The boys sure have been enjoying this very summery heat wave we have been blessed with over the past few days.  You bet, we rejoice the higher temperatures at Kingswood as there always is the lake to cool off in, plus one can still predict cooler and comfortable temperatures to roll in by nightfall, making for good sleeping.

I went up the hill during yesterday’s clinics and found quite a few boys happily engaged in non-waterfront activities. Sure enough, by the time we gathered in the council fire area at dusk, most boys had donned long pants and a second layer.  We told more stories about the old days of Kingswood, when the slogan was “Make do with what you’ve got,” all the while urging the boys to adopt that attitude when things are not working out quite so well, such as forgetting to bring matches on a camp overnight trip.  (Todd told a hilarious story about how he started the cookout fire without matches and it did not involve rubbing sticks together.  Ask your sons!  That horrific blunder has not happened this year, but something of the big oversight ilk is certain to occur eventually and we talked about how much fun can be had with improvising on the spot!

Actually, we accomplished a good number of day hikes in the first two weeks, including places that are exotic but hard to find guaranteed overnight accommodations.  Mt Adams via the headwall of King Ravine comes to mind.  But now, we of off to some equally as challenging peaks but with the added value of camping under the stars.  Hence, of course, the aforementioned “make do” commentaries.  For those who really care about such venues, Mt Washington, the Canon peaks and the Mahoosuc range, which features the “hardest mile on the Appalachian Trail” will be offered soon.  I’ve done Mahoosuc Notch and disagree entirely with that appraisal.  It is the mile after the “hardest mile” that is hardest by far and I will be most happy to explain this to the intrepid group that heads out in a day or so.  Stay tuned.