The start of Summer

Last week was the end of staff training. Before we concluded we went of staff off sites. This means we go as staff on camping trips, just like the ones we take kids on. I went rock climbing. On Real Rocks! It was a bit challenging, but also the same as climbing in a gym. I had a lot of fun and am looking forward to going again soon.

The week after staff training was done a group from Sandy Utah comes up to camp and uses the camp, with all their own programing, so we just run the kitchen and waterfront. Got to lifeguard and swim a bit. It was fun but the lake is still COLD! It is getting a bit warmer everyday. Was a little sick and so has everyone else at camp. Should be better this week though.

My Family Group at camp: back row: Jeremy, Erik, Morgan, Me, Calvin, Kelsey, Katie MJ and Caroline. Calvin and I were the proud parents. (the leaders of the group) Oh, did i mention that we always dress up this fancy at camp?

This past week I was on Grounds Crew. There is a dock that extends into the water and was a bit shaky. Avoiding future damage from storms, we had to cut it down. So picture this: there were three of us in a boat. one manning the motor, I was steadying the boat to the dock with my leg, and one was manning the chainsaw...from the boat. A few short purrs and the first three cuts were made. Then two chainsaws stood on the remaining part of dock and went to work. They worked together to cut the last two support beams and the dock splashed into the water. Our plan was to tow the lonely old dock and chop it up to be disposed of. Fortunately fate intervened. Joking I asked who wanted to ride on it, well this sparked our childhood ambitions of building a raft. shortly after four of us had life jackets on and paddles in hand as we paddled a 10' X 10' wooden raft about the bay. Later that day we made a trip of it and even had some swimming. It was so fun. Tom Sawer and Huck Finn would have been proud!

Old Pondarosa Pine on the Sunset hike.

This upcoming week is Choir Camp. I get to have a cabin of girls and it's going to be very fun. For now, back to the lake!

Nature Walks

Well, I have been doing a lot of things, but not taking photos of much of it, because I'm so busy! and who wants to see photos of me sitting in a room learning about the bible? Not too much to see. But I do have some photos of a hike we took right out from camp. We went up a trail that has a great view of the Lake, and lots of wild flowers along the way. The Yellow flowers are on their way out and White Flowers are on their way in. Next are the purple and blues. I even saw some wild roses blooming today!

Dad came up to the camp to pick me up for our day off, but first we found out where we are going on our staff off sites (camping trips that we take kids on, but this is our training trip, so it's staff only).

I'm going Rock Climbing!! But it's going to be on real rocks, Eeek! No big rock gym holds for me. So I'm very excited and a little nervous.

On my day off I ran 3 miles! Its nice not to have time constraints, and be able to take time to run. I also went to Twice But Nice, the thrift store in Ronan and got some good stuff. More about that later.

Had a great sunset on our car ride home last night.

Week One

I have been at camp for one week! And have done lots of things.

I got trained in high ropes, which I'll tell you about later.

I wake up early to keep my east cost time going, and get to see the sun light up the lake.

Then one day Tyler and I went to the dump, to dump an old asphalt roof out of the back of a truck. It only took us about an hour...then we went to Costco to get some supplies for camp. Toilet paper...check. Paper towels...check. Rubber Gloves...Check. Thank goodness there were food samples out, we were beat and needed the energy!

This weekend was Memorial Day Work Retreat. Lots of people come up to camp to help get it ready for the campers.

The amphitheater got new runners. There were 4 chainsaws going and lots of hammers. it was quite the sound

Dad came up to help with the Memorial day Work Retreat weekend. I had him trim a few trees and used his truck to take out some rubbish to burn.

I came home Sunday night to recoup! Rain West of Pablo.

Heading back up to camp now. I have only had to brush off three ticks to far. The most I have ever seen in my life!!! Ridiculous. I'm keeping a tally. So far Melanie = 3 Ticks = 0!

Back to camp and greet the rest of the staff on Tuesday!

Montana for Gold!

Elly and Ted took me to the airport. It only took us 1/2 and hour to get there and get all checked in... record time, so I had 2 hours of waiting before I flew out. Andy and I had to say our goodbyes.

I flew in to Missoula MT yesterday after having a mini vacation in Minneapolis with my Aunties and cousin. Once picked up from the airport we had errands to run. One was selling my moms old gold tooth for cash! We then went and feasted at Wendy's with her earnings.

Today I am packing up all my stuff and gettting ready to head to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, after we visit my Grandpa's grave and my Grandma in Kallispell.

For now, I'm home.

Montana Bound

Today I leave to go Montana. I will be in Minneapolis for a few days, then off to Missoula, Ronan, and Lakeside to my final destination: Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp.

This summer I will be on Grounds Crew, so I will be doing maintenance and facilitating the high ropes course. It will be a lot of fun, and I hope to update my blog on the weekends. I'll do my best to keep you informed.


Before I left I rocked climbed at the gym for the last time :(I will miss my climbing partner Genell greatly.
I will also miss my boy Andy.

Until we see each other again.

Engaged!

On my birthday Andy and I rented a car and went to Sonic Drive In for dinner. It was delicious in case you were wondering. Once we got back there was a Piñata hanging in our living room off the ceiling fan.

I asked Andy what am I going to hit it with? He had no idea, so we got the broom handle screwed off and I started whacking! The cat was very excited by the colorful piñata swinging about and the small bits of plastic gems and candy flying out. After many good whacks the piñata fell off of the ceiling and I tore the leg off. I had broken everything in there! There were plastic rings, which I had broken every single one and many bits of broken candy necklaces. Olivia our cat was very interested in the booty as well. Andy said he had one more for me, so I stood up and he got on one knee, opened a ring box (upside down) and asked me to marry him. We corrected the box and I said yes. We are planning to get married summer 2010 in Montana.

Genell and I

I have started riding my bike with Genell down Kelly Drive. So far we have taken a photo right before we part. I think it should continue.

I tracked the ride and it's a 15 mile round trip from my house. I really like the ride back home. It reminds me of the days when I was so independent and would ride into town to go to work, visit friends, or go to shows. It makes me want to have a better excuse to ride farther away from home. Genell is a good excuse.