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FISH RIVER JOURNEY 2011 REPORT BACK:
The 2011 John Jones Fish River Journey ended in glorious sunshine at the Mouth on Sunday. This is the biggest group of Grade 10s to go through this adventure since its inception. There were 5 groups that ventured from the Nardousberg near Graaff-Reinett to the Mouth some 600km later. The programme of hiking, rafting, cycling, running, community service, activities, was crammed into a very complicated plan that seemed to be a logistical nightmare. It is largely through the efforts of the logistics team led by Mr Tim Barnard, that things went so incredibly smoothly without significant hitches to the programme. It has been many years in the making, that we now have each group doing their very own Journey and only meeting at the mouth.
Although the Journey is planned from the source to the mouth of the Fish River, the end is certainly not the ultimate goal. It is called 'the Journey', not 'the Destination". It is along the way that the real growth and change occurs, and by and large, the Grade 10s of 2011 have done just that. This year, we had more rain than in the past, but there was a great mix of wind, heat, and cold to challenge them in many ways. The experiences en route will hopefully have had a positive influence on all those who took this once off opportunity and made the most of it. The hills weren't higher, the rides weren't longer, it wasn't hotter - but the way these challenges were met is a highlight of this year's Journey.
Definitely, the influence of some very enthusiastic and dedicated staff has made this one of the better Journeys to date. The group leaders in particular, really engaged with their groups and enhanced the spirit and energy observed along the way. To all those who doubted themselves, or underestimated their abilities, this is hopefully a wake-up call to what they can achieve through positive thinking, co-operation, and effort. The world is now at your feet. I challenge you to continue, in some way to change your lifestyle to include exercise, the great outdoors, and an appreciation of the simple things like food, water, shelter, electricity (and those wretched electronic devices!). Continue to bear in mind those less fortunate than ourselves when we expect instant gratification for our thirst, hunger etc.
There are too many staff to thank personally in this report. And it is very difficult to express gratitude when they have gone beyond what is expected. My sincere appreciation to Mr Barnard, Mr Alcock and their team; the group leaders; the drivers; Francois du Preez and his team of medics; and Mr Crosby Duda, the magical mechanic; Ms Potgieter and the Community Engagement team; and of course the 'home' team who made it possible for these staff to be away for 18 days.
I think the College motto was truly taken to heart (even by the DSG girls). Difficulties certainly didn't dismay anyone.
Deon Boshoff
