Homeward bound

Here are a collection of photos taken this morning as we prepared to pack up and leave after our wonderful 9 day adventure.
We were treated to prego rolls, coke and chips for an early lunch before setting course for home

Doing the rounds

Here are some photos from my morning on my way to deliver a 'sarmie box' and fruit to Group 2 at Renckens dairy. In the bakkie on dusty roads... fun!

Day 8: Emseni Camp: Group 3

At about 10.30 this morning Group 3 came strolling past us on their way to their campsite on the river terrace. It was good to see them looking so well and happy.
They have decided to go minimal and have left their tents with us. They will be sleeping under the stars tonight.
But before that they will be having great fun playing on the water shoot into the river. (I will try and get photos. )

Day 8: Last full day

Hard to believe but here it is already, the last full day of the Grade 9 Journey.
A picture here is of last night's beautiful sunset.
Also some photos sent to me by Group 1 on their walk to, and then on top of Spioenkop. It is very hot and dry today so I'm sure they'll welcome the hospitality at the muzi.

Day 7: Group 3: Spioenkop to the kraal

Some pictures sent to us from Group 3 at the muzi and two blog posts sent to me by them, one from the weekend and one from today (Monday):

Dear Mum I saw a car driving into camp today and I thought it was you.
Dear Dad we had a braai and it was really missing your special touch.
Dear Mum the good news is that we have a flush toilet, but it took me twenty minutes to sit on the toilet full of spiders.
Dear Mum the food we have in packets is definitely not as good as your food.
Dear Dad I think I've become expert at putting our house up (the tent).

Dear Mum today we walked a really long way. It was extremely hot but beautiful. We made a new friend at the kraal who showed us how to drive his one wheeled car. We saw some rhino on our 12km walk on our way up Spioenkop...

Day 7: Group 2's paddle

Here are some pictures from Group 2's paddling day; river swimming, soggy feet and Miss Taylor rationing out the much longed for dry wors.

Solo day: all quiet

On Sunday the girls were all on their own,  enjoying some solo contemplative time. An opportunity to dream, ponder and perhaps just sleep!

Here is a post I received from our 'in field' bloggers, Group 3:
We danced on the spot. We slept. We drew. We wrote, and oh the time passed so slowly until the whistle set us free to talk and swim and talk and eat and talk.

On Monday their journey got going again;  Group 1 will be biking,  Group 2 will be paddling,  Group 3 will be hiking up Spioenkop and Group 4 will be walking to Umthole ready to paddle today (Tuesday).

The Power Puff Girls

So named by Mrs Christine Stiebel because we can rise to any challenge but are soft and kind enough to look after girls in need of TLC.
Left to right: Mrs Marilyn Pattendon, Sister Kathy Timm and mum Tracey Joubert. I will post a picture of Mrs Stiebel soon.

Quote of the day

"Will my sock tan wash off before the holidays" source on Journey unknown ;-)

Day 4: Group 4 at the muzi

After an eventful walk up to Spioenkop, sighting approximately 6 rhino along the way, Group 4 reached the muzi for an evening of traditional Zulu hospitality.

Day 4: Group 2 at Emseni

Group 2 were the first to come into the camp on the river terrace at Emseni. They had an easy walk from the muzi and so as you can see much washing and loafing was done.
We all catch up with them again on Monday when they will be paddling.

From the Survivors

Here is an update I received from the Survivors:
Day 3: after a slow start out of camp, we set off through the mud to embark on our journey through the pass and saddle. After a steep climb we sat down to enjoy a feast at the top of the climb. Written by Sam :-)

A letter to mum

From Group 3:
Dear Mum I face-planted in the mud, the pack was a wee bit too heavy so I just stayed there. Dear Mum I slept on a water bed last night. Dear Mum I flushed the loo with sand. Dear Mum I stole a puppy and I'm bringing it home. Dear Mum I'm not marrying a dairy farmer - beef all the way. Love your little Angel on Group 3 xxx

Day 3: Group 1's river fun

Scuse the landscape view pics! Still trying to figure out how to turn them around.
Some shots from their day on the water.

Day 3: A message from Group 3

The Survivors epic day on the water with a few diving over board on the rapids. Good weather. Jamie and Paige - good advertising for sun tan lotion! Essential supplies eaten by marauding mules - they even ate the lighter. On the dusty road after a good milking.

Day 2: A chance meeting

While driving back to our base, we chanced upon Group 1 on their 14km walk. They were all in fine spirits and getting used to the weight of their packs and rub of their shoes. We left them with a few extra treats and snacks.