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Dukes Silver Practice Expedition

Tuesday, 13/08/2019 Posted by: Marketing

Bribie Island — July 26-28, 2019

Thirteen Silver Award participants set off on a three-day Silver Practice Expedition on Bribie Island beginning on Friday July 26. The first day was a hike into Poverty Point Campground which is on the western side of the island on Pumistone Passage. On the way students took a planned detour to investigate Gallagher Point. From here a ‘short cut’ along the foreshore to Poverty Point turned out to be quite an adventure.  What started out as a stroll along the beach on a rising low tide quickly turned to negotiating tidal mud and creek crossing along mangrove swamps. The mud at times was deeper than the water and so some resorted to crawling along to keep from sinking into the mud.

At Poverty Point there were great views and reflections and a spectacular sunset over the sea to the Glass House Mountains. Kangaroos grazed the foreshore around the camp while we enjoyed a warm campfire.

D of E students at campfire

The next day was a long hike across the Island moving beside the inland swamp and through both native and pine forest stands. Again, it was another beautiful warm sunny day as we reached the surf side at Ocean Beach, our second night. After a warm campfire and stroll along the beach under a clear starry night we were being lulled into sleep by the relaxing sounds of the surf.

On the last day it was an early start and big hike out along the western surf side. Fortunately, the tide fell during the day and only started to rise in the early afternoon, enabling us to walk on the compact, hard sand. It was another beautiful sunny day with a nice breeze.

Students walking down the beach

Students used map and compass and latitude and longitude from the GPS to pinpoint their location. This was an excellent trip to prepare them for their qualifying expedition which will be on Moreton Island. The top end of Bribie Island is such a beautiful place and not as well-known as it can only be accessed by foot or 4WD.

Congratulations to the participates for completing the challenge!

Thank you to our volunteers, Miss Jasmine Bullock and Mr Clayton Forbes, Mr Darryl Hobson and Mr Colin Wilson.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is open to all students who are 14 or over. It aims to provide a challenging and fun environment where students learn to become more independent and learn new skills. For more information go to http://dukes.northpine.qld.edu.au

Students walking down the beach Students at the beach Students standing on the beach Students standing on the beach