Midsummer’s Day
June 20, 2017 by Dan Noland
High summer is now upon us, though we woke up this morning to a temperature of 60! Today is also the midpoint of this session, a fact we all find hard to believe!
We are going on trips galore, too. Hikers are on their second day in the Middle Prong/Shining Rock Wilderness Area. Much of the time they will be above the tree line, walking on ridges that provide them a 360 view over the high Pisgahs, truly one of the finest places on Earth. The climbers were out early again, on Looking Glass Rock, which the hikers should be able to see from even higher! Some of the younger canoeists spent the day working on their skills on the French Broad River.
Back in camp, an afternoon hike walked up Rich Mountain, our 3781’ neighbor to the north. Swimmers drove around the corner, as it were, to swim under Hooker Falls in DuPont State Forest. The Nature with Nick and Emily group took as shorter trek on camp property to Polar Bear Falls, where they tested why the water has that name (brrrr) and learned about the flora and fauna there. Outpost cabin had their day on the ropes course and zipline, while the Eggs are even now on Chill Night. I really enjoy being on hand as they spill out of the vans back at camp, cooled off, ice creamed, and tired enough to be looking forward to immediate bed.
Of course, none of these trips slow down what is going on in camp, and each activity was full of energy and enthusiasm. At least a couple of times during each day, I stop during my rounds, typically on one side of Dining Room Hill or the other, simply watch and listen, and let the goodness soak in. Camp is a terrific tonic.
The moon is waning now, but tonight, as we drop quickly off to sleep, we will probably be treated again to one of the finest sounds of summer, the whippoorwills. Please don’t be too envious.
Dan
P.S. The pictures are still pushing, so be sure to check back. There are 297 today…if they ever get up to the internet.