Today I ache, itch and have a weird hot throbbing feel around various
parts of the body. There is a scrubbed feeling with whiffs of smoke
and shampoo. The mind is tired but happy. Well why am I feeling like
this?
FIRST SCOUT CAMP IN 1 YEAR AND 6 MONTHS!!
Yes, we have finally managed to have a camp. Everyone passed their
covid tests at the start and so we were able to go into the woods and
play with fires. It was wonderful. We did plenty of sawing,
pioneering, fire lighting and chilling around the fire. The explorers
were great and generally well behaved. Well, other than a particular
pair who are great individually but when together become beavis and
butthead level morons. They were caught stabbing a notice board with a
knife. So I had to shout for the first time in years. I worked out it
was 4 years ago when I had caught them peeing out of trees. The cycle
of time is entertaining at times. The camp was mostly spent relaxing
and it was nice. As ever with Explorers, music is ever present. This
lead to some camp fire side dancing of the macarena, YMCA and other
cheesy delights.
I had forgotten how achy and tired camp leaves me. It takes so much
effort and yet feels rewarding. I had the pleasure of seeing Explorers
who I have known since they were 8 grow into great, well behaved and
helpful 16 year olds. They were great to camp with, teach lessons to,
learn from and spend time with. Of course, it helps being part of a
great leadership team, all of whom are friends.
I also had the pleasure of trying a hammock. I found it an odd affair.
It was not helped with my falling out while trying to get back in
after a night time pee. I fell some 3 times in a row!! The swaying was
odd for a while too. Add to this an inappropriate sleeping bag (I
underestimated the difference a bivvy bag makes for night sleeping)
and I had a fairly urrgghh first night. The second night was good.
Tiredness helps alot! Lots of lessons learnt for next time. Shall have
to go give it a go again some time.
If you want the definition of pleasure, go on a great camp with fire,
friends and lovely people. Spend it mostly around a fire. Let the
grime build up and then come home all achy and smiley. Get in that
shower, eat something highly calorific and then own a beer. That first
sip takes so much effort to reach but feels amazing. It hits
beautifully and sets you up for a deep sleep if you can avoid sleeping
until actual bed time. It is always a hard fight when on the sofa!
