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

We Went a' Hunting

It has been some time since I posted.  Gabe was sick for two and a half weeks, then as he was improving I came down with whatever he had.  I had a fever for several days coupled with a cough, and now I am finally feeling much better. 
Back in early July, a cherry farmer down the road put out an invitation to camp staff to help with their bird problem.  The farmer was willing to pay someone to come down and shoot the birds that were stealing cherries off the trees.  Gabe couldn't commit to always going to shoot birds, but he did look forward to some practice.  So, several evenings this summer he headed over to protect the fields.  One evening I went along with him and Trina.  Here for your viewing pleasure are some of the photos I took.

The Happy Hunter

The gory remains

Cherries needing protection

Pursuing his prey

Chamomile

A friendly dog who came over