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GAVIN'S REPORT ON THE EB CAMP, JANUARY 2004

Hi it's Gavin O'Brien here. I am typing this report from Anna's house in Wellington where the sun pokes its head out of the clouds every now and again. I came over to New Zealand from Brisbane to attend a camp for EB sufferers. I arrived in New Zealand on Monday 19th January and although it was raining it was not cold. I was picked up in Napier and taken to Pukeora near Waipukurau where the camp was being held. This was the first time I'd flown in a plane, and only the second time I'd been away from home for more than a night. It was a big change staying somewhere other than home but I soon became used to it.

On the Monday night we had a get together in the dining room and played a word game where we had to bring something to a BBQ but I never ended up getting to the BBQ because I didn't figure out the rules of the game. We also had to tell 2 truths and a lie about ourselves while the rest of the group tried to guess which the lie was. That was fun and I started to get to know peoples names.

On the Tuesday morning after breakfast the group was split into two and they had to make a raft out of four barrels and some rope and old inner tubes. The first team that went into the pool managed to make it all the way across the pool even though it was really cold. Afterwards there were other activities planned even though it was still raining.

On Wednesday there was a ropes course set up in the top of two huge pine trees. I had done my dressings in the morning and had almost frozen to death sitting out on the terrace after doing them, coming from 34 degree heat in Brisbane to 14 degree in New Zealand was a huge shock so I sat inside in a fairydown jacket, a hot water bottle between my feet and wrapped in a sleeping bag until I warmed up again. I was not keen on doing the ropes course but I got up the courage to get in the chair and be hoisted up 20 meters and across between the trees in mid air. It was a bit scary at first. I didn't like the idea of being held by a couple of buckles and some rope, but once I was up there it was a nice view despite the rain. There was nothing to it.

On Thursday the sun came out and it was a lovely day and it was time to go rafting down the river. I was sure that I didn't want to do it because I can't swim. I spent the morning offering to be the one to make lunch and stay on dry land, but when it came to the time, I put on the helmet and life jacket and got into the boat with my paddle. Now the canoe that I was in was tied to another one right next to mine to give it more stability. As soon as the two canoes were put into the water the ropes came loose and it was then I got a bit scared, but they were tied back together and away we went. Humphrey and I were at the front and Ian and Toni at the back. We had a nice cruise down the river, surfing backwards through some of the rapids to make it more exciting. Or is it just that Ian's crazy! After the rafting was finished we sat on the bank of the river and had some lunch and a chat about the trip. I was glad that I'd done it. If the opportunity came up I'd even consider doing it again.

On the Friday it was time to go gliding and I was ready for that. I'd always wanted to go flying. It was nice up in the air just sailing around looking at the land below. Even Humphrey went up and he hates heights as much as I hate water, but he went up and flew the glider. After my time in the air I had a bite to eat and then a car turned up that we could have a drive in. I jumped in the car and using Humphrey's hand control went for a cruise. It was the first time I'd driven a car. I found it really easy and the lady who was teaching me said that I should be able to get my license in no time. So when I go home I plan to read the learners book and go and get my license.

I must say that even though I was not keen on some of the activities I was glad that I had done them because I don't get to do them in every day life. And the cooking at the camp was like being in a restaurant. We never went hungry and there was always something good that I could eat. I am looking forward to doing another camp if the chance comes around again.

This has been Gavin O'Brien reporting for DEBRA and the BACK UP GROUP.

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