Blackfoot River: Canoe Scouting Trip

On Monday and Tuesday of this week I got an amazing opportunity to go on a canoe scouting trip on the upper portion of the Blackfoot River, which is just east of Missoula.  My friend Becky was scouting the river for possible future use by the Explore college program and needed a paddling partner.  I offered myself because I remembered paddling as a kid and I am interested in getting more involved in whitewater canoe ventures.  We paddled twenty-four miles in two days.  It was relaxing and quiet after a long summer of working with and alongside multitudes of people.  The section we did was from Cedar Grove to Russell Gates.  We spent Monday night camped at River Junction.  It was a fairly calm area with mostly ripple sections and several areas with quite a few strainers.  There was only one rapid section that followed the box canyon that we paddled through.  It was a good opportunity for me to practice paddling strokes and learn to steer.

The view from the back of the canoe

Our campsite at River Junction

A cozy night's stay

Our tent is on the far right

Slinging Mud

A few weeks ago on Operations we were asked to prepare a mud pit for the junior campers.  We spent a good part of a day turning up the soil and watering down a spot next to Lone Ram Ranch.  We even created a slide on the far end.  As a result of being up to my elbows in mud, I don't have any pictures of the pit being prepared.  But, that evening I went over with the campers, took pictures, and enjoyed the crazy sight of mud covering nearly everything and everyone.

Girls playing tug of war

Guys playing tug of war

Jesse enjoying the pit

Beth and Corinne comparing mud stains

I liked the contrast of this girl in front of all the muddy people

Erick flying into the mud pit...

and landing with a splash

Mike

Sarah

Swing Dancin'

A few weeks back, Nancy Zdenek led a swing night here at camp for the staff.  It was an enjoyable evening of fun and dancing.  I borrowed out my camera for others to use, so thanks to all who took photos!

Gabe and I

Timo and Corinne

Beth and Chris

Kaylee being crazy

Mike spinning Delancey

Timo and I

Nathaniel and Shannon (They just got married this month!)

Point then Shoot

Here at camp, we are split into family groups during the summer.  With so many staff, this allows the opportunity to have a specific group of people to connect with throughout the summer.  Once a week, we get together and have "family time" together with this crew.  One afternoon our family group decided they wanted to go out driving mountain roads and shoot some guns for "family time".  Gabe and I loaded up the truck with guns, ammo, and our family and headed up the mountains around here.  Near the top we stopped, set up a range with cans and plastic bottles, then Gabe reviewed the finer points of gun safety with everyone.  A few of the people had never shot guns, so Gabe spent extra time with them working to make it an enjoyable experience.  It was a fun afternoon and a beautiful drive in the mountains!

The girls with guns

Gabe and Faith shooting

Gabe explaining how to load the shotgun to Mindy

Reese laughing

The shotgun casing exiting as Mindy shoots

Taking aim

Percila

Cleaning up the cans and bottles