The Scotch Rover Crew celebrated the end of the ski season by heading out for some cross-country action at Mt Stirling, in a day just made for shorts and T-shirts. The snow was fast receding, and it was a fair hike to the snowline. Once on skis the summit beckoned, until we found the view obscured as the weather rolled in. We piled on coats and overpants, and carved up the pristine slopes off the summit for the remainder of the day. A speedy descent back to the car was a good way to end the ski season.
Christmas in July celebrations occurred slightly belatedly in August, with a superb three-course roast dinner at Elliott Lodge in Healesville. In true Christmas style we stuffed ourselves to the brim with pudding, and then enjoyed a competitive night of cards in front of the fire.
The Scotch Scout camp saw the crew back in Healesville, helping out with various scouting activities over the weekend. We also ran a challenging Initiative course for Venturers across the state who were attempting their Queen’s Scout Award.
Recently we said goodbye to two of our older members who had reached the end of their time with the crew. Both Anna Kissane and Sarah Dobson were very active within the crew and we wish them all the best. Congratulations also go to Katherine McDonald who was recently awarded the prestigious 2004 Christie-Cross medal.
We’re looking forward to our end-of-year trip, which this year will consist of surfing, swimming and sunbaking. We are also hoping to fit in some hiking while we are down on the coast.
The crew usually meets on Monday nights, as well as enjoying various weekend activities. Recently we have been rock-climbing, had an entertaining night of ‘yoga for dummies’ and fought some glowstix wars. More activities in the pipeline are roller-blading, an ice-cream night and a ‘formal’ dinner at KFC. We’re also planning some hiking, canoeing and mountain biking over the summer break.
BEN HALLENSTEIN (’99)
Rover Crew Leader (0401 752 025)
Originally published in Great Scot magazine. https://www.scotch.vic.edu.au/greatscot/2004decgs/40rover.htm