Camping
Devil's Lake, Wisconsin

Ok, at first glance, it might not seem to adventurous. In retrospect, maybe it really wasn't. But you know, after you've climbed Kilimanjaro, gone to Costa Rica, canoed in the Boundary Waters, etc. the sad fact is, summer is ending, you spent most of it at your desk and how many times have you said - "I just don't do enough camping". Well, there you have it.

So we decided that a weekend of camping up near Devil's lake would be just what the Doctor ordered. We had to be at camp by 10:00, by camp rules, and when Kathy and I got there at 9:30, only Molly and Janet were there already. We set up tents, and in the next half-hour, the rest of the group poured in. The campfire was started, s'mores were cooked up, a little music, a beer or two (or three, or...) along with a little Jack Daniels and Beef Jerky (known as doing the 'Jack and Jerk' - soon to be an ATS tradition?) made for another fine evening with friends.

Alas though, Saturday morning, it looked a wee overcast. After Breakfast, Andy, Deborah, Mike and Donna took off to do some rock climbing while the rest of us got set to go for a hike. But when we got to the state park, the climbing crowd was coming back, apparently all of the good climbing spots were taken. They went on in hopes of finding another spot, while we went on for our adventure hike in the hills. But soon, it went from misting, to really kind of raining, so we found an overhang by the concession stand, and sat down for a snack or lunch.

After that, some people went into town to do some 'Adventure Bowling(?)' while Johnine, Jennifer, Kathy, Ren, Linda and Marie went for a hike, even though it was 'a bit moist'. Soon, it was 'a bit moister' and moister, and moister, and soon it was just a plain - old flat-out torrential downpour. So, we're walking along speculating on what this is doing to our campsite (in an obvious flood plain) and thinking that Dinner in town is sounding like an awfully good idea.

But when we got back, cleaned up, and the rest of the gang came back, there were other ideas. Ropes, tarps and a good team effort created a nifty dining shelter, and then Andy's amazing pyrotechnical skills somehow managed to make a campfire for us. A great dinner, with wine, more s'mores and lots of great conversation rounded out the night.

The next morning, we made breakfast, cleaned up the campsite like pros and pretty well went our separate ways. Andy, Mike, Donna, Deborah, Kathy and Ren went climbing (Linda joined us later) while the rest of the group went hiking, swimming and sunning. Since I was with the climbers, I can only tell you about what went on there. We had a great time, despite the fact that I tried to see which is harder, "Annie's overhang" or my skull (hint: not my skull). Overall a great time was had with many beautiful views. Who can forget such immortal moments as "Hey, what's this? That wasn't there last night!" and "Damnit Mike, would you stop stressing the fact that you just learned how to do this yesterday!" along with the classic "When I'm on the rock, I'm so focused ,that's the only thing I'm thinking about. That, and Deborah."

All good things must come to an end though. Eventually we went our separate ways, some stopping for a fab dinner at the Log Cabin Inn, and on to home. It was a great time, and one we will all have to repeat soon!


So long Andy! Thanks for everything! Good Luck in New York!
P.S. You ARE 'the Man'!