Web Report by Jan Moolmal (Team Wetlands)
Arriving at the Borakalalo gate on Friday afternoon, not knowing exactly what was coming our way for the weekend, was a bit stressful.
Once we were all together, we drove in convoy to a new sight, as the normal wilderness spot was under water after all the rains. And so, the weekend started, with some rain clouds in the sky, and us sleeping out in the bush.
After standing guard during the night, we awoke to a fresh breeze of anticipation, for what was to come. One by one, we took turns, leading our fellow learners on game paths, trying to share our knowledge of spoor, plants, trees, grasses and fauna with each other. Not an easy task if you haven’t done it before.
After a wonderful day in the bush, the two teams returned to camp to start preparing food for our mysterious guests, who had arrived by ‘bush invitation’. This exercise can only be classified as organised chaos, people were running all over, fires blazed, pots were being stirred and there were food stations everywhere, the prep hour ticked past so quickly.
It was then time to taste the variety of food made by the students and for the judges to deliberate. The teams all enjoyed the homemade food, and wow, what an evening it turned out to be. Wetlands triumphant, (not that I am biased or anything J) but we also need to make a special mention of Madie’s apple-crumb tart made on the fire.
Next day, after a very early meeting with the creator on the koppie, we swapped leaders and practiced some more leading of groups in the wilderness.
We left Borakalalo with much more respect for nature, and a lot more confidence, that we can complete this.
Thank you to all the Honorary Officers who made this weekend so special.
Ed’s Note: Thanks Jan for this succinct report on the Wilderness weekend. Not sure I remember the result in exactly the same order as you 🙂