Sounds of Fun

July 9, 2019 by Dan Noland

The last few days have been hot (for us, 82°) and muggy, but that hasn’t slowed things down at all. In fact, it has inspired plenty of fun and excitement, especially around the water!

The French Broad overnight paddlers got back in time for breakfast, a bit tired but chattering excitedly about their time afloat as well as the riverside campout. The Panthertown overnight hikers got back just before lunch, also tired but just as happy. Especially for these guys, rest hour will come at just the right time. Another group of paddlers headed west to the Nantahala River, challenging white water for any skill level.

I cannot believe the Mini I families are coming to get their boys in just a few days! Don’t fret, we have plenty in store for your guys until the end. Darby (our extraordinary office manager and director of marketing and communication) made me promise to remind you of one closing session item.  If you plan on having your son’s trunk shipped home, please contact the UPS store in Brevard for details and payment.  You also need to let us know that you would like your trunk shipped.  We will deliver your trunk and/or duffel to the UPS Store in Brevard on closing day for shipment.

The UPS Store | Brevard
102 College Station Dr. Ste 3, Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 883-4701
Fax: (828) 883-4801
Email: store3439@theupsstore. com

Again, please contact Darby in the office at office@highrocks.com if you decide to ship a trunk and/or duffel and we will deliver the item(s) to the UPS store after Closing Day. Now back to the story…

Chalet and Overlook 1 have their Chill Night tonight, so they’ll eat early and get back just in time for lights out. Horseback riders are taking a “Cowboy” Dinner ride, where they enjoy an extended trail on horseback then eat supper cooked over a fire while the evening descends. Perhaps they will be lucky enough to hear, for the first time this summer, one of my most favorite camp sounds.

The pictures we post every night give an excellent idea of the way camp looks, but let me list some of the ways it sounds. Last night I heard the first katydid, which I hope the riders hear tonight. We’ll all be hearing them soon enough, as they get louder and louder from nine to midnight for the rest of the season. The whippoorwills are still singing at dark and again in the early morning, and we wake up to the gorgeous wood thrush song at sunrise. Bullfrogs, hawks, and crows chime in as well.

Of course, people add much to the soundscape, too, at least before bedtime: the wake-up bell and bugle; the varied music that encourages cleanup; the sleepy voices gradually wake as they approach the Dining Hall; the quite impressive decibel launch at mealtimes; the raucous cacophony of Assembly; the scatter of footsteps on grass and gravel as activities start; tennis balls; horse hooves; paddles scraping gunnels; belaying calls. Whew! That’s just for openers and all before 10:00 am.

Campers (and counselors) at High Rocks can get plenty tired, and that’s because our days here are literally full, of good food, engaging activities, tons of learning, friendship, and those glorious sounds.

Good Night,

Dan
Today’s Pictures