Challenges

While others were sitting back on Easter Monday, tucking into chocolate eggs, a boisterous band of hikers gathered at Megalong Valley for a full day hiking experience. The aim was to test their readiness for the ascent of Mt Meru in Tanzania in several months time, spending some time in the magnificent bushland of the Blue Mountains.

The day was magic, with a combination of cool breezes, some strong sunshine and a few “sunshowers” as the day went on. It began with excited chatter, continued with lots of fun and friendship, and ended with triumphant cheers when the hardy finished their hike  in the late late afternoon.

Challenges during the day included hiking with a sometimes-heavy pack, talking and walking at the same time, (though not a trouble for some… insert name here, e.g. Tess, Amelia or Brianna), and crossing a lengthy suspension bridge over the Cox’s River.  The bridge is a 90-metre long, one-person-wide swing bridge that shudders with each step high above the river rocks – just ask Katie, Marissa or Jessica.

Lunch by the Cox’s River was a great time to relax and explore – time to soak your feet, or yourself (Georgia, Jessica, Ned and Nathan tried that). All the time, Zac bounded around tirelessly, a photographer/hiker looking for opportunities, as Nathan egged him on.

The final challenge was met in the late afternoon, struggling in thunderous/rainy conditions – the last 2 kilometres up to the Explorer’s Tree. There, parents and families were anxiously awaiting, as the light faded and the thunderous rain continued. Slippery conditions and tricky steps challenged even the most surefooted adventurers; then one by one they appeared from the bushland – wet and weary but with triumphant gleams in their eyes – particularly as Tess and Katie lead the way.

Most were wet (Edmund appeared soaked to the bone, but grinning from ear to ear). Some were muddy. Many were fighting off leeches (screaming as they located yet another one!). Some had challenges yet to be met. All were gleaming with a sense of having met their personal challenges – perhaps surprising even themselves! Finally, Caitlin, Emily and Annie brought up the rear with Mr L and Mrs B, all glowing with success, but greatly relieved to have made the distance. And all had a new admiration and thankfulness for the teachers who planned and lead the challenge so well – Mr L and Mrs B. 

Now bring on Mt Meru!

If you were on the hike, leave a comment on your experience. What was the significance of the day for you?