Montessori learners spoilt for fun in 2018
Every year at Knysna Montessori School involves trips and outings for each environment in the school. This year, two of the many enjoyable expeditions involved the Grade 9 Wild Coast tour, and the Orange River trip for Grades 9 to 11.
To celebrate the successful completion of the middle school phase and further the bonding that has developed between them over the time, this year's Grade 9s chose to spend travelling up the Wild Coast, accompanied by Antony Campbell and Max Campbell, arriving on their first day at Morgan’s Bay, where they set up camp. Over the next two days, Kei River Mouth offered some excellent surfing, hiking, watching dolphins and swimming in a magnificent tidal pool. On the third day they moved on to Coffee Bay where they spent another two days camping, taking in the sights and sounds of the Wild Coast, hiking, exploring amazing clifftops, watching dolphins, snorkelling, surfing, making friends with local people (and donkeys!) and listening to a drum circle while feasting on evening potjie. The last night was spent in Cintsa where they surfed and boogie boarded, played beach cricket and went for a sunset drive. An evening of friendship and feasting under the stars followed, before they returned home, tired and happy, the following day.
Another unforgettable trip
In late August, another unforgettable trip took place, this time for the Grade 9, 10 and 11 learners, who were offered the adventure of a lifetime – a three-day excursion paddling about 90km along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Orange River, from Hopetown to De Kalk towards Douglas in the Northern Cape. The outing was once more organised and supervised by Antony Campbell and Max Campbell, both qualified White Water river guides.
The group arrived in Hopetown at midnight, camped at the river and at first light, packed everything needed for the next three days into waterproof containers to accompany them on their kayaks.
Within the first hour of their journey they hit the first big rapids, the S-bend. Most of them were forced to swim in the freezing water but managed well and paddled another 10km before stopping to enjoy lunch on the warm river banks. The trip continued through an area teeming with wildlife and spectacular scenery, and the first designated campsite was reached in the late afternoon.
Hell’s Gate in the way
Back on the river the second day, the monstrous rapid Hubbly Bubbly had to be conquered and Hell’s Gate negotiated, alongside many small rapids. The camp destination was reached at about 17:00 and the thoroughly jubilant paddlers built a huge campfire and enjoyed their second magnificent evening under the stars.
They continued their final day of the adventure on a flatter stretch of river and their exhilaration and newfound confidence led to experimental cliff jumping and boat acrobatics. One final evening under the stars included a much-needed bath in the river, and another enjoyable campfire evening, before leaving for home the next morning. Both trips made for memories to last a lifetime, and helped all those involved to remember that the positive is an avenue to always be explored.
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