Our Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) hike to the Snowy Mountains was a remarkable adventure that pushed our students to their limits and created lifelong memories.

The journey began with an early start. We woke up at 3:30 AM to gather at 4:15 AM, ready to hit the road. A six-hour drive brought us to Jindabyne, where we set up our base at the Adventist Alpine Village.

Before tackling the main challenge, we took a warm-up walk along the Porcupine Walk. The sunset over the Snowy Mountains was a breathtaking sight, setting the tone for the days ahead.

As night fell, we braved freezing temperatures, with some students experiencing their first snowfall. The chilly night, with temperatures dropping to -5 degrees, made us appreciate the warmth of our sleeping bags.

The highlight of our journey was the main range walk, covering a total of 27 kilometres, including the extra challenge of Mount Kosciuszko. Despite starting in 0-1 degree weather, we were blessed with clear skies throughout the day.

The hike was not without its challenges. Considerable snow drifts tested our skills and offered thrilling opportunities for sliding and snow play. For some students, this was their first encounter with snow, and their excitement was contagious.

Throughout the journey, we felt a sense of safety and guidance in God's providence, which made it one of the most memorable walks in DoE history. We completed our trip with mountain bike trail riding around Lake Jindabyne and kayaking around the lake's islands, a perfect ending to our adventure.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to embark on such rich and flourishing DoE programs. Stay tuned for more thrilling adventures to come!

Mr Rob Spreitzer