August 28, 2009

“Now you are the Body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”  -1 Corinthians 12:27

The dust has settled.  Dust from a dozen retreats filling the Sweeper’s Place with four-square and fellowship. Dust from 54 hiking groups visiting the Equipment Shed, Trail Foods, and the Group Building Course.  Dust from 6 events of backpacking along the Appalachian, Iron Mountain, and Pine Mountain Trails.  Dust from 478 hikers, 49 Junior Staff, 11 Base Camp Participants, 15 Summer Staff, and many friends, family, and volunteers filling the Property with life.  The dust has settled. 

The dust has settled in these places, but the Holy Spirit continues to stir in our souls the experiences of living as the Body of Christ at Wilderness Trail in Summer 2009.

The dust is still flying!  The dust flies as Wilderness Trail T-shirts are worn during the first week of school and stories are shared, as if around a campfire, about the adventures.  The dust flies as spiritual gifts are awakened and offered to a wider circle of community.  The dust flies as we are receptive to the spiritual gifts that others offer to us.  The dust flies as servant leadership translates from the wilderness to our own homes, schools, and friends.  The dust flies as our chorus of “Hallelujah” sings to the world that our God is worthy of our praise and our commitments.  The dust is still flying!

Thanks for being a part of the body with Wilderness Trail this summer.  May God’s Spirit fill you with life to the fullest until our paths align again. 

Shalom,

Dan Baker, Summer Director

 

August 11, 2009

Howdy Friends,
Grace and peace to you.

On Tuesday, August 4th we welcomed nearly 40 first time hikers to the Wilderness Trail Property and our 6th hike of the summer.  A fresh air of excitement was in the air as groups from Crossnore, NC, Mars Hill, NC, and Jacksonville, FL along with individuals from the Asheville, NC area, Greensboro, NC, my kinfolk from Belle Meade, NJ, and our good neighbors from the valley here in Konnarock, VA, and Troutdale, VA. 

The spirit of Wilderness Trail and the warm embrace of ministry family was established in style with energetic worship, a classy Security Team display, and the kitchen staff’s hospitality and yummy barbeque.  As our 42 hikers, 4 Junior Staff, 14 Staffers, 1 BCP, and 1 Momma spread out across the Property for first-night meetings, our theme “The Body of Christ” became evident through the meeting of new friends and sharing anticipations for the journey ahead.  This excitement rolled through Retreat Day 2 with Trail Preparations and the Group Building Course… capitulating in a rainy afternoon where the five hiking groups solidified their hiking identities as:

-“The Quadradic Formula” – Individuals from NC, NJ, and VA

- “The Bone-Camp Bandicoots” – New Directions Farm, Mars Hill, NC

- “Boot to the Head” – Southside Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL

-“Cobra Cai – Troop 127” – The Crossnore School, Crossnore, NC

- “Where in the World is West Dakota” – Lakeshore UMC, Jacksonville, FL

In a graceful fashion, the skies dried and clouds steered clear for a most gorgeous night at the outdoor chapel beneath a moonlit silhouette of Mt Rogers, Elk Garden, and Whitetop Mountain as several bats circled the cross, zooming to and fro.  Hikers got a peaceful night’s rest to take to the Trailhead bright and early for a semi-overcast morning to be followed by three and a half spectacularly clear and sunny days of hiking.  After quite a rainy summer of hiking, Mr. Sunshine was a truly welcomed guest and hiking groups delighted in the splendor of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. 

Git Back Day hosted a relaxing celebration as new friends sat together at table, enjoyed an abundance of porch time, exuberant 4-square, horseshoes, bingo, a victory from the Homies to close the wiffle ball season at historic Weaver Field, and an intermission of group skits.  Our closing worship lifted our eyes to the many shapes, forms, and expressions of the Body of Christ in which we participate by the quickening of the Holy Spirit.  It was especially heart felt as the Staff prepare to head down the mountain tomorrow after an adventurous, God-filled summer of ministry together.

Please keep the Summer Staff in your prayers as they clean, pack up, and transition back through home and towards school for the year.

Keep an eye peeled for photos from this hike towards the end of this week!

Shalom,

Dan

 

August 10, 2009

Hello, friends of WT!

Last Wednesday and Thursday I got to visit the WT Property for the opening retreat.  I arrived just in time for a delicious lunch (mmmm baked potato bar...) and enjoyed sitting on the porch and visiting with our neighbors while the hiking groups spent the afternoon getting ready for their journey. 

It was a rainy afternoon and things looked bleak right up until it was time to go to the Chapel - but as it often does, the rain stopped and we were able to worship together outdoors.  The Chapel service was particularly beautiful in a way it can only be after it rains.  The clouds hung low beneath the mountain ridges, creating a scene that looked more like an Ansel Adams photograph than real life.  As Dan finished his talk the clouds rolled in closer and the mountains disappeared, leaving the cross as the dominant figure in our view.  Appropriate, don't you think?

Thursday morning I got to help with drop offs.  I drove with a group of hikers from Lakeshore UMC in Jacksonville, FL to Dickey Gap.  It was cool to watch Erin lead them in choosing their "secret friends" for the week. They all seemed excited for the week ahead as they did their final packing and said a prayer together.  Although it was overcast, on my drive back to the Property I heard weather reports of sunshine later in the week.  Hopefully they were true!

Today is "Git Back Day," and our hikers will return to the Property, get well-deserved showers, and enjoy an amazing lunch complete with hamburgers, sodas, and warm chocolate chip cookies.  Say a prayer for them - and our Staff - as we close this final week of Summer 2009!

Much love,
Mary

 

August 3, 2009

Hello, friends of WT!

I got to hike this past week - and I don't even know where to begin telling you about the amazing week I had on trail.  Hopefully I can keep this somewhat short, sweet, and to the point.

First off, it rained every day.  At least for my group ("Lewis and Clark and the Packajaweas") it rained mostly while we were hiking or at night, so we never had to set up camp, take down our tents, or cook dinner in the rain.  That was a blessing, for sure!  The first day was mostly sunny and we enjoyed some play time in a swimming hole near Cable Camp (although many of us regretted washing our hiking clothes in the creek, since they never had a chance to dry).  And every day we got a little bit of sunshine, enough to give us hope that it might turn pretty sometime soon.  Although the weather didn't improve until "Git Back Day," honestly I think that hope kept many of us going throughout the week.

During the beginning retreat I had a simple-yet-revolutionary epiphany.  Given my history with Wilderness Trail (I started in '92 as a whiny 14-year-old) I admit that I've sometimes felt like it's "my" ministry.  Watching Dan and the Summer Staff run a smooth opening retreat I went through this quick thought process:  "WT isn't really mine anymore - well, it was never really mine - it's been God's all along."  A deep peace sunk in along with those thoughts, and this seemed to be a theme for the week.  My Junior Staff, Mary Kate, did more than her fair share of the group building and backpacking work on trail.  The adults in my group pushed the hikers into deep conversations.  The youth took turns cheering themselves up.  Really, there wasn't much for me to do but point them in the right direction (oh, and battle with the wet firewood).  That's not to say that we didn't struggle:  wet clothes and boots led to heavy packs, raw feet, and cold bodies; and as usual the last mile or two of each day was especially challenging.  But it was apparent that it wasn't "Mary's group," but equally owned by all the hikers - "God's group."

It was a great week for me to see how Wilderness Trail is truly a great example of the Body of Christ.  The many members of our ministry family all chip in with their various gifts, making it better.  But at the head isn't me as the Executive Director, or Dan as the Summer Director, but Christ. 

God is good - all the time!  I've posted my group's pictures and will be able to post other groups' pictures (from last week, too) later this week.

Much love,
Mary

 

July 27, 2009

Howdy Friends,

Grace and peace to you.

The Property is abuzz with 110 hikers, 16 Staff (including our magnificent Executive Directive Mary Brown who is leading a hike this week!!!), 10 Junior Staff and Servant Leaders, and a trusted cast of volunteers who constitute Summer Event 6 – the most numerous and forceful event of Summer 2009. 

After a drizzly morning of “sparkle reacquisition” (cleaning), groups arrived under sunny skies to the Property from Boone, NC, Asheville, NC, Jacksonville, FL, Shelby, NC, and Waynesville, NC to nest in their sleeping shelters and settle in with basketball, 4-square, horseshoes, and vigorous card games.  Some of the more musically inclined graced our ears with guitar strumming and harmonious melodies while Frisbees sailed and bocce balls rolled.  It was evident to even the untrained eye that fun was being had – community being formed. 

We gathered on the carpet to orient ourselves to our surroundings with the help of Hiking Staff Jackson Moore and a reliable (though not to scale) map of the Property, including a quick tour of the Sweeper’s Place – the Wilderness Trail Lodge which is affectionately named after L.B. Izzi, “The Sweeper.”  With our bearings straight we proceeded directly to a toothsome barbeque dinner complete with baked beans, slaw, and hushpuppies… and brownies and ice cream to boot!  (Thanks Kitchen Staff!).  

Following the bat routine and purple defense tactics skillfully displayed by the Wilderness Trail Security Team, along with the General’s newly acquired fox-tail helmet adornment, we enjoyed an energetic worship session to kick the week off with the praise of God. 

As thunder rumbled far off in the distance of darkening skies hiking groups scattered across the Property to acquaint themselves with their traveling companions and share initial thoughts on the summer theme – “The Body of Christ” – before snuggling away in sleeping bags for the night.

Those remote rumblings rolled down the valley and shortly after midnight became the rowdiest, rafter-rattling rampage of a thunderstorm that we’ve seen all summer.  Whether under the sleeping shelters, on the porch of the Lodge, or in the Staff Cabins, we all enjoyed an extraordinary light show, felt the powerful reverberations of the thunder, and attempted sleep while torrents of rain deluged the mountainside.  Coffee was a welcomed accompaniment to the morning as some mumblings of fatigue were registered… but on the whole the overwhelming sentiment was wonderment and awe at the sheer beauty of the tumultuous night. 

Today groups have ventured to prepare themselves for the week’s hike through the Group Building Course, becoming versed in WT’s “Trail Etiquette,” creating a group name, flag, and skit, and receiving trail foods, equipment, backpacks, and tents.  Said skits and group identities have been unveiled and Event 6’s hiking teams are:

  • “Couch Potatoes” – Central UMC, Asheville, NC

  • “Lewis and Clark and the Packajaweas” – Central UMC, Asheville, NC

  • “Just Light” – Central UMC, Asheville, NC

  • “No Clue – Leave No Trace” – Central UMC, Asheville, NC

  • “Funny HaHa” – Central UMC, Asheville, NC, Aldersgate UMC, Largo, FL

  • “Trail Wars” – Aldersgate UMC, Largo, FL

  • “App Trash” – Long’s Chapel UMC, Lake Junaluska, NC

  • “Plague” – Central UMC, Shelby, NC

  • “Twihike” – Crossroad UMC, Jacksonville, FL

  • “Stanky Legs” – Crossroad UMC, Jacksonville, FL

  • “Karody of Christ” – Crossroad UMC, Jacksonville, FL

We eagerly anticipate the closing worship of this opening retreat tonight at our outdoor chapel.  With hopes for a quieter and more restful night on the Property we’ll rise early tomorrow morning to head for the trail heads and begin the journey. 

With the Waynesville Office closed for the week as Mary Brown offers her leadership to this Event’s hike, we ask your patience with our processing of Event 5’s pictures.  Thanks for your understanding!  Keep an eye peeled for more news soon!

Shalom,

Dan Baker

Summer Director

 

July 23, 2009

Howdy Friends,

It’s Thursday morning and the Property is still and quiet as the Staff rest from an animated Event 5 hike.  Groups from Pensacola, FL, Fallston, NC, Kensington, MD, and Jacksonville, FL drove away yesterday morning with tired feet and warm hearts.  It was an electric “Git Back Day” featuring many a trail legend shared across rocking chairs, soda pops with a hamburger lunch, and quite the theatrical display during group skits. 

Event 5’s hiking teams were: “Hootie and the Blowchunks” (Ortega UMC, Jacksonville, FL), “Shelter Steve and the Privy Trolls” (Ortega UMC, Jacksonville, FL), “Celebrity Hikers” (FUMC Pensacola, FL), “ATeam” (FUMC Pensacola, FL), “Sole Sisters” (FUMC Pensacola, FL), “Battle of the Boys” (FUMC Pensacola, FL), Jilto Hyre” (FUMC Pensacola, FL), “SOS – Scared of Skits” (FUMC Pensacola, FL), “Sock’em Boppers” (St Paul UMC, Kensington, MD), and “7 Wonders of the Woods” (Friendship UMC, Fallston, NC).

The tone was celebratory as we spent the afternoon enjoying “funtivities” such as Wiffle Ball (GO VISTORS!), mountain bocce ball, knockout (basketball, not boxing), and a rousing session of Cowboy Bingo led by our very own Buckshot Brock (Yee-Haw!).  Our closing worship wrapped up all the week’s encounters of God within the Body of Christ on Holy Ground in a unified chorus of praise. 

Thanks to all the courageous hikers for enduring the scores of thunderstorms with high spirits and an attitude of “when it rains… play in it!”  We look forward to the sounds of honking horns in the distance as vehicles emerge from the trees for victory laps… meaning you have arrived at the Property and we’re ready to take a hike!

Pictures from the week are along the production line and may be processed a bit slower than events passed… thank you for your forbearance 

Shalom,

Kara Sither – SAD

Dan Baker - SD

July 17, 2009

This morning our 4th group of hikers were dropped off to begin their 5-day backpacking experience.  I got to visit during the opening retreat, hitching a ride up with Diane (yes, that's Crazyhorse's mom) from Waynesville, NC.  We arrived just before dinner on Wednesday evening, in time to hear the Staff give the 100 participants an introduction to the WT Property.  With a delicious meal in their bellies, hikers were corralled up around 7:30pm to play games.  After that, it was time for the intimidating Security Team presentation (I was a bit scared to call my husband later that night, lest it be interpreted as "PURPLE").  Phillip and the Staff led us in worship, including the new song "Hallelujah" that keeps getting stuck in my head after I leave.  After a great talk from Ryan the groups met for the first time.  I enjoyed catching up with Lisa and Cindy out on the porch - two more Staff moms, claiming Zach and Erin respectively. 

Thursday morning it was up bright and early to enjoy coffee on the porch before breakfast - one of my favorite times.  Shockingly enough, the Security Team found yet another love note, and this one was particularly funny, if I might say so.  After worship and a great talk from Zach the hikers went off in their groups to do the GBC or to get prepared for their hike.  I sat in the office and got to share some laughs with Summer Director Dan Baker - always a treat.

After a delicious lunch it was time for Diane and I to head back to a different set of mountains.  But don't worry, Property, I'l be back!  ;)

Much love,
Mary

 

July 9, 2009

The journey begins one afternoon where bus loads of curious hikers arrive at the Property. The campers roll up through the coniferous and deciduous trees which line the road to the Lodge, not knowing what experiences await them on the trail.  But first the campers must discover what group they’re in and who they will be spending their time with on the trail.  Later that evening the campers dined to a scrumptious meal of barbecue and baked beans.  Following their delicious dinner the hikers sang many a divine ditty in their worship.  Then the campers met with their hiking group for the first time where they did “icebreakers” to help them feel more connected before they would take on the Group Building Course (GBC) in the morning.  Afterwards the hikers walked down to the shelters where they would sleep in their warm sleeping bags to get a good night’s rest for the next day.

To start off the next day the campers had a hearty breakfast of biscuits, gravy, eggs and bacon.  This day is especially important because it’s the day the hiking groups identify themselves and decide on a group name.  Having a good name is key because it’s the name they will be known as for the rest of the week, so to get the creative flow going the groups did stimulating exercises in order to pick their name. This day is important as well because the campers get all their equipment and materials necessary for the five day hike they are about to embark upon. They received food, tethered their sleeping bags to their packs, and went through a group-changing GBC. After an entire day of brainstorming, the groups revealed their name through merrymaking skits that they presented to the rest of the camp. 

And the names are…. “The Ring Pops” from Fletcher NC, “Wilderness Trail 911” from St. Petersburg FL, “The Elderleage of Justice” of Winston-Salem, NC,  “Forest Dump” also from St. Pete, “Snack Pack Presidential Election ’09 Chocolate” from Waynesville, NC and also from Waynesville we have “Snack Pack Presidential Election ’09 Vanilla,” “The Trail Beasts” from Pensacola, FL, “Psycho Geico Hikers,” yet another from St. Pete, “Vacas Amigos” from Presbyterian Home For Children and last but certainly not least “Magic 8” from LaFayette Street.

After a delightful dinner of chicken parmesan and green bean casserole, a small hike up to the outdoor chapel took place where the campers had communion, worship and listened to an talk on “who” and “whose” we are in the Body of Christ.  Worship was followed by a hike back down to the shelters with the aid of flashlights and headlamps.  The hikers then prepared for bed, falling asleep to bulbous bullfrogs crooning and the sound of algae beginning to form on top of the small pond.  The campers did this so they would be well rested for the morning.  Luckily no precipitation was seen during the retreat.  A strong bell ringing and raucous dance party awoke the hikers before they departed for the trail. There’s a strong support group here at the property, and the hikers are out doing great so far!

- Jennie Kimel and Maria Rivera, Junior Staffers Extraordinaire

 

July 8, 2009

This week I got my first taste of the opening retreat.  On Monday I rode up and - after stopping for a quick visit with my good buddy, Cobb - arrived just in time for dinner.  A new culinary experience tantalized my taste buds, as gormet chefs Sarah Jane and Lindsey have made some upgrades to the WT menu.  I won't spoil the surprises, but if you're joining us later this summer, you will not be disappointed! 

After dinner, the games began (literally).  I watched as the 83 hikers from Florida and North Carolina ran around playing games like "Blob Tag."  Then, the WT Security Team made their first presentation.  As always, it was a prestigious, elegant, and very serious affair.  ;)

The evening's worship was really wonderful - it was a treat to do the motions to the old favorites like "Romans 16:19" and also learn a brand new song.  Phillip, Sarah Jane, Michael, Mary Walker, Mary Jeanne, AT, Nathaniel, and Ryan all contributed to the musical leadership and it sounded great.  Ryan kicked off the week's theme of "The Body of Christ" with a great talk.  Later that evening I hung around while the groups met, and got to listen in on several of them meeting for the very first time.  I could hear the excitement and nervousness in the hikers' voices. 

Tuesday morning I woke up, yet again surprised at how much cooler it is in the mountains of Virginia than in the mountains of Waynesville.  Cup of coffee in hang, I enjoyed rocking on the porch while sleepy-looking hikers (and Staff) made their way to the Lodge.  We enjoyed a great breakfast together before kicking off the day in worship.  Another excellent talk on "The Body of Christ" was given by Zach.  Both Zach and Ryan's talks were supported by really cool Staff participation - but again, I don't want to spoil it for anyone.  And again, you will not be disappointed.

After a lunch spent eating delicious food, catching up with old friends, and meeting some new ones, it was time for me to head back to the "Corporate Office" (aka, the Waynesville office).  For all of you who are also participating from a distance this week, our hikers hit the trail this morning.  Say a prayer for a safe, fun, and challenging journey! 

Much love,
Mary

 

July 2, 2009

I hitched a ride to the WT Property with Board Member and infamous former Summer Staffer John Mark "Dome" Roberts on Tuesday night.  We arrived just in time to horse around with the Summer Staff before getting some shuteye for the big day ahead of us:  The Staff would begin picking up hikers at 6:40am; Dome would put the floor in for an 8th Sleeping Shelter on Wednesday; and I planned to sit on the porch and hear some great trail stories!  (Okay, so my day wasn't quite so rough.)

On Wednesday morning the hikers started rolling into the Wilderness Trail Property around 8:15am, with horns blaring and hikers yelling triumphantly.  Once they checked in their equipment many of the hikers joined me on the porch with freshly baked cinnamon buns in hand.  I heard tales of entire groups that jumped into cold mountain creeks; rave reviews of the new "chicken soup" camp dinner; stories of campfires built despite wet wood; and something about a game called "Farkle."  Sounded like a great week on trail!

As I left, everyone was getting geared up for the afternoon activities, including (for the first time EVER) a round of bingo! 

The Staff will be taking time off for the 4th of July, but will be back at the Property on Sunday, July 5th to greet a new batch of Junior Staff.  Then, on Monday the 6th, Summer Event 4 starts!

Much love,
Mary

 

June 29, 2009

Hellooo world wide web-

Event 3 kicked off to a roaring start with mountains… of mulch! Thanks to our neighbor-friend, Primo, the Wilderness Trail lodge and Group Building Course are now decorated with mounds of mulchy goodness. Kudos to the staff and junior staff for their expert pitchfork skills.

The retreat officially began with groups rolling up to the Property from Kensington, MD, Waynesville, NC, Davidson, NC, Gibsonville, NC, Bryson City, NC, Shelby, NC, and Calhoun, GA. 

Much 4-square commenced and brand-spanking new WT Frisbees were tossed about. After a delicious southern-style dinner, groups headed off to bed and awoke to a delicious southern-style breakfast!

Next came a fabulous day of retreat-ing, GBC-ing and trail preparation-ing, followed by a beautiful night at the chapel to set off our hiking week on the right foot.

On Saturday morning, “Tarp-Wow!” (Waynesville), “St. Paul’s 4-Square Extraordinaires”, “Trail Trek” (Waynesville), “Hee Hee” (Waynesville), “Team Pillowcase” (Davidson), “Car de los Carlos” (Waynesville), “Duct Tape Fixes Everything” (Gibsonville, Bryson City, Shelby, Calhoun), “Utter Chaos” (Waynesville), and “Word Salad” (Davidson) set off for the woods under blue skies and a brisk, mountain air.  After hearing scripture and talks during the opening retreat on “the Body of Christ,” each group has begun their hike in their “mini-bodies” to celebrate and share God’s love in their midst. 

Now on their third day of the journey, we’ve seen many a happy hiker while refilling food and water supplies on “support meets.”  With classic June weather for the Virginian highlands, they have traveled through warm and sunny days, cool nights, and withstood the occasional afternoon rain shower. 

We’re excited to hear all the stories when we pick groups up on Wednesday morning!

Grace and peace to you all,

Erin Locker

Dan Baker

 

Tuesday, June 23rd

We’ve officially kicked off Summer 2009 with 70 hikers from North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. The opening retreat, although a little rainy, was filled with basketball, barbeque and great worship. Despite a steady evening drizzle, everyone walked up to our outdoor chapel to enjoy Communion together and prepare for the week to come.

Our hiking groups this week are: “He Said, She Said” and “Dinner and a Movie with Katie Couric” from Boone, NC, “Wilderness Court” from Charleston, SC, “Children of Peace (C.O.P)” from Palm Bay, FL, “The Poolice of the A.T.” and “Double Oh! 7” from Dunedin, FL and “The Seven Dwarfs…Gone Hiking” from Shady Grove, NC.  

All seven groups left Tuesday morning under cloudy skies, but not before a dance party to the tune of Disney classics. The week continued to bring rain, but the hikers remained in good spirits and persevered.  By Thursday afternoon, Mr. Sunshine had made brief appearances and took center stage for Friday, the last day of hiking.  In the end, the rain did not have the final word!

Saturday morning meant “Git Back Day” as victory laps were made around the Property and hikers returned to equipment check-in, hot showers, and fresh cinnamon buns.  A celebratory tone marked the energy-filled day through a hamburger lunch, receiving T-shirts (the color not to be disclosed on the Interwebs!), afternoon “funtivities” such as wiffleball, mountain bocce, horseshoes, basketball, a photo scavenger hunt, and an art center, group skits, multiple inductions to the Wilderness Trail Trailblazer Club, and a boisterous closing worship. 

We are thrilled for an excellent start to the summer and thank all hikers, Base Camp Participants, and Junior Staff for making the week so wonderful.  We do have photodocumentation of the event that will soon find its way to the website.  Please pardon the delay as we navigate our technology.  Keep an eye out on this page for more news in Summer 2009 at Wilderness Trail!

Shalom,

Alisa Tripolino, Hiking Staff

Dan Baker, Summer Director

 

Saturday, June 20th

I was lucky enough to visit the WT Property for the end of the first Summer Event.  I hopped a ride up with Laura on Friday afternoon and we arrived around 5:30 to find the Staff still working hard.  Michael, Kara, Alisa, Lindsey, and Stephen were cutting low branches that have been partially blocking our drive and clearing them near the fire pit to burn later.  Dan had just returned from the final support meeting of the week. "Base Camp Participants" Dianna, Liz, and Annabell were helping Sarah Jane get started with dinner.  I got to enjoy hearing stories from the week, visiting with our good friend Cobb, sharing "Little Foxes" and "Holy Grounds," and praying for the groups before I went to bed (OK, I was the first to go to bed). 

On Saturday morning the first team of drivers departed bright and early - around 6:45 - to pick up the first two groups.  I sat on the porch and had a great time watching the hiking groups celebrate their return with a "victory lap" around the Property, blaring their horns and cheering.  I talked with hikers from Epworth United Methodist Children's Home that had just completed their first week-long summer event.  Experienced hikers from Boone United Methodist Church had a week of laughs, including a hand-drawn sleeveless tuxedo shirt that was worn all week by one hiker.  As usual, there was a lot of enthusiasm for hot cinnamon buns and hot showers.  Despite 3 days of rain, everyone was in good spirits and seemed to have had a great experience.

Lunch was served to a ravenous crowd at 12:30:  hamburgers, salad, corn, watermelon, soda, and perfectly cooked chocolate chip cookies.  I hitched a ride with former Staffer (and good buddy) Stephen and we were on our way back to Waynesville.  What an awesome first event!  Can't wait to visit again next week.  :)

Much love,
Mary Brown, Executive Director