Last evening at dusk, we all gathered around the council circle for the initial campfire meeting of the summer.  Off in the distance was gorgeous Mt. Moosilauke, as purple as you can imagine in its twilight hues.  We could hear the loons calling, rain run off still flowing into Mother T and chirping from the boys camping overnight way down the lake at Sunset Point.   Sound carries on the water!

I was proud of the program organizers, who saw the clear, sunny, low-humidity day before them yesterday morning and quickly adjusted the schedule to allow for three hikes and an overnight camp out.  Two of those treks went to Moosilauke as 25 boys expressed an interest when we asked for sign ups.  MIke and Becky huddled for a couple minutes and presto — two more counselors and an extra van magically became available to accompany everyone who wished to hike.  The associated photo album to this report captures the many moods and conditions encountered along the way.  Kudos to Julia for some terrific pix.

With that many boys on Moosilauke, I thought the Black Mountain hike would not draw as well.  I was wrong as a full van load of campers took off after lunch and were back by the hamburger/hot dog picnic cookout at supper time.  They, too, had rave reviews on the day.

More than one boy who had climbed that day also quickly gathered his overnight gear and joined the canoe paddling excursion across the lake to Sunset Point.  I observed with a high degree of satisfaction as the flotilla drifted back to camp shores in time for breakfast — one of those big ones that resembles Sunday brunch at the club!  Kate acknowledged that is was a lively group but added that they, too, could hear us a mile away at the council fire setting– that is when she could quiet down the lads for long enough to listen.  All great stuff, to be sure.

Today marks a complete change of gears from the trips venue approach of yesterday. Five Baker Valley Tournaments are going on this morning and more later on today. BVT’s feature Kingswood and three other camps within a short crow’s flight from here. There is one tourney for each age group and soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, and ultimate frisbee make up the list of sports.

Since tomorrow is July 4, the reports will most likely come much later in the day, after we return from the parade in nearby Woodsville.  No doubt there will be lots of hoopla to fill the space in both the photo and news pages.  Sunny and high 70’s both days. Huzzahs!