A Cool Mountain Day
August 4, 2016 by Don Gentle
Today’s Pictures
I was quite surprised today by my youngest daughter. She mentioned last night that she wanted to get up to ring the bell. While this does not sound like a huge deal, you do not know my youngest. She is not a morning person. Anyhow, I told her I would be happy to wake her up if she wanted to ring the bell. To my surprise she was already up by the time I came out of the bedroom. After leaving the office, I made my way up to the dining hall. She was already there ready to go. We still had about twenty minutes before wake-up… It’s funny how camp can motivate you to do new stuff. Even be a morning a person. Anyhow, Izzie got her first chance all summer to rig the bell. We then screamed out in tandem “GOOD MORNING HIGH ROCKS.!” Way to go, Izzie.
As our first groups of cabin overnights returned from the woods this morning, you could tell it was a good time had by all. Tired a weary from the early wake-up and most probably the late night of games around the fire, you could literally see the evidence of fun all over them. I’m not sure the shirts tell the whole story, but the sweet combination of pizza sauce, butter, marshmallow, chocolate, and a touch of campfire ash certainly tell me that it was a large time. As the rest of the groups made their way back before the wake-up bell, the day here at camp was just beginning.
It was a cool cloudy day here at camp. I think the high was only about 77 degrees. A nice breeze allowed the sailors to begin their first few tacks and jibes. I call this athletic weather. It is a great temperature to run around and not feel completely overheated. Life at 3000 feet sure gives you that advantage. There was a little spitting rain here and there, but life at camp went on as usual. It surely made for an excellent change of pace.
Speaking of excellent camp experiences. Let’s talk about horseback riding! If you have not seen our equestrian center, then you NEED to make a point of visiting it on closing day. My guess is that your son will drag you down their anyway. It could be one of the best programs we do here at camp. Any child that wants to ride gets to do it. No one ever gets “closed” out of an activity here at High Rocks. Not only that, they get to ride most every day. There is something to be said about children and horses. Even for boys, most all of the youngest half of camp sign up for riding. Even most of the older kids still keep coming back. It is a great opportunity to learn a new skill, share a relationship with an animal, and overcome some fears. Our riding center hosts over 30 horses, two barns, and three separate riding rings for individualized instruction. Once they work on voice commands, and control of the horse, the lessons continue with a progression of posting and other ring work. Our wonderful property allows for endless trail rides and excitement. During our longer session boys work on jumping, drill team, and cross country. High Rocks is a great place to learn the joy of riding year after year.
Our oldest boys are off for “chill night” tonight. An evening activity event of heading to the famous Sliding Rock, a natural slick rock waterslide in Pisgah Forest, where the water runs a cool 65 degrees. Then it is off to the infamous Dolly’s Dairy Bar for one of their “camp” flavors before heading back to camp. The rest of the guys here at camp enjoyed some fun evening age group time and then headed up to snack on the lawn. Tonight was a hot buttered soft pretzel. Of course, I was right behind them :).
I sure am thankful for all of you. Your boys are incredible and they are having an incredible time! Enjoy the pictures! Feel free to share those awesome picture on your social media timelines. We love to spread the word of High Rocks! Just click on any picture to open it in a new window. You can save or share from there.
Have a great night,
Don