Today we went to Green River Lake to enjoy a full day of watersports. After a um, leisurely but expertly prepared breakfast of pancakes, we headed out for the water. Josh, Will and Mr. G and S left first with the task of launching the power boat, then going overwater to retrieve the rented pontoon boat. The skies were clear, the air cool (ish) as they left the dock. Even though we could see the other marina through a gap in the rock, we boated all the way around the scenic Goat Island to get to Emerald isle. We picked up our very well-maintained pontoon boat (Mrs. S would be proud; we had a $50 off internet coupon for it!). The boat had a second deck and slide on it that was sure to please.
While Mr. G gunned it for the original dock to pick up more sweaty and eager boys, Will and Dad made their slow way back to the group to pick up the rest of the crew, coolers, and gear. We had plenty of time to count the preservers and lay them out in the sun to dry, then pumped up all the floats for the day (by hand, btw).
We were nearly to the dock when Mr. G finally came away with a boatload of boys (a delay Mr. G described with a shake of the head and a shrug), and soon the tube was hitting the water along with the first Scout.
Back at the dock, the Chinese fire drill had begun, loading coolers, towels, bodies and gear into the boat. Hmm, what is missing off that list… oh yeah, sunscreen.
Don’t worry moms, we had some, I was just seeing if you were paying attention.
The Pontoon headed for the first cove of the day, and I think we would have to go to the instant replay to determine if it was the anchor or a scout down the slide that hit the water first! As you can see from the pictures, we had a ball on the lake today.
Back in the power boat (P.S. a shout out to Mr.G who let us beat up his boat today!), many Scouts experienced the joy and dousing that can only come from a vigorous tubing ride. Later in the day many also got initiated to skiing and that unique feeling you get in your swim trunks or up your nose when you almost (but not quite) get up on two skies!
After the third or fourth boat swap to give everyone a turn, things were winding down on both boats. There was discussion of heading to one more shaded cove or the swimming beach, when God cleared his throat behind us and we realized our daily storm was fast approaching. So we headed for the docks and gave a couple more boys Captain lessons on the way. We dropped all our gear on the dock, and the slow pontoon boat headed out for the long trek back to its home marina.
Little did Mr. G realize that Mr. S had figured out you could get through the rocks that gave us a glimpse of the marina on the other side of the lake. Good thing too, because even as Mr. G went full speed around the island, they both arrived at the marina at the same time due to the slowness of the pontoon. As soon as the boat was refueled and the bill paid, both dads took off in the power boat and headed again for the keyhole between the rocks to take the shortest path home.
It was like a scene from a movie. No sooner had we broken through the keyhole than a great white curtain of rain descended on us (see pic). We got absolutely drenched the last 10 minutes of the ride to the dock. As we approached the dock, we decided that Mr. S would sprint for the bus and trailer while Mr. G hovered and tried to stay out of the rain. We turned the corner to the dock and the angels in heaven broke into song as we saw Mr. Stark already had the bus backed up to the dock ready to drop the trailer in the water for us!
A quick but soaking load up followed, and we headed back to camp. So brief was the rain that it had cleared up completely by the time we arrived back there.
Back at camp, everyone broke off to swim, fish, rest, or wring out gear. Mr. C began his twice daily ritual of firing up the kitchen, as it was spaghetti night. We had invited a local Scout troop to join us, the same guy who connected us to Jayson. His name was “Frog” and he led a small 6 boy troop. Frog and his son Stephen (who made Eagle in November at the age of 16!!!) were the only ones who could come. Although they had already had dinner, Stephan got in an eating contest with a Scout from our troop, and I saw at least 3 plates of noodles pass by. I’m not sure how many were really consumed!
We ended the dinner with some homemade goodies from Mrs. S. and a rousing card game at the dinner table.
G’night scouts, and friends keep the blog comments coming!
4 comments:
coupons! I'm so proud I could burst!!! Sounds like a great day-and much deserved after your monsoon-like start. Can't wait to hear how many boys got up on both legs, and how many ski more like, um, me.
Well it sounds like you had a blast on the lake! Hmmm, the rain stops and you head for water????
I do have a question...why is Mr. C firing up the kitchen twice a day? I thoughts scouts would be providing the cooks for the week. Were you starving?
I'm sure the dish was so you could get the weather station to hear just how much rain has fallen on your heads.Whoever thought of water activities for this week deserves a dinner from the leader to picked this week!
ok so I know that is Mr. Hehman (Luke) I can tell by the triple e feet but those are not his shorts or his shirt!
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