Weathering Another Storm

The Bush Ranger Cadets have found themselves another thunderstorm, this time in the south-west during our camp in the Boranup Forest.

With 56 Cadets, most of them on their first camp with the Unit, we set up in a new section of Conto's Campground.

For many it was a chance to learn the ropes about camping in the wilderness, away from civilisation.

The only facilities were some fairly spartan toilets and what we had taken with us.

Food preparation is something we take pride in at Cadets, including mouthwatering hamburgers, and a mexican feast, a full breakfast with pancakes, eggs, bacon and hash browns all lovingly prepared by the Cadets themselves.

We walked a section of the Cape to Cape Trail between Redgate Beach and Contos, cleaning marine debri from Conto's Beach and rubbish from a section of the campsite at Conto's, helping out the local DEC Ranger in preparation for the Easter rush.

The worsening weather meant swimming wasn't an option, and by nightfall on the second day there was a very big storm upon us.

There was a lot of rain, but it was the wind that was the feature of this storm, with winds of 30 knots (55 km/hour) and gusts of up to 40 knots (almost 75km/hour).

Our equipment survived, with thanks to the careful work of our Senior Cadets and the Instructors, and our Cadets all made it through the night safely for the same reason.

Many thanks to all of the Cadets who particpated, pitched in and helped out, especially to those of you who had an eventful first camp.

We must be due for some great weather soon!

Andrew the Chaplain