Summer Camp Week 7: Lazy River

The Ravens took full advantage of their tube train as we floated down the Naufrage River

From the very first mention of ‘Lazy River’ we knew that it was going to be a hit, however when everyone learned that we were being dropped off back on the Hermitage Road, there were those who were skeptical, hearkening back to the River Rally we did on Week 4. Skeptics were soon proven wrong, however, when we took a turn towards the north, in order to uncover an unparalleled river, just ideal for floating.

The Falcons were late, but eager to make up for it!

Things are never as easy as they seem though, and this week’s challenge saw players transporting potatoes down the river, in order to score points with them at the end. This challenge aside, the pace was leisurely and relaxing, and while at times the wind was cool, it made for a perfect summer’s day.

Here we are at the head of the river, the place that launched a thousand tubes.

All along the way there were sightings of eagles and large trout, and there were dreadful rumors (and purported sightings) of beavers! Water levels ranged from ankle deep to nearly eight feet, and the drop off was one to remember. Each team took their own pace and charted their own way down the river, but I am sorry to say that no one was able to claim the $20 reward that was hidden at the bottom of the swimming hole, and that prize instead went to Jesse, who was able to find it late on Friday evening!

Brady, Bill, and Pierce make a splash as they search for the sunken money!

​Some teams enjoyed floating at their own pace, while others joined the tube-train, being pulled along by Mr. Paton as Jesse led the way with those up ahead. For the Coyotes there were lost shoes, while for the Falcons there were seaweed fights. Ravens led the way in song, while the Foxes took a detour to the Cow River pond, where the most frightening thing in the water was Mr. Paton!

Coyotes enjoying the swimming hole, the deepest part of our journey.

By late afternoon it seemed that cool winds prevailed, and I think that for some of the teams the best part of the day was a hot shower behind the Red Rock! We would also be remiss if we didn’t give a shoutout to Liam McNally, who got a “splinter” so large they had to use pliers to pull it out, and to the Ravens, who were the only team to bust any of their tubes, and who busted three of them within five minutes.

Floating under the 100% safe, not-at-all-sketchy bridge.

Without a doubt it was a week to remember, and I’m certain that it has established a new Red Rock river tradition! As for the scores, it was a rollercoaster of a week. The Coyotes established themselves as contenders from the get-go, losing only two potatoes and scoring 90 points, while the Ravens dug themselves into a hole, by dropping 12 of their 25 potatoes. Falcons swooped in for a comeback though, nearly doubling their prior week’s score to earn a total of 105 for the week, while Foxes settled in nicely at 85, keeping the competition close. The tallies for the total scores are as follows, with only two weeks remaining, and as you can see, it’s all coming down to the Coyotes and the Falcons.

Scores from our Paddle-Boarding adventure will soon be posted, and I know that we are all looking forward to making our dirt shirts next week as well.

With summer winding down, we can't wait to see you all again;

Yours in adventure,

​Nathan and Jesse