From March 2 to 8, 50 Grade 9 students from SLC embarked on their first expedition for the year, consisting of 3 and a half days of hiking.
This started at Sekororo and, following in the footsteps of Louis Trichardt in 1838, finished in Penge.
This was the path that took Louis Trichardt eight months to clear, travelling on the back of an ox wagon, through some of the most beautiful countryside.
The weather on trek was hot throughout and this tested the tenacity of the group, but they took the challenge by the scruff of the neck and did very well!
At Penge they briefly touched civilization again in terms of some essential shopping at the local spaza!
Suitably fortified, the group geared up for their eventful rafting experience on the Olifants River, which had very low water levels this year.
This meant we had to do a short commute to start at a point on the Steelpoort River.
Seven of the students opted to kayak the river section, which showed great courage.
After a quick paddle of 15km the group displayed amazing tenacity and made it to camp one – just before dark!
The group had to hone their problem solving skills on day two on the river to get rid of the miggies and to work on their sunscreen application skills!
On the last day they faced testing rapids like ‘Rent-o-Kill’, ‘Double Trouble’, ‘Simple Simon’, ’Longdrop’ and ‘Rollercoaster’, feeling the full force of nature.
A truly awesome experience none of them will forget, with many memories made along the way.
