Soaked at Somerset: Year 9 Bronze Duke of Ed Hike

On Monday the 16th of September, Year 9 departed from the familiar grounds of Fort Street High School at 7 am to go on our Bronze Duke of Ed expedition, oblivious we would face over the next four days. Despite the predicted rainy forecast, spirits were high and after a long bus ride, we arrived at Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre. Getting into our groups, we were greeted by our friendly group leaders who prepared us for the challenging journey. Groups participated in activities such as archery and obstacle courses. The first day was straightforward with an enjoyable and somewhat tiring hike to the camping grounds. Upon setting up our tents for the night, our worst fears came to pass: rain. The rain poured the whole night but we tried to make the most out of the situation and get whatever sleep we could.

The next day we awoke to the now familiar sound of rainfall and packed our soaked tents and had breakfast. Then we were ready and excited to hike for 11.9km in the rain and cold. I mean, who wouldn’t be? After what can barely be called groupwork and some confusing route planning the groups trekked up to the first big hill of the day. Hiking in rain proved to be difficult and the strenuous walk was exacerbated by some very moist socks. During the walk, it was discovered that a group had actually been separated. Blame on slow walkers and possible truancy circulated, but luckily leaders from our groups switched to detective mode as they began piecing together where the lost students could have gone. Luckily they were found wandering aimlessly much like the rest of us.

Upon arriving at base camp, we were greeted with warm showers and hot chocolate. It was a much-needed respite and warmth from the journey. Morale was low at this point but the support from our friends and peers helped us carry on. Despite being forecasted to be warmer and less rainy on the third day, the weather was just as terrible. While preparing for the next hike we were informed on an unexpected but relieving change of plans. The camp would be shortened because of the weather and we would be sent home on that day. If it weren’t for that fateful outcome I doubt we would’ve survived the rest of the journey, let alone complete the hike. With the final hike shortened by about 7km, the groups found the motivation to finish the hike and get back to base camp. There was some doubt on the validity of the statement, people thought it to be too good to be true, but the groups used what vestiges of energy we had left in the hope it would be enough for us to return to the comfort of our homes. We all sped down the mountain, sliding down mudslides and leaping off rocks, thankfully some observant spotting from supervisors and classmates made sure no one died. Against all odds, we had prevailed. We packed up our soggy gear and in a frantic rush, piled onto the buses. The soft chairs and heaters seemed like paradise after sleeping in our sodden tents.

Duke of Edinburgh was certainly an interesting experience. We developed our communication skills and strengthened our bond as a cohort. After enough warm showers and good sleep, we will be able to look back on it and remember the bonds we made as groups. But we will mainly remember the rain. We would like to thank our year advisors, Ms Xu and Ms Schubert, and Ms Jerrems for organising both the camp and our rescue. The teachers and supervisors who gave up time with their families to keep us from dying were without a doubt supportive of us the entire journey. Ending off with a quote in true Fort Street fashion, made none-other than the surprisingly staminous Mr Gillespie, “There will be a happy ending.”

Joaquin Benavides, Veronica Kwong, Sachin Stevens, Jessica Trang, Kerine Yu