1979 School Magazine

FRASER ISLAND TRIP 1979 On Friday the 24th August, while the rest of Brisbane was quietly slumbering or otherwise, 21 girls and 3 brave teachers (Mr.Nicolosi, Mrs. Lathouras and Miss McAdam) crammed into a bus and headed for Rainbow Beach to begin a lightweighl (???) camping trip on Fraser lsland. We were met by our back-up truck and were driven (scratched, bumped and bruised) into Central Station where we camped for the first three days. During these three days, we managed to get almost lost once, proper- ly lost once and still see Lake MacKenzie and Lake Birra- been. Apart from sore feet, some suffered sleepless nights - yes folks, we were graciously blessed wilh the sleeper's greatesl enemy other than the mosquito - the Snorer!! On Monday, our back-up truck drove us to Lake Wabby, the lsland's deepest fresh-water lake and dumped us, packs and all, in the middle of nowhere. But fired with determination to reach the beach, we proceeded to struggle up the sand dunes. lt was here that Keria L. decided that her poor dear beloved mother was a lost cause and decided to leave her to R.l.p. in the sand. lf it wasn't for a few more tender hearted sufferers, well . . . After slushing through swamp (where Keria once again featured and displayed the magnificent talent which won her the Swamp Swimmers Award at Cooloola last year), we reached the beach ! We were driven to our second camp site, White's Creek, by our trusty back-up truck. Tuesday was lnteresting to say the least. There we were, innocently packing our packs, when down came the rain and suddenly, what had been an attractive group of girls, turned into a mob of bedraggled camels. And here I feel that an explana- tion is necessary for you might well ponder as to how this phenomenon occurred. Firstly, imagine a pack on one,s back, secondly, cover this pack with a big green garbo bag (courtesy of Woolies or Target), thirdly, cover the girl with a garbo bag, huddle her over, and what has one created - a Garbo-Camel! And in true bedouin style, we straggled up the beach. Eventually, someone took pity on us and the sun obliged by blazing down on our tired Iittle frames. When we finai- ly reached our lunch-spot, Eli Creek, most slumped ex- hausted into the sand while the remainder refreshed themselves "surfing the rapids" of Eli Creek. This walk- ing experience obviously daunted even our fearless leaders so that for the remainder of the week, we became good buddies with our truck driver, Mr. Greensil (i.e. no more endurance tests). lncidentally, we were also accompanies by a roving free-lance photographer and journalist who has immortalised us on film in such stunning poses as setting up our tents, cooking our Vestas and digging our holes. For the remainder of the week, we journeyed up the beach, camping, fishing (or in Mr. Nick's case, trying to, and in Julie's and Carey's case, succeeding), swimming - in the freshwater creeks - our stunning bronzed figures seemed to attract the entire e'id shark popula- tion to Fraser - and sunbaking. Life was a blissfully relaxing round of visiting beautiful spots like the Maheno Wreck, lndian Head, the Champagne Rock pools, the National Park Reserve and The Cathedrals, soaking up the sun, singing around the camp fire, and sleeping out on the beach under the stars.

Of course, there were inevitable mishaps. Numerous members of our party suffered burnt fingers (take note, never try lo rescue a toasted marshmallow as it slides gracefully off it's stick onto the ground), and most felt the effects of too much sun and not enough moisturiser. And our "toilet" did take some getting used to. Modesty was forgotton as cries of "Can I borrow your spade?", "Who's pinched our loo paper?" and tunes like "Rain- drops Keep Falling On The Sand" and "Yellow River" re- sounded through the camp. And here I feel that Mr. Nick's Female Survival Policy deserves a mention - ignore them, keep quiet, and hopefully they will forget your very existence. Above all, don't publicise bath- times! (Have you ever tried taking a bath with 23 females peering and gawking at you?) Anyway, we all had a great time on Fraser lsland and special thanks must go to Mr. Nick, Mrs. Lathouras, and Miss McAdam who managed to survive 9 days in our delightful company. lt was good to come home, but I know that for many years to come, we will all have memories of a beautiful island and a fantastic holiday.

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