Lots More Birthday Celebrations at Limitless
We had a record breaking four birthdays this week with our most recent celebration out in the wilderness.
Community Contributions and Expedition Prep
After a great “physical health” session, the week kicked off with a truly meaningful “community service” initiative, where our students dedicated their energy to supporting the local Queensland community. They dove into various activities, including the vital work of invasive species removal, helping to protect the delicate native ecosystem. They also experienced the unique local tradition of gold panning, sifting through riverbeds with excitement, connecting with the area’s rich history. To leave a lasting legacy for future visitors, students creatively collaborated on the creation of local wildlife bingo cards, designed to enhance the experience of those staying at the campsites.
Following their hard work, students enjoyed a much-needed and well-earned rest day. They relaxed by playing lively games of football and engaging in strategic card games, enjoying the simple pleasures of downtime together. Most importantly, this day was crucial for meticulously prepping for their final and longest expedition yet! It was a huge, complex task, demanding careful planning, packing, and coordination. Yet, they all skillfully utilised the planning, organisational, and teamwork abilities they’ve learned and honed throughout their adventure. Their readiness and excitement for this ultimate challenge is a true testament to their growth!
Warbu
What an extraordinary start for Team Warbu! By Day 3 of their expedition, they had already conquered over 30km of challenging terrain, navigating their way both up and down some incredibly steep inclines. Their efforts were rewarded with a well-deserved lunch boasting breathtaking views from the summit of Mount Allan, a truly memorable moment. Demonstrating remarkable skill and careful navigation, they successfully crossed multiple rivers, with only one intrepid member experiencing the minor misfortune of a wet foot – a testament to their growing expertise!
After a challenging day, the team found respite and a deeper connection with nature at Bolomba Creek Campground. Here, all members of Warbu have not only embraced but mastered the quintessential outdoor art of rock skimming, enjoying the simple pleasures of the wild. The nights have been serenely spent sleeping next to the soothing sounds of the flowing river, a perfect soundtrack to their adventure.
Fully immersing themselves in the spirit of communal living, Team Warbu has commendably abolished the traditional cooking rota. Instead, they’ve chosen to work together as a unified team in the camp kitchen, fostering incredible collaboration. Their efforts have already produced a fan-favourite meal: a delicious carbonara, proving that gourmet doesn’t have to be sacrificed in the bush! Evenings are dedicated to reflection and planning, spent around a crackling campfire, sipping hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows, while thoughtfully discussing smart goals for the next day. These discussions focus on fostering positive mindsets and ensuring regular check-ins with every group member, reinforcing their supportive team dynamic.
Throughout their journey, a diverse range of flora and fauna has accompanied the group, adding to the richness of their Australian experience. They’ve had delightful encounters with wallabies hopping by and the cheerful calls of kookaburras. They’ve also learned valuable lessons about the wild, respectfully observing a red-bellied black snake and, more cautionary, becoming intimately aware of the notorious Gympie-Gympie tree, known for its stinging touch that leaves an itch for months!
Team Warbu’s progress is a true showcase of resilience, camaraderie, and an impressive embrace of the wild.
Bonyi
Team Bonyi have been truly immersed in the raw beauty and rugged challenges of the Queensland landscape. They’ve traversed rolling hills, navigated through diverse terrain that shifted from solid ground to tricky, squishy swamps, and trekked alongside gorgeous rivers. Even after three days without the luxury of a shower, their spirits remain incredibly high, largely thanks to their intense food-oriented focus! Finding the perfect spot for well-earned snacks and delicious meals has become a treasured highlight, offering not just sustenance but a moment of shared joy and camaraderie amidst their many adventures.
Mari
What an epic start to their expedition! Team Mari has truly embarked on an unforgettable journey, canoeing their way around the gorgeous, shimmering sites of Noosa. They skillfully paddled through the pristine waters, taking in the breathtaking natural beauty. Their adventure saw them camping first at Boreen Point, a tranquil lakeside spot, before continuing their paddle to “Habitat,” immersing themselves deeper into the Queensland wilderness.
Throughout this watery adventure, the team has shown incredible camaraderie, supporting each other through every stroke and portage. Beyond their paddling prowess, they’re swiftly becoming experts in camp cooking, transforming simple ingredients into delicious meals under the open sky. It’s a testament to their growing teamwork and adaptability!
Nguruin
Team Nguruin has truly tasted the world of elevation for the first time! They tackled some beautiful, challenging hikes, pushing their limits as they ascended and descended, experiencing the landscape from exhilarating new perspectives. Back on flatter ground, their competitive spirit shone as they enjoyed a unique game of touch rugby using a water drum, a fun and energetic way to build teamwork and laugh off the day’s exertions. Most notably, in a true embrace of expedition life, the team has finally allowed the ‘poo tube’ into their hearts, a testament to their growing comfort with outdoor realities and their commitment to Leave No Trace principles. It shows their incredible adaptability and willingness to fully immerse themselves in every aspect of this adventure!
Wongai
Wongai has had an absolutely phenomenal start to the first few days of their challenging 10-day hiking expedition! Despite being faced with the physical demands of sore feet, the persistent weight of heavy bags, managing limited resources, and navigating relentlessly steep terrain, this incredible group has conquered every obstacle thrown their way with remarkably positive attitudes. We’ve already witnessed a significant and inspiring development in their resilience and the strengthening of their teamwork as a cohesive unit. We can’t wait to see them tackle everything that comes in the rest of this epic adventure!
Gulla
Gulla has truly blossomed in just these past few days, showcasing incredible independence, admirable initiative, and a wonderful sense of comradeship and determination. Among Gulla’s many highlights were enjoying delicious, well-earned cooked meals prepared in the outdoors, engaging in lively riddling sessions with peers, sharing moments of uncontrollable laughter, and spending carefree time on the beach digging elaborate wells and crafting whimsical mermaids. Meeting the friendly Jonathan the dog was a memorable encounter, as was the joy of making up spontaneous dances together.
However, growth often comes with challenges. Gulla bravely faced the experience of walking in the dark under a canopy of stars, pushed through the physical demands of a gruelling 13km canoe trip, and persevered in learning the intricacies of effective teamwork. And, in a moment of unexpected wildlife interaction, even managed to navigate being ‘attacked’ by a duck!
Looking ahead, Gulla and the group are focused on continuously improving their efficiency and time management at campsites. This collective goal aims to create more space for shared activities and make every moment of their adventure count.
Eucalyptus! 🌿”
If you look closely you can see Gulla doing the opposite of “burying your head in the sand”.
As their incredible “Limitless” expedition hurtles towards its powerful conclusion, we shall be continuing to visit the students, witnessing firsthand their resilience and growth as they tackle their most significant challenges yet. These final days are not just about reaching destinations, but about solidifying the invaluable skills, memories, and bonds they’ve forged. We’re eagerly anticipating sharing their triumphant last steps with you, and we look forward to bringing you our 6th and final blog post, chronicling the culmination of this extraordinary journey, just before their arrival back in Hong Kong. Stay tuned for the grand finale!