A magic night.....and day!

Another big day of adventure today..... first the Ocean cruise tour around Tasman Island, then the historic tour of Port Arthur this afternoon, capped off with a trivia night and talent show this evening. But, I'm racing ahead.....

 What a great way to see the rugged, pristine coastline of southern Tasmania.... from the water in a fast boat! We were warned that we would need every piece of clothing on today, as we were being exposed to the elements all day.....they were not wrong! Three hours on the southern ocean, in the winter, in an open-decked boat.  It was cold, but it was amazing! Mind you, there were more than a few anxious faces as the guides dished out Ginger travel sickness tablets to everyone at the start of the day, followed by a briefing on the 'when to' and 'how to' of sea sickness in a small boat....

Arrival/departure 'lounge' of Tasman Island

All that aside, the thrills and spills (of water into the boat and not of students out of the boat just in case you were a little unsure.....) of a big swell off a rugged headland had every one of us hanging on to our seats, especially those up the front of the boat. Lots of screams, and more screams with every bounce testified to the enjoyment level. Thankfully we were given respite at strategic points to learn much about this special part of our country. 'Cain and Dammo' the guides were walking/talking encyclopaedias as they pointed out geographical features, historical landmarks and numerous birdlife and their habitats.  We also got to see some seals and dolphins. Once again God blessed us with the absence of rain, but the freezing wind was enough to make most people huddle together at some point in the trip. There were so many highlights and stories to tell of (all the activities) today, you will just have to wait until we come home and ask the kids!

Trying to escape the cold wind!

The famous Tasman Arch

The rugged coastline of southern Tasmania

After seeing Port Arthur from the water during the boat trip this morning, we were able to spend time exploring it this afternoon. So much history, so many stories...... We've been watching the DVD "For the term of his natural life" on the bus on the long hauls between events.  This story has also given us a greater appreciation of what happened at this place, at a different time, long ago. Can't fully comprehend the severity of living conditions at this time.......

 And yet again, God's timing was perfect! It started raining just as we were getting on to the bus.......The awesome day became the magic night with the arrival of the long anticipated 'talent event'. Before we launched into the talent though, Mrs Meyer challenged us with a Trivia quiz, based on all the wisdom that Eric (the bus driver) had humorously imparted throughout the course of the trip. It came down to a tie-breaker question with group A winning and being rewarded with souvenir key rings from the Tahune Air Walk! (thanks Mrs Meyer).  

Some students had been stressing over the course of the trip as to what they could contribute to the talent event. But by the time the event came around, all was good, and a fantastic and varied 'set' eventuated. From the 'magical' showmanship of Ezra (a future star on Australia's Got Talent I'm sure!) to the musical talent of Nick and Nelson, and of Olivia and 'The Girls' and 'The Boys in the jungle', to the comedy of Will, and drama of Silas and friends and of Florence and Oliva. With engaging story telling by Mitchell, displays of creativity from Amelia and Samantha, a Silent Stance by Liam, and finally, a unique Tassie song by Mr G and Mr B. What talent there is in Year 9! In fact, throughout the whole trip we have enjoyed the singing and musical interludes to break the 'silence' of the bus! (what silence was that?)

Not much time for 'outings' in the games room tonight, as the BIG pack up needed to happen in preparation for the boat trip home :(