A selection of Pfadfinder joeys, cubs and scouts enjoyed a very informative evening tour of the Cotter Dam, with tour guide Kate of ICON Water.
Kate, with the help of a blue rope to represent the waterway, an enormous map (and a few dads to hold it up), and her infectious smile and enthusiasm, taught us many interesting facts about the construction and purpose of the Cotter Dam.
We heard about what we can and can’t put into our household water, saw where that water comes from and learned about what happens to it after we have used it.
Being observant scouts, we managed to spot a great many water dragons, skinks, lizards, fish and ducks. It was interesting to see how the ecologists had helped make sure the river was really healthy, and the flora and fauna that depend on the river were thriving.
The beautiful warm evening wrapped up with time on the playground and lots of laughter and fun before everyone headed home.
It is always fun to hear the banter among parents, chatting together at the end. Overheard this week: “I know it was a bit of a rush to get out here for 5:30pm, but now that we are here, I’m thinking we should have brought a picnic – it is so lovely here. But we really must get the children home and feed them dinner.” To which one of our dads replied, “Well, I fed my kids before we left home, because you know, ich bin Super Papi!” The assembled parents were all suitably impressed and spent a moment commenting favourably and admiring his superior parenting skills, until one of his children arrived to hang on his arm and complain, “Papa! Can we go now? I’m hungry!” Kids! 🙂