was "I feel like I have been on the bus for 3 days already!"

Seeing the Spirit of Tasmania waiting patiently for us in the distance also heightened the sense of excitement and anticipation. We were thoroughly spoilt with a 'homemade picnic on the beach' (thankyou Mrs Meyer!!) before venturing to board the boat. It was so lovely to see the way the kids jumped in at the first opportunity to serve each other in handing around food and chasing other peoples 'blow away' rubbish (it was soooo windy!)

   

After the challenges of getting everyone through security (I confess, it was me that had a pair of scissors and a knife...I didn't realise it was like an airport!) boarding the boat was the beginning of  the next stage of the adventure! Finding our cabins, finding our way around all the levels and facilities and finding each other along the way have kept everyone busy for the last few hours.

Only 1 hour to go until 'curfew' and already many students are heading off to their cabins.....

Itinerary 2013

Day 1: Friday 9th August Arrive at school by 7:15am Load up the bus Depart Wagga Wagga at 8:00am Travel to Melbourne - Lunch on the way (packed) Tea in Melbourne - Ella 6-7pm Board the Spirit of Tasmania Sleep on Spirit of Tasmania
Day 2:  Saturday 10th August 7am Arrive in Devonport Breakfast at Devonport Pick up groceries Travel to Cradle Mountain Mini Bus to Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain BBQ Lunch  at Cradle Information Centre (Hot dogs) Travel to Sheffield Tour Sheffield Travel to Poatina Sleep at Poatina Chalet
Day 3:  Sunday 11th August Year 9 Service Day at Poatina Sleep at Poatina Chalet
Day 4:  Monday 12th August Poatina service morning Lunch at Poatina (Packed) Travel to Bonorong Wildlife Park – Book Tassie Devil feeding (approx. 3pm) Travel to Dodges Ferry Sleep at Blue Lagoon Christian Camp & Conference

Day 5:  Tuesday 13th August 9:00am Tour Richmond - Oldest bridge & Catholic Church, Walk around, shops 10:00am Travel to Wooden Boat Centre, Franklin Lunch - Bakery 1:00pm – Tahune Airwalk and Eagle HangGliding Travel to Dodges Ferry Sleep at Blue Lagoon Christian Camp & Conference
Day 6:  Wednesday 14th August Tasman Island Cruises (3 hour eco tour) Lunch (Packed) Tour of Port Arthur Travel back to Dodges Ferry Sleep at Blue Lagoon Christian Camp & Conference
Day 7:  Thursday 15th August Depart Dodges Ferry Tour Ross Walk round Cataract Gorge. Lunch (Packed) 41 Degrees South Fish Farm Tour Travel to Devonport Tea at Devonport – RSL club Board Spirit of Tasmania  6:00pm Sleep on Spirit of Tasmania
Day 8:  Friday 16th August Breakfast in Melbourne (maccas) Travel to Wagga Wagga Lunch on the way.  Red Rooster Albury 2:30 Arrive in Wagga Wagga Sleep in own bed

Tasmania...here we come!

Thank you Mr G for the introduction.... and yes I have finally made it to the computer to begin the story of 'Tasmania 2013', after packing, and re-packing, and throwing in a few more warm clothes into my bag this evening!

Just in case you thought the weather might be a little mild down south, God has 'blessed' us with a 'taste of what is to come'! The weather today and tonight has certainly made packing for our trip a little easier, as there is no debate about whether the 'winter woolies' are going in! I hope you have all packed yours...and don't forget your toothbrush!