They say that Outward Bound is the ‘The Army run by Hippies’. 

The messages of caring for land, the beauty and simplicity of the natural environment, increased self-awareness and working with others, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, listening more and talking less, the importance of communication were all messages I took away from my OB experience. 

 I had been sent a Face-book link to OB to say that there was sponsorship available for 6 Day Revitalisation Courses for 40+ so I filled out the application, and promptly forgot about it, until the phone went. 

 All I needed to do was get a medical, square off my 3 part-time jobs, put the flat renovations on hold, make a contribution to the cost, and book my fares to Blenheim so I would arrive at Picton at mid-day the coming Saturday. 

At the Picton Ferry Terminal we scanned faces for other attendees and eventually found each-other. We also met recruits for another 8 day course ‘Aspire’ for people who have health and disability issues. We think only of the Classic 21 Day courses but the OB philosophy of challenging yourself outside of your comfort zone extends to all ages and physical abilities. 

It was interesting as an Aucklander to be in the minority. There were 3 others from the north of the North Island, otherwise everyone was from Wellington or Christchurch. Jo , a Corrections Officer from Christchurch was my age. Marty was a couple of years older and other than Richard, (The baby at 41) the remainder were in their forties or had recently had the big 50. 

There were 3 men and 11 women as each ‘Watch’ consists of 14 people.  

We were a wonderfully diverse group and after meeting our instructors, Brad, and Greg, boarded one of the OB sailing cutters, accompanied by a safety launch to spend a stunning afternoon sailing and rowing in the Sounds and spotting seals and dolphin. 

Soon I was learning about gibing and tacking and next time The America’s Cup is broadcast I’ll be able to follow the commentary! 

By the end of the day we had sailed to ‘KT’ a property in a remote bay owned by OB. 

At 6 am the next morning the shock of doing PT, followed by a dip in the bay,was alleviated by the  glorious kowhai,  the birdsong, the blue skies and the unadulterated beauty of the setting. 

We spent that day on the water sailing to Anakiwa ,where we received a formal welcome from the staff, unloaded, and then had another compulsory dip, this time off the jetty. 

That evening one of the surprises was just how good the food was thanks to the two chefs. Marcel was a particular character and is well known in Wellington as an owner of successful Restaurants. 

Anakiwa takes 80 course participants at a time, divided into watches, but it never felt crowded as the groups were often away. Of our 7 nights we spent only 3 there. 

The ‘High ropes’ and Climbing Wall which is actually a 25 metre vertical cliff were particular challenges for me even though safety harnesses were used, but I discovered a competitive streak when I decided to scoot up the cliff to be first even though I just wanted to come straight back down. 

The camping and compass work and the 2 nights and a day on solo were less scary, and making fires with flints and by rubbing sticks together was good fun. 

Kayaking in the Pelorus River with the mist, the green depths, and the eerie ,looming river canyon was a definite highlight, also planting a tree on the last morning and finding I could run 8 km because I had paced myself with Jo. 

The turns at being ‘Leaders’ and the consequent ‘debriefings’ to see how effective different styles made you look at how you come across to others so another opportunity to learn. 

There is so much more but go and find out for yourselves. It is a magical place. 

Kay.  

Click here for group photo