Friday Memories

The Friday wake up was uneventful. Everyone who wanted to sleep in until 8:30 was able. The cabins were comfortable (they stayed warm, dry, and had mattresses) and the peacefulness of the outdoors refreshing in the early morning as several of us gathered for our morning cup of coffee. It rained last night and the morning fog was heavy; but the temperature was pleasant and the fog quickly lifted (for a while at least). We could tell that the day would be a great one for the fun ahead. We still had a final choice to make, tubes or canoes. The kids really wanted tubes, yet several of us though canoes would be wiser. In the end, with the recommendation of the camp staff we choose canoes.

As we waited for the fog to lift (again) and the light drizzle that followed to let up, we packed up the RV and cleaned up the campsite. Expecting to head out at 9:30am, we didn’t pile into the camp bus until 10:30. During the 30 minute ride to our jumping off point, the kids sang and sang and sang. We hoped the bus driver wouldn’t dump us off in the middle of nowhere, especially after the third rendition of “The wheels on the bus go round and round”. Along the way we saw elk and wild turkeys. The low clouds were giving way and by the time we set out, we had good enough weather to enjoy the trip.

We quickly learned that the canoe experience professed by so many in the group was largely exaggerated. We saw canoes spinning around, going backwards and zigzagging from one side of the river to the other. The 45 minute trip to our lunch stop took almost an hour. Arriving at Smith Falls, the group quickly began to check out the surroundings. Disappointed to find that last night’s campsite was not the only place that lacked indoor plumbing, lunch was enjoyed and we all headed to the falls for the mandatory group picture. Didn’t I tell you that we took canoes because the water was cold? It must not have been too cold, some of our team went straight for the center of the where the water was coming over the ledge. Me, I took the safe spot behind the camera. Pictures taken, it was time to head back out onto the river.

Our next leg was supposed to be about 2 hours. The current was strong and with moderate paddling the trip to the campground beach would be over before we knew it (or so we thought). Some of those who had difficulty on the first leg were started at the front of the pack. More confident they became the new leaders. This worked until about the half-way point (which we reached about 20 minutes later than expected) where canoe wars began. There was splashing between boats using the paddles to move the maximum amount of water possible. Of course this ended in at least a few tipovers. While the water was not deep, and everyone had life jackets on, the kids had not expected having difficulty in emptying the water they had so earnestly taken on. So the adults scattered throughout our group stopped to help them out. Fortunately by this time, the temperature had drastically improved and those who got wet dried fairly quickly.

All this of course slowed our travel and as we approached the landing (almost an hour later than expected) many of our teens were worn out. During the last 30 minutes of our time on the river, some who started out strong after lunch found themselves once again bringing up the rear and glad that the end was in sight. The moans, groans, and laughter carried over the water and a group of park rangers that had caught up to us must have thought we were a bit unusual. Already behind our schedule, we tried to encourage the team to get into some dry clothes so that we could get on the road and return to our homes. It was like herding cats. Eventually everyone was dried and dressed, the vehicles were packed, and it was time for one final prayer and goodbyes.

While there were some tears it was great to hear our team talking about next year and how they might find a way to do this all over again, of course next time with better shower facilities. So off we went, each with a story to tell, each with memories that will last us a long time. Across the state last night, families and friends were reunited and through the grace of God we are all just a little bit different for the experience. One young lady summed it all up when she said, “I came on this trip thinking it was going to be really lame, but it has been one of the best experiences in my life”.