A New Day

This morning after the storm we awoke to cooler temperatures and even a bit of fog wafting over the Mountain.  And bright blue skies.  Even as I type this the sky is turning all shades of pink, orange, and purple at dusk and the almost full moon is visible overhead.  The rain also knocked the dust down and refreshed the river.

We also awoke to full power throughout camp (only about half of camp was out).  The Electric co-op came in the middle of the night and restored it.  I cannot brag enough about our incredible maintenance team.  In the light of day we realized that we had lost several trees and many large and small branches.  Our maintenance head, Jason Owen, and his crew, Gene and Antonio, went to work early and worked all day, along with the help of a local construction crew that we use often.  There are so many people that work hard every day to make this place special.  The landscaper who mows all our grass got here early to blow off the tennis courts before first period so that boys could play first thing.

Late morning I rode up the hill to see what was happening.  Horseback, Golf, and Fishing meet uptop, riding in style on our two yellow mini school buses.  Horseback boys were busy in the ring taking lessons from their instructors.  I like to ride horses with my girls so this is an area that’s fun for me to visit.  I like to see how the horses are riding and how boys are progressing.

Our golf range was built 3 years ago.  A large practice putting green, plus six station driving range provide adequate space for boys to practice.  Some classes are beginner, some advanced.  Richard and Pat tailor their lessons accordingly.  Richard is a Nashville native who played golf on his high school team and now attends UVA.  Pat hails from Montgomery and just finished his freshman year at Ole Miss.  They are top notch.

When I arrived a fierce putting contest was being held.  Called 21, I’m pretty sure the goal was to be the first one to 21 (I’m quick like that).  I’m not entirely clear on how the points were doled out but the friendly competition and ribbing reminded me why golf is such a great game for all ages.

The fishing guys didn’t have a class that period.  At lunch they reported that the fish had not been biting much after the rain.  But apparently yesterday was a big day with lots of fish hauled in.  We have two nice size ponds for the boys to fish in.  Bream and crappie, and nice sized large mouth bass can be caught.

Tonight is a special night for the Hunter age group (rising 3rd and 4th graders).  They are out at Hunter Overnight enjoying their annual campout for the term.  It’s a beautiful spot, a little clearing tucked away in the woods not too far from horseback.  They’ll cook hot dogs over an open fire and then of course S’mores.  It will be a gorgeous night for them to see stars as they drift off to sleep with the crickets singing.  They’ll come back in the morning, take a shower, and be ready to join us at breakfast.

Each cabin will have a chance for an overnight throughout the term, weather provided. Tonight in the dining hall the rest of us enjoyed one of my favorite meals.  Homemade mac and cheese, pinto beans, slices of ham, cole slaw, and cornbread spread across the table.  Salsa sits on each table and many folks like to top it all off with a big scoop of salsa.

Thanks for reading and good night,

Glenn