Day 844: More backpacking chores

I typed the rosters for the hike groups which means we're close to finality for Saturday.  It's always a challenge to find the best environment for every participant.  Besides balancing the genders, levels of experience and first aid skills,  we also consider personalities and personal needs.  Fortunately, there are no serious medical conditions to contend with this season.  A few allergies and asthma are the main issues.  We hope to help the kids make new friends, so the Brocton and Silver Creek students are mixed in.

It's wonderful to arrive in Silver Creek on Wednesday afternoons to find Jake and Brigitte there to help teach the class.  They are so knowledgeable and confident that they convey the information to our new campers very effectively.  For ten weeks, they've taken time out of their busy days to help out.    I have greatly appreciated their contributions and I will miss them terribly next year.  More importantly, they've made a tremendous impression on our rookie backpackers.  They are the epitome of dedication and loyalty.

Yesterday, I bought the first seeds for our garden: kale, mustard and two kinds of lettuce.  Jeremy introduced us to mustard greens at our first dinner at his house.  This summer,  I want to include more greens in our diet.  Today, I bought colorful lime green pots to add to my collection of container gardens.   Now, all we need is warmth!  I want to garden!  The forecast for the next ten days is not good and planting is still far off.  We will certainly have very different conditions for Quest this year compared to the 80s of last year.

A little bit of green along the creek!

More progress around the new science center.

Today, they announced that Bill Nye, the Science Guy, will speak at the dedication of the new science center and at the convocation in the fall.  What a thrill!