POLOKWANE – Some 54 gr. 9 learners from Stanford Lake College (SLC) endured their first hiking expedition, which was held from February 27 to March 1.
During the hike, the learners took the same route that Voortrekker, Louis Trichardt, took in 1838. They even walked on a section of road built to get down the mountain.
According to Rona McGaffin, SLC marketer, the weather favoured the group throughout the hike, and they got to see interesting things like a big chameleon, which they found on the last day of the hike to Penge.
“In Penge, the shop was a big hit as usual where the group got to buy some ice cold drinks and anything other than camp food. This is also where the group met up with the rafts and started the rafting. They had to paddle around the sandbanks and zigzagged their way to camp, which could not come fast enough,” said McGaffin.
“The very interesting part at Camp 2 was the fact that they spotted two Samango monkeys, which is unusual, being in the middle of the bushveld.
“Day three on the water was a short day, which gave the learners time at the camp to practise some swimming techniques in fast flowing water. This was to prepare the group for the last day’s rapids that lay ahead.”
She added that the group left Boabab beach early on the last day and paddled straight into the Olifants gorge. At the end of the gorge was the first big rapid named “Rent-o-Kill”. After that the group had rapids such as double trouble, corner post, long-drop, no name rapid, simple Simon and roller coaster.
“It was once again a very successful expedition with many learning opportunities for the learners and a wonderful privilege to be out in the bush. Well done to them all for finishing this epic trek and a big thank you to every staff member who came along and helped,” added McGaffin.
