1978 School Magazine

COOLOOLA TRIP '78

This year, after a noticeable drought of school tours, a trip to the Cooloola National Park was proposed, ably led by Mr. and Mrs. Johnston and Mr. Stamford. The first day was definitely not encouraging; rain made both our spirits and the campsite damp. We did, however, get a glimpse of things to come; some practise canoeing (and falling in!) and the typical soccer match which became a daily institution - Mr. Johnston either commandeered the ball, or kicked everyone out oJ the way to get it. Sunday, however, dawned sunny and pleasant and the camp started on some serious canoeing, etc. Birdwal ching, canoe-tipping and general hijinks were features of all the trips made on the river. Being practised, experienced canoeists by Monday, we set off on a2 day trip, spending the night camped on the beach. lt was heavy going f or all crossing Lake Cootharaba, especially for Ruth and Ham who were unable to employ their usual navigation technique"(bank- hugging) as the banks were too far apart. That night we all crashed, particularly Mr. Johnston who had raided the Smarties. A few were fortunate enough to witness both the sun and the moon rise over the sea. Tuesday was bascially Monday in reverse; travelling from beach back to campsite, although a couple of notorious canoes hitch-hiked back with some better powered craft. Needless to say, those involved were ex- tremely unpopular that night! Wednesday was our rest day. Mr. Stamford, with his usual wit and sense of the absurd, decided that the Cooloola Sand Patch, recently featured in newspaper articles, was worth a visit, and it should be an easy half- day exercise. Very funny; the students are still trying to decide whether this unique, natural phenonema was worth the indescribable pain and torture, Keria almost being lost to the swamp (well, had she not returned, the decision would have been a unanimous 'YES!') and un- told damage to hiking boots and socks. Thursday really was a rest day; games were organised by the leaders to entertain us while at the same time, rest our weary limbs. These included orienteering, firemans-lift relay,and a scavanger hunt. Our last full day was probably the most dangerous; canoes were tipped without mercy, pirates terrorised the weak and helpless and canoes fled in all directions, the crew flailing wildly. Each day was ended with a campfire where new talent was discovered, bad talent's enthusiasm was damped, the daily log was read, people fell asleep and others made fools of themselves. Strangely enough, even with seven nights of this, we rarely tired of the antics. Despite what must be obvious doubts of yours, this trip was not all fun; much was learnt about the various aspects of the ecology, geography etc. of Cooloola and for this we give a heart felt thanks to the leaders we put up with for a week.

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P.G.W,