A Swell Wind Blows

A windy beginning to the day as a cool breeze came fresh off the lake and through each cabin in camp. The wake-up bell rang out and a group of early eaters did too, wishing all of camp a “Good Morning High Rocks!” at the top of their lungs.

The morning cheer and chores quickly moved into a serious assault on the breakfast offerings. Jerseys were in abundance on this Thursday with a wide variety of teams and sports on parade. At the end of the meal there was movement in all directions. Our fellows in camp partied to assembly songs and a surprise appearance by a six foot gnome… not sure if I can offer more clarity than that!

Then it was into activities and the day was off to the races. Bikers were working trails and pushing limits with rides set across the lessons that had our fellows sweating hard and reaching for their water bottles. Crafts was finishing up their candle work while pottery was putting some finishing touches on their ongoing projects, getting things set to dry before firing in the kiln. Swimmers were working on strokes and lifeguarding skills, fishermen were all around the lake and the island, and disc golf was battling the steady winds on their longer throws.

Clear winners of the day were our sailors. It was a touch of fortune that significant winds arrived in the session right as our guys’ skills are peaking. Too soon and they wouldn’t be able to take full advantage of such a gift, but man did they today. All day long the lake was full of sailboats flying back and forth across the lake. In groups, they naturally began to race and quickly began learning some of the techniques of stealing another boat’s wind or cutting them off with a cleverly timed tack. It was good hearted, the lake resounded with cheers and shouts, and they looked good doing it.

Away from camp was also a busy day. Two climbing groups went to the High Rocks for some real rock time before strolling back into camp for the next meal. Our paddlers took a group of canoers and kayakers on section 3 of the Chattooga River with fun rapids, jump rocks, leisurely pool floats, and cool wildlife sightings.

The bikers also left camp with a group on a full day ride which is not usual due to its physical demands on the riders. They started the day with two laps of Lower Black in Pisgah before biking along the Davidson River to Dolly’s for lunch and some ice cream. Then it was off to Dupont for two laps down Ridgeline. Pictures from the trip will be up tomorrow night and those guys look mighty pleased with themselves!