Salt of the Earth

Graham and I returned from Gilbert Ranch last night. We spent 3 days and 2 nights at cub scout camp with our new pack. Even though we came home tired, dirty and very hungry we had a blast. I’ll give the run down day by day. 

The first day (Sunday) Graham and I loaded up the Scion to head out for our annual summer adventure. We were both weary at first, since we are not very familiar with this new pack. The only thing that eased our concerns is that we both like adventure and we’ve always had fun at camp. 

After almost a 2 hour drive we arrived at Butte Creek, where the camp is. It was about 10 degrees warmer there than in Portland which made it very warm. After we checked in we were told to follow our Trail Boss, Michelle. She led us to what we thought was our camp ground then pointed up a hill and said we were ‘up there, way up there.’ This was a huge shock to us because originally we were to be on the bottom level due to adults with bad backs, injuries etc. We got bumped to the 3rd camp because kids in wheel chairs were there and some dude with a peanut allergy. The other thing was that we were supposed to have a flat bed truck haul up our gear to our site- and that didn’t happen. Everyone packed with the intention of not carrying their gear so when we were told we had to walk 1 mile UP we all cringed. SO we instantly became pack mules and started up the hill. By the time we got to our spot most of us were sweaty and ready to drop. Few boys almost barfed and I near went down for the count. After sitting for 5 minutes we set up camp. Even though we all brought tents (which added to our load) we all ended up staying in the tents that were provided.

After a few minutes we were told we had to climb back down the hill so that the activities could start. We filled the boys up with water and sun screen as it was still very hot.

Since the theme was  an old ranch the camp had some staffers dress up like robbers (aka the McNasties) and they road in and stole all the camp flags.  The boys had to find their camp flag- which was a fun way to give the boys a tour of the entire camp. I opted to sit in for the parent/leader meeting cause my legs still felt like jelly from the first hike up. 

After that we had our first staying which was games and activities. We ended up playing dodge ball and Coyotes and cactus. It was a lot of fun. 

Not soon enough it was super time. (dinner is lunch) and the boys had to put their class A’s on for flag.

Dinner was good- and the boys scarfed it up. Afterwards we had chapel and then the staffers put on skits for us. 

THEN we got to hike back up to camp to go to bed. It was much easier without gear but still a tough one. We had to pull a couple boys up cause they were tired. 

Graham fell asleep pretty quickly. I laid on my matt in my sleeping bag for hours finally falling asleep for about 2 hours. At around 4am i had to go to the bath room- which required a hike down to the road. 

And since it was dark I took a tumble and this is what happened. 

Thus ending my first sleepless night at cub scout camp. 

T