Cadets on Patrol

During the September school holidays the Norfolk Island Cadet Unit would normally take part in the NSW Annual Field Exercise (AFX) but due to the Covid-19 situation with NSW in lockdown, it was decided that the Cadets would not miss out on their yearly bivouac and that the Unit would hold its own Mini AFX on Island. Usually this would go for one week’s duration but due to the limitations on activities on Island and work commitments by the Officers in the Unit, the Unit camped out for 3 nights and carried out activities during the day time. On day one of the bivouac, the Cadets met at Crystal Pool to participate in an Abseiling activity with the NI VRA. Doug Creek and 8 of his VRA members took their Sunday morning off to make sure that the activity was conducted safely, and notwithstanding a few nerves the Cadets all made the descent to the bottom of the cliff, approx. 60m and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, some even made the descent two or three times. A huge thank you to Doug and his team for their experience and making sure that the Cadets were safe. It was then an over land hike to the grounds of the Archery where the Cadets enjoyed the new surroundings and partook in a fish-fry for dinner.

Early on day two the Cadets were up and eager to go as they were going to hike through the valleys into and up through the Gum Forrest on the NW slopes

of the Mount Pitt National Park which they had completed by 1100hrs. During the afternoon the Cadets entertained themselves by partaking in a huge Capture the Flag activity in the long-grassed valley adjacent to Bullocks Hut Road. This is an area that not many persons would venture into and the Cadets really enjoyed the environment. Then it was back to the Anson Bay picnic area for a BBQ dinner and watch the sun set prior to camping out for the night once again.

Early on day three the Cadets were up and at them and after a quick breakfast they hiked out to Captain Cook Monument and then through the National Park to Palm Glen where lunch was waiting for them. On completion of the 2 days of hiking, the Cadets were then moved to the Unit Hall where they spent the afternoon erecting an 11x11 army tent, making scones for afternoon tea, setting up their hoochies for the night and in general played games. The evening was completed by the entertaining Ghost Tour through the Kingston convict ruins, conducted by Liz McCoy & Yvette who enthralled the Cadets with their stories and made sure that they didn’t sleep too well that night.

Overall, the Cadets had an entertaining 3 nights with activities that are not too common on the Island. Many thanks to the many persons who made this bivouac possible, esp. Sam Quintal who assisted Tim with the safety and care of the Cadets.