Last week the Year 12 Outdoor Education class finally got to complete some of the practical assessments to complement their theory work they have been doing this year. This trip had been postponed three times due to poor weather and school commitments and it was great to finally get out into the bush and go camping. 

The first day was checking the school trap line out on the Cascade track in the Kaimanawa Forest Park. eight large rats and two mice was the tally of the day. Then it was down to the Desert Road for a night camping before heading to Waihohunu hut to practice navigation techniques. The weather was less than kind to us on this day and it was great to have a warm hut to have lunch in and have a couple of games of P's and A's. 

That night the weather really packed it in and we had to adjust plans to complete our river crossing assessments in the morning. Then it was a hot pie in Turangi and home with a whole lot of wet gear. 

Thanks to Mr Howe and Mrs Harrington for their excellent humour and teaching during the trip. 

Cheers,
Mr H.

'There once was an Outdoor Ed camp,
who went out in the fog on a tramp,
they were covered in rain,
and their feet were in pain,
and now all of their dinners are damp'

Skye Barbour, Yr 12 Outdoor Ed participant