Thirteen hardy Year 10 boys set out on a cold and wet Saturday morning for their qualifying expedition for the bronze level of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award.  

It wasn’t the best start with two of the three groups missing a turning within ten minutes of setting out and heading back towards Dunedin on the Swampy Summit track. Fortunately their map reading skills helped them discover their error quickly and got them back on track with just an extra half kilometre covered. The day was cool with intermittent drizzle and not the best of views from the highest point in the Silverpeaks before the steep drop down to our campsite near Jubilee Hut.

An efficient start on day two and fine weather meant that we were able to relax for lunch on the rock outcrop known as The Gap. We were lucky to be able to share the fantastic views with a NZ falcon. The descent of Yellow Ridge was very quickly followed by the steep and muddy drop to the South Waikouaiti River, the even steeper climb up to Mountain Road and 4 kilometres back to the waiting van.

It was another very successful expedition with all of the boys impressing with their level of fitness and group work. Already plans are being made for suitable Silver level expeditions.