With the amazing support of the Dick & Pip Smith Leadership Through Adventure Fund, and two years of preparation, the 1st Ballan youth were more than ready to travel to Tasmania and walk the Overland Track.
Before they even boarded the plane the youth had successfully obtained funding, completed a Remote Area 1st Aid Course, enjoyed many day walks, completed six Australian Scout Award Adventurous Journeys and two Venturer Peak Award Adventurous Journeys, experienced a World Jamboree in South Korea, visited Kandersteg in Switzerland as part of their Centenary celebrations, survived Venture24, achieved multiple Gold Awards at Scout Hike and Stradbroke Cup, written an Expedition Booklet as well as implemented a parent presentation night on gear, nutrition, 1st Aid, track conditions, weather, navigation, itinerary, accommodation & roles and completed the paperwork required by Scouts Vic & Scouts Tassie to travel interstate. With no stone left unturned, our youth were ready for the challenge before them ... this is their Cradle Mountain Expedition.
1st Ballan Venturers - Dick & Pip Smith Leadership Through Adventure Fund Application
1st Ballan Cradle Mountain Overland Track Handbook
Arriving early at Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne everyone was excited, after years of preparations the Expedition was finally here. With bags checked in and security checks complete, everyone enjoyed the opportunity for some down time in the airport to stretch legs, enjoy a drink and say good-bye to parents before boarding our flight to Launceston.
After a very smooth and easy flight, while waiting for our luggage to appear we discovered another group of youth also heading onto the Overland Track - a school group heading towards the National Park directly from the airport. With all luggage accounted for we loaded the trailers and enjoyed a bus ride into Launceston and our accommodation - the 1st Tamar Sea Scout Hall. Located at Home Point on the junction of the River Tamar & North Esk River, we were not disappointed with our Scout Hall accommodation. Even on a dull and wet day, the beauty & tranquillity of the location was impressive and as we settled into the Scout Hall we were amazed at the support and generosity offered by the 1st Tamar Sea Scout Group Leader including fuel, gear and an emergency inReach Device which we hired from the Scout Group.
Set up and ready, it was time to disappear into Launceston to complete our final preparations - food, wet weather gear & gaiter hire - as well as enjoying an afternoon exploring & discovering the city of Launceston.
