We have been home for almost a month from our trip to Nepal. It is hard to shake the memories, especially of those magnificent Himalaya mountains. The Nepal tour book says you can hire guides to trek you all the way to nearly 20,000 feet. That sounds intriguing, but, I would argue that Kingswood boys have many similar opportunities right in their camp’s back yard. Make a personal goal right now to hike a mountain during your stay at Kingswood in summer 2014.
Mr Wiff is awestruck by the view of Annapurna, at far left. This mountain was the first 8000 meter peak to be climbed. You can find the book “Annapurna” on line. What a read!Here I joke about joining the next Varsity Club level, after “Presidential.” I call it the Annapurna division and am saying “It’s an easy ridge run, boys!”Here is another Himalayan peak… oops, that is Mt Jefferson and you can see Kingswood campers at the distance on the right.OK, so Kingswood hiking adventures can begin with such easy outings as the one to Freddy’s Pond. Himalayan hikers have to cross raging streams to get to the base of the high hills, too.Alice and I purchased a beautiful water color painting of Himalayan hikers crossing a suspension bridge. This pic evokes that thought.Sometimes, the going is pretty flat, like here on Welch Mountain.In other places, hand holds must be employed.No matter where you hike, water breaks are essential.Most guys are happy to take a pause on the steep section…for photo ops! This pic was on the Holt Trail, the steepest way to the summit of Mt. Cardigan.Kingswood boys are every bit as well prepared for the elements as those who trek to Mt. Everest.And, while rough conditions always make for good stories later on…everybody’s first preference is for “open summits” with unlimited views. Let’s hike this summer at camp.
