FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

checkpoints with ease. After going down the massive hills we had walked up the day before, we were cruising. After a certain point, we were told that we could continue at our own pace until school. I linked up with a “running club” in which we walked/ ran back to school. At this stage nothing could slow us down as we could see the school fields and the dam. We sprinted the last bit and were extremely pleased to find our bags waiting for us. I jumped straight into a shower and got ready to greet my parents. The camp was over, many memories had been made and friendships strengthened. This was an experience like no other. D BLOCK TRIP TO PONDOLAND n September our D Block boys embarked on the highly anticipated annual cultural immersion excursion to Pondoland, nestled along South Africa’s Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape. This journey is a cornerstone of our outdoor curriculum, offering boys an unparalleled opportunity to experience the Mpondo people. The five-day excursion is more than just an adventure; it’s a chance to step into a world of serene simplicity while grappling with the complex ecological and societal challenges that Pondoland faces within the broader context of South Africa. Departing in the early hours of Saturday morning, 14 September, the boys boarded buses for an eight-hour journey through rural KwaZulu-Natal and into the Eastern Cape. Their destination: one of the most pristine and untouched stretches of South Africa’s coastline. The first night was spent setting up camp at Msikaba, where excitement and camaraderie began to build. The following day, the boys were divided into six groups, each exploring approximately 15km of coastline along either the northern or southern sections of the Pondoland experience. This journey combined rugged camping with homestays among Mpondo families, providing an authentic glimpse into a way of life vastly different from the boys' own. Immersed in the local culture, the boys learned about Mpondo history, traditions, geological wonders, and the daily struggles faced by the community. The excursion was packed with activities that tested endurance, encouraged teamwork, and fostered deep connections with the natural world. The boys hiked along beaches, trekked through valleys, canoed on tranquil estuaries, swam in the sea and rivers, and leapt off waterfalls into crystal-clear pools. Beyond these physical challenges, they engaged with the cultural fabric of Pondoland, participating in traditional dances, storytelling, beer and bread making, weaving of mats and baskets, stick fighting, and even cattle herding. This multifaceted experience allowed our boys to develop a deeper appreciation for the intersection of culture and environment. They were given a unique lens through which to view the richness of the Mpondo way of life while contemplating the broader implications of ecological conservation and societal resilience. The experience culminated on the final night with a shared bonfire on Msikaba Beach. Here, under a starlit sky, the boys reflected on the beauty of Pondoland, the generosity of its people, and the lessons they had learned. This final indaba was a time for introspection, encouraging the boys to consider their

personal impact on the world and the values they wish to carry forward. The Pondoland excursion remains a transformative experience for all who participate. For the boys of D Block in 2024, it was a journey of growth, gratitude, and newfound awareness – one that will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.

C BLOCK JOURNEY

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nce again the C Block Journey proved to be a transformative experience for the boys. Over the course of 13 days during September, they completed approximately 150km of cycling, 80km of hiking, 50km of paddling and 40 hours of solitude. During Journey the boys are challenged physically, mentally, socially and spiritually, and each boy experiences personal growth through the way he faces these challenges individually and as part of his group. The boys learn so much about themselves and each other, and realise that they are more capable than they ever imagined. Highlights of the experience vary from boy to boy and between the groups, but just a few of the experiences that stood out included: summiting the Drakensberg mountains; swims after long, hot and windy cycling days; chilled days paddling on the Tugela River; delicious chicken potjies cooked on an open fire; and a fry-up breakfast after 40 hours of solitude. Each group was ably led by an experienced leader with a team of supporting adults. We are grateful to Mr Ryan Strudwick, Mr Garth Quaite, Mr Grant von Mayer, Mr James Fleming and their teams for their contribution in making this another successful Journey experience. We are also immensely grateful to the many landowners, whose property we traverse or camp on, for their hospitality and support. The C Block boys returned with a wealth of experiences and stories, and new friendships that are likely to last long beyond their years at Michaelhouse. e had an overwhelming interest in the Inhlosane hike this year, with 211 boys volunteering and setting off at midnight on 15 May to summit. It was wonderful to see the perseverance and determination of the boys, especially the front group, who pushed through to be able to summit in time for sunrise. We are pleased to mention that a total of 188 boys managed to complete the full hike and successfully signed our Inhlosane book, which we hope to make a tradition for years to come. Four brave staff members managed to complete the entire 56km hike, while up to ten other staff walked at least half in support. Hiking the Inhlosane peak is an important part of our outdoor-education syllabus and this event ran smoothly. We have introduced a new tradition which the boys really enjoyed: the signing of a book on completion of the hike as a record of their achievement. The book will be kept in the Heritage Centre for all to inspect in future years. W ONE-DAY INHLOSANE HIKE

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