A breach of the peace.

I walked down towards the beach, noting the nasturtiums were looking very happy in their new environs in the road side garden. Once I got to the beach I pulled out a folding chair from the beach hut and sat up by the tree line, in the dappled shade, to scope out another group of…

Close Encounters

As I exited the dining hall and stepped out onto the deck, I was greeted by an inquisitive hummingbird. I stopped in my tracks. He seemed very curious, zipping around my head and I waited patiently while it examined me from several angles, wings buzzing loudly. I wondered if my red backpack was the attraction….

Covert Operations Super Star

I left the windsurfers and headed back to the main house. I stomped up the stairs again and retrieved the laundry room keys from the unoccupied office. I ran down the stairs and around to the laundry room where I unlocked the door and fetched the sleeping bag. It was 95% dry. Should be good…

Final Touches

I had a quick shower, changed into a bathing suit and layered shorts and a t-shirt over top. I stuffed my pockets with my little collection of first aid items and slipped on my sandals. I grabbed my backpack and galloped down the stairs and out towards Arts ‘n Crafts. I noticed the scent of…

Running and running codes

We completed our 5 K. Hellfire Hill was only horrible and not vomit inducing this time. It was further evidence of my progress and improving stamina. The whole run seemed slightly easier. I think it was mainly due to the distraction of our engaging conversation. Our topics this time included our first rock concerts (The…

This girl is on fire

I put my head down, pinched my nose and hustled to the laundry room. I was unseen by anyone. Using the keys I opened the door and set to work getting the sleeping bag stuffed into the washer and poured a generous amount of detergent in. I gave my hands a wash in the sink,…

That Stinks

Breakfast was bacon, eggs, fruit and yogurt. We all tucked in immediately after the prayer. Father Brian brought fresh cups of coffee to Barb and Bill. They seemed to appreciate the low octane version more than mine. Apparently I would never be employed as a barista. No biggie. I felt perhaps a sommelier was more…

Strong Cuppa

It wasn’t long before campers began to line up outside and staff started to wander into the dining hall. Father Brian, Barb, Bill and the kids shuffled in and joined us at the table. Father Brian took one at the four of us and busted out in a laugh. “Rough night, eh?” Bill asked as…

Ibuprofen and Strong Coffee

We helped unpack the party boat and then quietly gathered our belongings and trucked back upstairs. Radio Acorn was playing full blast. We threw everything in our room and changed our clothes. I would unpack later. I splashed some cool water on my face in the bathroom. I gazed at my reflection in the mirror….

Homeward Bound

The Deer Hut campers were wakened by Rob banging a ladle on a pot. He marched around the tents, banging and singing a most aggravating song. “Wakey, wakey! Eggs ‘n bakey! Biscuits flakey. Brightening sky. Breakfast gonna stick to every rib! Rise and shiney! Don’t be whiney. Move your hiney! Sun is high and time…

An Agonizing Island Night

It was a tortuous night. Despite the mat Shawn had given me for under my sleeping bag, I still felt like the princess in “The Princess and the Pea”. I could feel every acorn, stone, and root. My hips and shoulders ground into the unforgiving bedrock of the island. What was the use of the…

Island Campfire

When we returned, the campers were headed down to the campfire. Sunset was minutes away. We followed along. Shawn motioned for me to sit beside him on the log bench. I happily did so and Patrick climbed up into my lap. The girls sat on the outside edge of the circle but I noticed campers…