Lots of Vacation IV

So the last part of our big vacation was going to Camp. The numbers were smaller this year. Only 29 went up this year instead of the standard 30-something. But it was a lot of fun. This year, instead of the No Mercy Kickball Game which had been getting out of hand (video replay should not even be an option for a "friendly" kickball game in a town that doesn't even have electricity), we had The Amazing Race - Beaver River. As Phil, I didn't get to compete. But, I have to say, I think it went pretty well. People mostly looked like they were having fun. People even learned things! There were a few kinks and glitches. I've got some ideas to improve it next year (like nixing the hike up Burnt Mountain!) and make it a little less intense. For a first attempt, though, I think it was a success.

The first day was the Camp Triathalon (swimming, hiking, boating). And being International S'more Day, we also had a S'more Making Contest. Even though it had been Fajita night, which Aunt Jill pulled off like a pro even without Tia, I volunteered myself to be the S'more Judge. Next year, I think I'll have a panel of judges, but everyone was just getting into the team spirit, and I felt bad asking people to be impartial judges. I ended up awarding first place to The Cheatin' Scum for their inspired banana usage. One Big Team's peanut butter cup/caramel creation was a VERY close second, but that S'more Sub was just fantastic. I also kinda wished the dark chocolate/strawberry/oatmeal cookie creation hadn't crumbled so badly. That was tasty, too. But, you can't have a crumbly S'more while you're sitting around the fire.

The next day was the Trek up Burnt Mountain. I was glad I didn't go. I've been up there once, and I'm good. But Zach really wanted it to be a part of the AR, and since it was his idea, I felt I should honor it. (But now that it has been honored, I'm going to replace it with a Beach Day instead!)

The third day's event was the 'Round The Lake Beer/Pop Relay. The Cheatin' Scum won again. It came down to the chug, and Morgan out-chugged Cole like a champ. The logistics of that probably could have been worked out a little better, but it went off better than I expected.

The last day of The Race, people finished up their scavenger hunt lists and their various other challenges. We had the Euchre Tournament, which Aunt Patti is a 2 time champion of. In the end, The Cheatin' Scum emerged victorious by 1.5 points over The Elderlies, with One Big Team coming in third, and Team Hmmm.. bringing up the rear.

Outside of the Amazing Race, I had a lot of fun. We canoed over to the sandy point beach on the other side of the lake to hang out one afternoon. That is one of my favorite places to hang out. We saw lots of shooting stars. The Perseids are the whole reason we always go up that week, and while last year was slightly better, they did not disappoint this year. Jack was finally old enough to go places and do things, so it was fun to watch him want to go out in the 'noe and go fishing and hiking. He and Emma may have had the most fun of anyone, aside from their bouts of Beaver Fever!