More adventures....

 We have had the most amazing weather while we have been in Tassie!...thank you for all your prayers. Yesterday in Richmond, it was sunny and 19 degrees. Jacob was well and truly justified in wearing his shorts for the day, although he hedged his bets by donning his beanie....a good look! Today however, we were down in the very south east corner of Tassie so we shouldn't have been surprised to have our first experience of rain....a little bit of a shock to the system! At least the teachers and parents now don't look like liars after all our pleading and coercing to make sure thermals and wet weather were included in everyone's bags!

But.... today was our 'wet and wild' adventure day, so it would seem that it didn't matter that it was raining.... not so sure that everyone agreed with that at various points in the 3 hour trip as the rain pelted in our faces! At least we were 'geared up' for it, especially Codie with his 'already famous' kangaroo beanie from Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

The scenery was amazing! Mrs Meyer was often heard to say...."The geography teacher in me says......" The different geological formations were fascinating and the tour guides were full of interesting facts about them, the history of the area and the wildlife we could see. 

We saw several colonies of seals basking on the rocks. They were being very vocal, which apparently was very unusual for this time of the day and at this time of the year. Many of them looked liked they were posing for photos, even diving in and swimming around the boat inquisitively; again very unusual behaviour apparently.....lucky us!

The 'Pinnacles' and the 'Totem Pole' both very popular rock climbing routes!

The 'Blades' at the entrance of Port Arthur

Remnants of the once-upon-a-time access to the lighthouse on Tasman Island. In 1976 it became automated and so the lighthouse keeper and his family moved off the island.

The more adventurous in the group sat up the front where they experienced the full force of what the ocean swell had to offer, whereas others were more than happy to sit up the back! It was interesting to note who was in which group.... ? By the time we left the shelter of the mainland and headed around Tasman Island, it was time to 'batten the hatches' and 'ride out' the wind, rain and swell!! Everyone found their own way to deal with it all......

Our cruise was 'one way' which meant that we finished at Port Arthur and got to see the historic site from the water. This gave us a different perspective on what we saw later when we visited it after lunch. We cruised right past 'The Isle of the Dead' and 'Point Puer', both significant landmarks in the history of the area and in the story 'For The Term of His Natural Life'. 

It was another very full day, and being out in the elements meant that there were more than a couple of sleeping bodies on the way back to camp! These 'naps' must have been rejuvenating, because everyone came alive again to make the most of the games areas before dinner....

After dinner it was 'The Talent Time'. It constantly amazes me the depth of courage, confidence and talent our young people have! From singing, musical items, poetry, recitations, humour, gymnastics, Yo-yo tricks and even Rubics cube tricks. Codie summed up the effect of the 'Spirit of Tasmania' amongst the year group, reciting a speech he had prepared on the strengths of the group's dynamics and how time together, while often challenging, had been a real time of bonding for many. 

Rehearsing....

A period drama....

Moonlight Sonata by Chloe

Ben's amazing antics with a Yo-yo

Mrs Jobson wrote a (dramatic) poem, in which she thanked everyone for lots of different aspects of our time together. And of course, Talent Time wouldn't be complete without the customary Tassie song written and performed by Mr G! 

[I will add a video of this to the blog when I can access it, so..... stay tuned!] 

I loved the way we were all surprised by those in the group, who although we wouldn't have necessarily expected them to, shared some of their amazing talent with us....