Willsboro, NY

Volume XVI

July 11, 2009

HERE COMES THE SUN

Hikers climb hurriedly for a first glimpse of a beautiful Adirondack morning.

     The sky had just a slight tinge of light to it as twenty five campers and three counselors climbed out of a van at the Rattlesnake trailhead. Their mission? To climb Rattlesnake and watch the sun rise up over the mountains. The group was groggy at first, but moved quickly along the trail as they made their way to the base of the mountain. “It was tiring at first, but then I became more energized as we hiked along,” Hannah, a Senior camper, expressed.

     As the group began to scramble over the rocks and climb higher, so did the sun. The sky began to lighten as soft hues of pink, orange, and yellow painted the sky. When the group reached the summit they were greeted by a bright and colorful scene. None of the hikers were bothered that the sun reached the top of the mountain before they had. After the climb, campers were happy to put layers back on, break out sleeping bags and blankets and enjoy the magnificent view. ADV camper, Nathan described the morning saying, “the hike was enjoyable and the view definitely made up for the fact that we had to wake up early.”

     Something else that made the early wake up worth it was a traditional hiking breakfast of “McDrews.” A camp favorite, this toasted bagel with cheese is not complete without a slice or two of that hiking delicacy, SPAM. “When you go hiking everything you eat tastes good,” remarked Alyssa. Dylan echoed by sharing that, “SPAM is so good for breakfast, especially when you are really hungry.” The hikers happily finished their breakfast, shouldered their packs and made their way back down the mountain with the beautiful scene emblazoned into their memory.

SETTING OUT FOR THE SUN

     Moving from sunrise to sunset, Intermediate boys set out to see the sun go down on top of Bare Mountain last evening. The group hiked rather quickly in order to reach the summit before sunset. Justin explained, “we were rushing to get up there and we got up in about twenty minutes. We only took one break on the way up, but then we chilled on top for thirty minutes. It was really fulfilling.”

     Max shared his experience saying, “it was really cool to be up there. The counselors did a few activities on top which were really relaxing. Dave played a song, John read a poem and then we did five minutes of silence. We were quiet for the entire five minutes!” Ben also thought it was, “peaceful,” while Ryan felt that the boys, “had a really good view.” Riley described the view as being, “really colorful. At one point the sun was behind a cloud and then it came out right before it set. It was awesome.”

     Another bonus that made the view even cooler was that the group could see the Senior boys section canoeing on Long Pond. It was all about the view for several boys who had also hiked Rattlesnake in the morning to catch the sunrise. Dylan summed it up best when he explained, “I’ve had a tiring day of hiking to watch the sun come up and go down, but when you see that view, it’s all worth it.”

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH...

Shai Walker

1. How many summers have you been at camp?

I have been at camp for twenty two years.

2. What is your favorite camp meal?

My favorite camp meal is tacos, but chicken patties are a close runner up.

3. What is your job this summer?

Officially? I am the maintenance man. Unofficially, I am a waterfront lifeguard, mechanic, Mountain Biking instructor, plumber, EMT, horse-master, slideshow creator, electrician, photographer, First Aid Instructor, carpenter...  

4. What is your favorite game or activity here at camp?

Rev War was my favorite game as a camper and still is today, but instead of getting to play, now I am usually taking pictures for the slideshow.

5. What is the reason that you continue to return to camp?

I actually live here year round and am too busy to leave. In all seriousness though, this is my home and the camp family is exactly just that, it’s my second family.

CHECK IT OUT:

We’ve been getting busy here at camp this summer. CLICK HERE to see a gallery of what’s been going on.

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