Another camp out

Okay, that was our 3rd camp out in a months time but it equals up to only 3 nights and 7 meals. This time it was our church's annual camp out. We went to Mounds State Park. Outside of being with your own flesh and blood what better fun than being with your church family. The weather was near perfect, warm while setting up our "village" of 9 tents but it cooled down in the evening and we set around the fire pit and enjoyed a little singing, alot of reminiscing and of course food. The singing had great potential to be worshipful but we have several commedians in the group. The reminiscing was all about "last year" it was very comical to those of us that were there "last year" but I'm sure the first timers got sick of hearing about "last year we". About the food, everybodys favorite is the Carvers apple cobbler pie cooked right there with the coals from the fire and of course it wouldn't be right without Smores.
Another tradition is to hike the trails at night. This time we walked on the road to get to the trail we wanted down by the Mounds (Indian burial sites). It was a little long for short legs so David ended up bringing the van to haul all the short legs pack to camp along with their parents. After the short legs left it is rumored that a scary mask was revealed :) (owner--Pastor Mike)
When you drive back into the park it feels like you are out in the boondocks but the trains (about every 15 min.) kept everybody awake and then it just feels funny to be sleeping within snooring distance of all your friends. Morning finally arrives and we all "prepare or not" for the day. Very few morning pics included. I tried to be kind because I wasn't the only one with a camara and the only one with a blog :)It turned out that our little one burner stove was the only means of getting 30 people their bacon and eggs. It worked like a trooper.
After breakfast, the tents started coming down. The day warmed up nicely. Comfortable in the shade. While David and Mike got the grill going (Thank You!) and some chair warmers stayed back at the camp the rest of us went for a walk/hike. We didn't get far because the trail went right by the river and we HAD to put our feet in. The kids LOVED playing in it. It was only about 12 in. deep and my kids had never played in a river before so the swift water was new to them. We never made it back to the hike but I came back with my heart full--I love the water.
We had hamburgers for lunch and did the final packin up and headed home. What great memories we brought with us though! Now we can talk about "this year".

September 21, 2007 Campout