7th and 8th November 2004 in Cachoeiras de Macacu, RJ
Ros Scholes, DoE Expedition Leader
Fourteen students from Classes 7 and 8 left Rio on a very
rainy Sunday morning doubting their ability to walk in the wet
conditions. For half the students, this was their first hiking
expedition so, in addition to the rain, there was the feeling of
insecurity: “Will I be able to carry my pack all day”, and, “Will I enjoy camping?”
As in all expeditions, the route was adjusted on the day to
take into account the weather conditions that had swollen the
shallow river into a torrent so the planned river crossing was
not possible. The route was shortened to ensure that
students were challenged without going beyond their
physical limits. After 5 hours walking in the rain, the group
set up camp at a sítio. Basic skills such as what to take, how
to pack it into the rucksack, how to use an MSR benzene
stove and how to ensure that after breaking camp, students
left ‘no trace’ by picking up all litter. On the second day of
the expedition the rain held off and the group walked up
Pedra do Colégio.
Despite, or perhaps because of the conditions, the students
gained much from the experience of walking in the rain.
Sophie Chaves (7A) valued learning, “That it doesn’t matter
if you don’t keep up with the ‘fast walkers’ as long as you
don’t give up”. In other words, everyone can walk at their
own pace. Caroline Mill (8D), who got cold said, “I learned to
be prepared clothes-wise for any weather”. And Patrick
Bulus (8C) commented that, “There are some situations in
life that are more difficult than others. I learned that you
need to face the situation and proceed. Every DoE
expedition, I learn something new”. These are certainly
conclusions that are relevant to students’ lives both now and
in the future.
I would like to thank Luke Boxall, an ex-British School
student who gained his Gold DoE Award last year and who
accompanied the group, passing on valuable know-how and
enthusiasm to students new to the expeditions. Also, to Mr
John Whittlesea and Mr Dave Noon for contributing their
time, professional experience of leading trips and their
extremely good humour! Most of all, I’d like to thank the
students for the positive way in which they approached the
daunting conditions and still kept on smiling!
Crossing a stream in the rain using safety rope and harness
Expedition group with Pedra do Colégio in the background: just before the walk up
Students on the flat top of Pedra do Colégio enjoying the view
of the Baixada Fluminense and Baía de Guanabara.
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