Hello again,

Well it has certainly been a busy finale to the course for Martin, Surette, Jan-Dirk, Fred, George, Chantelle and Francesco. I hope it has been as full of memories for them as it has been for us here at the school. It almost seems like yesterday when this bunch of fresh, new students wandered into the school, many accompanied by moms and dads. They have all grown, learned and also realised that the world is a lot bigger place than they imagined, and now that they have finished their course with us the hard work is only just about to begin, as is the learning.

The whole gang out with Lee on a last morning game drive. Ross and Bernard will be stating on for a couple more months.

 They have had a very busy last couple of months, with the much awaited Ecolife course, covering game capture, animal husbandry, darting of game, from vehicles and out of helicopters. This part of the programme was so busy that it has its own newsletter. They have also had their anti-poaching lessons from Lyle and Lee. This was a fun session with simulated court cases and pretend arrests, with Diana being our usual victim….

Diana being “arrested” again….. And an elephant from the Kruger park trip, helping itself to the water from a cement dam.

Man tracking was challenging but the guys seemed to get the hang of things after a while, but keeping Fred quiet on the trail is close to impossible. Learning the structures and roles was very interesting and they quickly absorbed all of the information on the law which Lyle threw at them. It was certainly more complex than they expected but they grasped it all well in the end.

Surette and Bernard on the left and Fred and Martin on the right. They were busy tracking their other team mates through the reserve. It was definitely more difficult for them than they thought it would be! Especially in these leaf covered areas!

 Also the gang were reassessed for the final time on their track and sign, which went quite well. It was a tough day for all I think, and it is awesome to see how much the students have learned during their course. I am very happy with them all, especially Francesco, who moved up to level 2. Very well done to the whole group. Here are a few special moments (of utter confusion) from the track and sign assessment…

Jan-Dirk, who appears to be more confused than usual, and Chantelle on a mission, with various questions….

Fred, clearly hoping an answer will leap up at him, George, with an expression that speaks volumes and Fra getting ready for a close up view.

Ross, hopefully not struggling to see the question and Surette’s “are you kidding face?”

Martin and Surette (“are you kidding?”) with a serious who-done-it-type-poo and the whole group trying to figure out what the last question was.

Another interesting happening was the time when Fra lost his jacket on the Shambane plains, and the lions found it before we did, as one can tell by all the bite marks in and through the jacket. Definitely a good souvenir for the school pub!

Game veiwing has as always been super, with the trip to the Kruger thrown into the mix. Here is a selection of the student’s photos from the last couple of weeks and I am sure you will agree that they have sure had some great veiwing!

Thanks to all of you for the use of your photos, well done, some great shots here for sure! The game veiwing on the course is really quite fantastic, and you definitely need a camera to record all of the fantastic sights you will have!

Caving of course is always a highlight with Stan “the Man” and Lyle, down in the Makapansgat. We always try to include this exciting component, and seem to always end up having a fun time with the resident experts! It is a wonderful historical trip through time, and it is always a greatly appreciated privilege to go into the site. Thanks as always to Stan and Lyle for their effort and knowledge. Here are a selection of pics from the caves.

Ready to go! The school has a special collection of helmets for the students as we seem to get into the caves pretty regularly and it is simply not safe without a helmet!

Lyle, looking very serious, and Stan supervising the influx of bodies into the two trees cave…

Surette, looking thoroughly unimpressed (“you really must be kidding!”), and Martin, as calm as usual (falling asleep)!

One of the beautiful formations within the Two-trees cave…

Swimming, many metres under the ground in the fig tree cave. What an experience!

Getting out is chilly indeed, and you’ve gotta watch your step too!

We had some fun sessions too, including a day of paint-ball at the Mineraal baddens road. This was the students chance to get even with Lee, Ian and Ed for all the early mornings that we inflicted upon them, and also for Lee’s grumpiness!

 We had a nice bush braai too on the very last evening with plenty of good food, eaten in rustic style out in the reserve around the camp fire, with the sounds of the Lion and Jackal for accompaniment.

Cooking up a storm, relaxing and reflecting, George, Martin and Fra!

Ross, what’s up! Surette, Ed, Jan-Dirk (strikes yet another pose), Fred and Bernard around the braai.

Chantelle, Ian (supervising) and Lied relaxing near the bush television (the fire I mean).

Well, it couldn’t have gone better. I wish all of the guy’s who are leaving us the very best out in the world, and wish them all a fine career in nature guiding. I am sure they will all succeed with their dreams if they just keep focussed (Jan-Dirk).

All the best for you all, Class of January 2009!

Regards
The ENGTS Team