SAC School

DAY 7 - ONE WEEK DOWN:

Group 3 - Three days hiking from Waterval passed the Stegmanns and Kommetjieshoek to Olivewoods:
The day began, not with rising on the side of a mountain, but in Cradock Spa waiting for a trailer. With great dread we heard, saw and felt the start of the rain that was to be the dominant feature of the day. Having been dropped down the hill at Waterval, we started walking in slight mizzle that strengthened to a fairly steady drip. The walk down the Tarka pass, and to the river was shrouded in mist, but the front of the group saw klipspingers and duikers. Lunch in the rain at the river was brief before the last 7km stretch to the Stegmann's at Cambriere, in steady downpour, to be welcomed by another soft lawn, an open garage and abundant water.
The next day started with a feeling of dread- the same low cloud seemed to be rolling in when we set off. Carrying packed breakfasts prepared by Mrs Stegmann, covered in ponchos, jackets and pack covers, we become used to the feeling of being taller as a result of walking through damp clay. We were delighted to stop for breakfast in patchy sunshine, which strengthened as we walked along the side of a ridge, practiced crossing fences, and by the time we reached the Leanthal road we were properly hot. We had lunch next to a canal, and walked on to Kommetjieshoek, where a kind farmer had provided showers in the form of sprinklers in a lucerne land. We were greeted by a small herd of impala, who came back to visit in the later evening. We lay about relaxed, but a cool wind sent us to bed pretty quickly.
The following morning we woke early fearing a blazing day, breakfasted after an hour's walk, and we were very glad of the early start. Wimpie Bosch at Upper Spreeukloof kindly offered us water, and said he'd check on us in a couple of hours time- we walked far quicker than we'd anticipated, and didn't see him again. We made a new route work: the boys and girls just wanted to get to the end of hiking with packs for the Journey and the much amped hills seemed much smaller and shorter. There is nothing quite as cold as spring water after a long hard hill. The walk down to Olivewoods was hot, but we knew showers, water and fresh food (after three days of dehydrated food) awaited. Stunning stars, braaied chicken, and soft grass made for a good end of the three days.

Group 1 - Orienteering at Kamala:
We have not heard from this group other than that they thoroughly enjoyed the camp pies for supper. They begin their three day hike early tomorrow so will be out of touch until Monday evening.

Group 2 - Cycling from Cradock to Kareebosch and then on to Elandsdrift Dam:
The cycle to Karreebosch was in the words of Mr Boshoff 'like watching paint dry!" The group took over 9 hours to complete the 50 kms for the day! There were a couple of hills but it seems that preparation is the key and many of the kids had to rest often! Today was much better and the group cycled well to reach the dam before lunch. It is an awesome camping spot with lots of green grass and water. This group will complete their cycle stint tomorrow with a ride to Klipfontein.

Group 4 - Canoe from Mortimer to Cookhouse:
This group is really doing well. They had great water for their canoeing and are in high spirits. They will do community service in Somerset East tomorrow.

DAY 8 - LOTS OF ACTIVITY FOR ALL THE GROUPS:

Group 1 - Starting 3 day hike from Somerset East to Waainek:
Group 1 had a great day at Kamala yesterday and arrived in Somerset East full of the proverbial 'joys' and ready to tackle the heat and the mountains. They started hiking at about 08h00 and we will next catch up with them on Monday when they arrive at Olivewoods.

Group 2 - Last day of their 3 day Cycle:
Group 2 have had three good days of cycling. They have some tender parts after riding on the dirt roads but they are all in very good cheer and when I last saw them they were relaxing in the shade of a reservoir at Klipfontein. Tomorrow they head off to Kriegerskraal where they will be based for a few days.

Group 3 - Canoe from Drennan to Elandsdrift Dam:
Great day for Group 3... lots of water, nice rapids and plenty of fun. They have one more night at Olivewoods and some more canoeing tomorrow. They will end up at Schelmsdrift tomorrow and spend a couple of days there.

Group 4 - Community Service in Somerset East:
Group 4 are based at a really awesome camp called Die Kaia. Today they entertained a group of orphans aged between two and sixteen years old. In addition they repainted the kitchen of the home they live in. These days are always quite taxing as we try to make them as meaningful as possible and I am always pleased at the way the Grade 10's step up to the plate to help others.

News

Missing Helen
8th May 2012
"Missing Helen" will be St Andrew's College and DSG's Dance 2012 Production. Updates on the preparation and production will be posted here.

Ireland Debating Tour
4th May 2012
13 College Debaters participated in the St Andrew's Ireland Model United Nations competition in Dublin.