Day 127: Sweet columbine

I was too tired to write anything about Quest last night, but after sleeping ten hours, we have recuperated from the two day hike.  Since we have been walking four or five miles a day for the last year, it's not the hiking that wipes us out.   Friday afternoon the temperature was about 80 and we walked steadily uphill for a couple miles to our camp.  Carrying thirty pounds over irregular terrain at a quick pace was hard on everyone, but especially the two oldest hikers.

Our eighth grade campers and student leaders were really outstanding.   Although we wish that more kids took advantage of this opportunity, having a smaller group was more peaceful and less stressful.  The full moon was exceptionally huge Friday night, so we didn't even need flashlights.  The kids sang, played games and exclaimed at the beauty of  the night sky.

Of course, we did not sleep much.   Zippers were unzipping before five o'clock and the water was boiling in no time.  Student leaders vie with Chris for bragging rights about who was up first and who slept the least.

Saturday was mild and sunny, perfect for hiking.  Getting seventy people down the rope line into the ravine took nearly two hours, but it was very gratifying to witness all the team work to insure that every student safely navigated the slope.

Everyone was cheerful, cooperative, respectful and enthusiastic throughout the trip and we are really looking forward to spending time with these kids during the four day expedition.