I sit here writing this as I watch rain come down outside. At this time, it is only sprinkling, but it is the after-party for the pouring rain we got yesterday. In actuality, however, it ended up being my favorite day of Mountain Camp yet, although my hopes of being the hero of mountain camp were snatched from me.
Since the other half of staff had their day off, from 1:00-5:00 it was "adventure day." This meant that the kids signed up for an activity for all of that time. My activity to do was fishing, but about 45 minutes into our trip we were told to come in because the storm was moving in quickly. I got my kids in, and on the way was told to go back out and pick up the 26 kayakers from the other side of the lake (which would have been my shot at glory, and becoming the savior of camp). When i got back, however, Andy Hancock (waterfront coordinator) told me to take care of things on the shore while he went and saved the stranded kayaking children (stranded, starving, frozen, any other over-dramatic phrase you would choose). Dammit all!!!
My shot at glory now gone, I did have a chance at redemption, when I went out with some other guys to get the sailboats that had to be abandoned at the shore at various places around the lake. I was told to take a Hobie, put the sail up (a sail that had been ravaged by the wind) and sail it back to shore by myself. I have never sailed by myself.
However, thanks to my newfound sense of...i dunno...doing things on my own? I was able to rig the boat and sail it safely back to camp, all on my own doing.
And so, because of me, the young lads and ladies of mountain camp can live to sail another day. Just another day in the life of a humble hero.
--Andy
(A special thanks to my Grandfather, Tom Rosenberger, for my flair for the dramatic, and my other grandfather, Ed Martin, for the one small gene of my DNA that allowed me to figure something out on my own)
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Green, Green Grass
So, I had another day off on Friday, and it was probably the best one I have had yet. We went to Tahoe and stayed in a hotel, and although I had to still sleep on the floor, it was at least in a controlled temperature setting, which was beyond amazing. The other awesome thing about Tahoe was being able to walk barefoot on grass. I had no idea how much i missed real grass until i saw it again (there is absolutely no grass here on the mountain) but that was really nice.
However, Tahoe wasn't all good, as I partook in another water misadventure, this time involving a swimming pool. On the way back from the casino we decided to hop in a hotel pool about a block from our hotel. We of course decided to do it fully clothed, and in my excitement to get in (or my lack of judgement) I forgot to take my phone out of my pocket. So currently the issue is trying to be resolved, I'll keep you posted. In the mean time, I am going to need to make sure that if I have been consuming "adult beverages" I may not want to go near water. I will also be reminding myself that I am an idiot. Oh well, live and learn.
Thats about all I have, only 5 more days of these kids, and then I get another day off and FINALLY some new kids. These guys have really been trying my patience this session. Not that I don't like my job, I still love being out here. Anyways, as always, get at me, talk to you soon.
--Andy
However, Tahoe wasn't all good, as I partook in another water misadventure, this time involving a swimming pool. On the way back from the casino we decided to hop in a hotel pool about a block from our hotel. We of course decided to do it fully clothed, and in my excitement to get in (or my lack of judgement) I forgot to take my phone out of my pocket. So currently the issue is trying to be resolved, I'll keep you posted. In the mean time, I am going to need to make sure that if I have been consuming "adult beverages" I may not want to go near water. I will also be reminding myself that I am an idiot. Oh well, live and learn.
Thats about all I have, only 5 more days of these kids, and then I get another day off and FINALLY some new kids. These guys have really been trying my patience this session. Not that I don't like my job, I still love being out here. Anyways, as always, get at me, talk to you soon.
--Andy
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Yankee Doodle Dandy
So the 4th of July came and went, without a sparkler, bottle rocket, roman candle, or anything of the sort for me. (Although it did come with a bottle of wine, please believe.) It was actually kind of a bummer, probably the first 4th I've spent without much of a celebration. Although it was fun when at breakfast two of the directors made the two English counselors stand up and shouted "No taxation without representation!" at them (all in good fun of course, they knew they would take it with a laugh. That however was the extent of my celebration. I was definitely thinking of everyone at home who was playing mud volleyball, watching parades, watching fireworks (how was the view from the deck, Dad?), and drinking beer. (Kirk I'm assuming it was an "i lost count" night, seeing as how much you love America and love to celebrate it.)
Besides that, not a whole lot of news here. My kids this session are a little more difficult, but they are alright. I'm kinda bummed that they are here for two weeks though, because my one week kids had a lot more personality and were alot more fun. Oh well, a few beatings in a burlap sack may be in order and then we'll be ok (kidding, kidding). I have my day off on Friday, which I am looking forward to as usual. Rumor has it some are going to Tahoe, so hopefully I get to get in on that. (No, I do not think they will be anymore drunken canoeing, don't worry).
Also, I have been bike-riding during my off-period, as I decided it would be good to start to do something physical. It has been going alright, except mountain biking (what with the hills and such) is way difficult. I have been able to manage though. Hopefully no more spills as well.
Thats about all I have for now, thanks for reading, get at me.
--Andy
Besides that, not a whole lot of news here. My kids this session are a little more difficult, but they are alright. I'm kinda bummed that they are here for two weeks though, because my one week kids had a lot more personality and were alot more fun. Oh well, a few beatings in a burlap sack may be in order and then we'll be ok (kidding, kidding). I have my day off on Friday, which I am looking forward to as usual. Rumor has it some are going to Tahoe, so hopefully I get to get in on that. (No, I do not think they will be anymore drunken canoeing, don't worry).
Also, I have been bike-riding during my off-period, as I decided it would be good to start to do something physical. It has been going alright, except mountain biking (what with the hills and such) is way difficult. I have been able to manage though. Hopefully no more spills as well.
Thats about all I have for now, thanks for reading, get at me.
--Andy
Sunday, July 1, 2007
The actual tipping point
So this is a bit of a short post, as I have to be ready for new kids here in a few minutes, but I had to tell of my evening last night. We had another night off, and it was my buddy Deano's birthday, so we went across the lake for some camping and fun. It was a good time, until me and another counselor decided we wanted to go back to sleep in our own beds, so we set off on a canoe at 12:30 AM.
It was less than a mile trek, but we had been partaking in the festivities a little bit, so that made it harder. Anyways, we had to pull to shore shortly before we got to camp to dump some water from the canoe. While we had some balance problems along the way, we had made it to shore. Until we got there, went to get out of the canoe, and capsized it. Fun was had by all, I assure you. Luckily I had my phone in my waterproof pocket and it didn't get ruined, and i didnt really have anything else with me. Not so lucky was Cassie, who was in the canoe with me, who lost her phone, camera, pillow and sleeping bag in the fall. Suffice it to say that it was a long, wet walk back to camp. It was sort of worth it to sleep in my own bed, but I couldn't even sleep past 8:30, so that was unfortunate.
Anyways, we start our first two week session this week, and I am excited because there are some different fun activities in these sessions. Sorry this is so short, but I gotta run, hope to hear from you all soon.
--Andy
It was less than a mile trek, but we had been partaking in the festivities a little bit, so that made it harder. Anyways, we had to pull to shore shortly before we got to camp to dump some water from the canoe. While we had some balance problems along the way, we had made it to shore. Until we got there, went to get out of the canoe, and capsized it. Fun was had by all, I assure you. Luckily I had my phone in my waterproof pocket and it didn't get ruined, and i didnt really have anything else with me. Not so lucky was Cassie, who was in the canoe with me, who lost her phone, camera, pillow and sleeping bag in the fall. Suffice it to say that it was a long, wet walk back to camp. It was sort of worth it to sleep in my own bed, but I couldn't even sleep past 8:30, so that was unfortunate.
Anyways, we start our first two week session this week, and I am excited because there are some different fun activities in these sessions. Sorry this is so short, but I gotta run, hope to hear from you all soon.
--Andy
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
The Tipping Point
So I write this post a bit tired, as my sleep was interrupted last night by a campers battle with homesickness. In fact, an epidemic of homesickness is going around camp right now. The cabin of a friend of mine had 7 of 9 campers homesick last night. It is sort of awful. It feels like every time you turn around another camper is in tears because they miss home. If right now you are thinking "seriously? they're gonna be home in 4 days!" you are thinking like me. To me it is a bit ridiculous, but thats how it is. I've been able to deal with it fairly alright, and have been lucky enough not to have anyone too hysterical. Knock on wood.
In other news, I had my first day off last saturday. It was pretty sweet, I went on a bike ride, tubing, and then camping overnight across the lake. Bike riding was interesting. We biked uphill about three miles (3 miles in distance, not altitude) and I was a bit behind the group, but thats ok. We preceded to go down the dirt "jump" tracks, on which I took a tumble and got quite the scrapes on my shoulder and knees. I safely made it to the bottom without any major injury, but that was only because of some severe pumping of the brakes. Camping was also a blast. About 15 of us were there, and we cooked and had some "adult beverages." Suffice it to say that children arriving Sunday at 1:00 was far too early. I also feel like this week is going to crawl because I am looking forward to my next day off on saturday. (I would also like to use this space to say hello to Katie Merritt, who spent a good 15 minutes saturday night critiquing my blog, thanks for reading).
I have also started in a new cabin this session, as one of our counselors left after last session. They wanted the new guy to go with Alan, so they moved me into the cabin behind me. Its fine with me because this cabin has even more space, and I like my co-counselor, Perry, who is an Aussie. My kids this session are pretty good, except for one kid who annoys the crap out of me, and another is homesick and a little quiet, but hopefully we can get over that.
Also, I am safely away from fire. If you haven't heard, there is a big fire in Tahoe. We can see the smoke from some spots here, but it is not likely to get to us. I'll keep you posted. Thats about all I have for now, thanks for reading, get at me.
-Andy
In other news, I had my first day off last saturday. It was pretty sweet, I went on a bike ride, tubing, and then camping overnight across the lake. Bike riding was interesting. We biked uphill about three miles (3 miles in distance, not altitude) and I was a bit behind the group, but thats ok. We preceded to go down the dirt "jump" tracks, on which I took a tumble and got quite the scrapes on my shoulder and knees. I safely made it to the bottom without any major injury, but that was only because of some severe pumping of the brakes. Camping was also a blast. About 15 of us were there, and we cooked and had some "adult beverages." Suffice it to say that children arriving Sunday at 1:00 was far too early. I also feel like this week is going to crawl because I am looking forward to my next day off on saturday. (I would also like to use this space to say hello to Katie Merritt, who spent a good 15 minutes saturday night critiquing my blog, thanks for reading).
I have also started in a new cabin this session, as one of our counselors left after last session. They wanted the new guy to go with Alan, so they moved me into the cabin behind me. Its fine with me because this cabin has even more space, and I like my co-counselor, Perry, who is an Aussie. My kids this session are pretty good, except for one kid who annoys the crap out of me, and another is homesick and a little quiet, but hopefully we can get over that.
Also, I am safely away from fire. If you haven't heard, there is a big fire in Tahoe. We can see the smoke from some spots here, but it is not likely to get to us. I'll keep you posted. Thats about all I have for now, thanks for reading, get at me.
-Andy
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Rockin' the Suburbs
Its four days into the first session of camp, and it already feels like 10. Not really that its bad at all, it just feels like a long time. My cabin is starting to get along, which is nice, because at first I had a few suburban kids that took a good time out of making fun of the "wierdos from Berkley." It has gotten better though, although I would like to go on record as saying that my children will never grow up as suburban kids, and a big thanks to my parents for somehow making me not turn out to be mean spirited with a sense of entitlement through my teenage years (I think).
Right now I've been able to get on the computer for the better part of 30 minutes, which has been extremely enjoyable, and hasnt been something I have been able to do yet. I still feel so out of the loop with stuff, but thats alright. After lunch today I get to take kids out on the pontoon boat for a 3 hour "fishing trip." (Read; take three fishing poles, go to the cliff jumping spot, let kids run amok while I get a tan). I'm pretty excited about it. Usually I only get an hour for "fishing" with the kids but since it is "Free Choice Day" we get to do special activities like this.
In other news, I have become somewhat of a superstar of the songs and skits at campfire each night, so that has been fun. (By superstar, i really just mean that i'll pretty much wear/do anything on stage, which leaves me with little to no dignity) Although, it does turn out that being the goofy guy doesn't bode quite as well when it comes time for discipline, but my co-counselor, Alan, is pretty good at that, so thats ok. I'm pretty glad I got paired with him, as this is his 3rd or 4th year at camp so he knows very well what he is doing, and it has been good for me to learn some of the stuff that I didn't know. Alan is from England, he is a Manchester United fan, and he just finished (before camp) running a marathon DOWN Mt. Everest. He is a pretty interesting guy and very good at this job, so I have been lucky.
As I mentioned before, I get to drive the pontoon boat. This is pretty cool as I am one of only 4 people that they trust with the $40,000 boat. It is pretty easy to drive, although yesterday I drove off with the ladder still attached and it came off. Luckily it floats, otherwise I would have been out about $75, not to mention unable to drive the boat the rest of the summer.
Last night was my "night off" (from 9:30-11) so about 7 of us went to a place about a mile down the road where there are rocks and stuff right by the lake and just hung out for a little bit. It was nice to be able to get away from camp and have "adult time" for a while. It has been a little tough to go from using adult language and such when it was just the counselors here to having to watch ourselves when the kids are here, but I have done alright with it.
I am still having a blast here and am still very glad I am doing this (even though as I check espn.com and the 'book I feel a bit out of the loop!) As always, get at me on here, e-mail, facebook, or by phone. Talk to you all soon.
Wattaliacha,
Andy
Right now I've been able to get on the computer for the better part of 30 minutes, which has been extremely enjoyable, and hasnt been something I have been able to do yet. I still feel so out of the loop with stuff, but thats alright. After lunch today I get to take kids out on the pontoon boat for a 3 hour "fishing trip." (Read; take three fishing poles, go to the cliff jumping spot, let kids run amok while I get a tan). I'm pretty excited about it. Usually I only get an hour for "fishing" with the kids but since it is "Free Choice Day" we get to do special activities like this.
In other news, I have become somewhat of a superstar of the songs and skits at campfire each night, so that has been fun. (By superstar, i really just mean that i'll pretty much wear/do anything on stage, which leaves me with little to no dignity) Although, it does turn out that being the goofy guy doesn't bode quite as well when it comes time for discipline, but my co-counselor, Alan, is pretty good at that, so thats ok. I'm pretty glad I got paired with him, as this is his 3rd or 4th year at camp so he knows very well what he is doing, and it has been good for me to learn some of the stuff that I didn't know. Alan is from England, he is a Manchester United fan, and he just finished (before camp) running a marathon DOWN Mt. Everest. He is a pretty interesting guy and very good at this job, so I have been lucky.
As I mentioned before, I get to drive the pontoon boat. This is pretty cool as I am one of only 4 people that they trust with the $40,000 boat. It is pretty easy to drive, although yesterday I drove off with the ladder still attached and it came off. Luckily it floats, otherwise I would have been out about $75, not to mention unable to drive the boat the rest of the summer.
Last night was my "night off" (from 9:30-11) so about 7 of us went to a place about a mile down the road where there are rocks and stuff right by the lake and just hung out for a little bit. It was nice to be able to get away from camp and have "adult time" for a while. It has been a little tough to go from using adult language and such when it was just the counselors here to having to watch ourselves when the kids are here, but I have done alright with it.
I am still having a blast here and am still very glad I am doing this (even though as I check espn.com and the 'book I feel a bit out of the loop!) As always, get at me on here, e-mail, facebook, or by phone. Talk to you all soon.
Wattaliacha,
Andy
Saturday, June 16, 2007
6 days...
Well, its been 6 days since I've been on a computer. Literally. Surprisingly, if you don't think about all the stuff you're missing, you dont really miss it. Granted, the world could have blown up, The Rolling Stones could have finally called it quits, and Kevin Slowey could have thrown a no-hitter all in the past 6 days and I wouldn't know about it (let me know if any of these happened.)
Anyways, this place totally kicks ass. I've spent the past 6 days hanging out with some of the coolest, most unique people I've ever met, and I couldn't be more excited for the rest of the summer. Of course I miss people and things at home, but I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. All of the people here sheare so many of the same tastes in so many things that I do, its been so much fun to get to know people and hang out.
The past three days I have been able to go out sailing, and I am learning it, little by little. Its an extremely enjoyable thing to do. Also extremely relaxing. Last night we went for a night kayak, which was totally sweet, except for the fact that I got soaking wet. Suffice it to say that plenty of shrinkage is involved any time one submerges themselves in the water (extremely coooooold).
Tomorrow the kids come, and I am a bit excited. My co-counselor is a Mountain Camp veteran named Alan, who is from England and just partook in a marathon down Mt. Everest. He has been here for three years, so having the experience with me will be nice.
I wish I could tell more, as there is so much more to tell. Hopefully once kids get here and I'll start having some time off I'll be able to be on here and update more often. You all should for sure get at me; comment on here, send me an email, or gimme a call (515-710-1877), I always love to hear from you.
--Andy
(Aaron, if you read this, please give the address of my blog to Kirk, thanks.)
Anyways, this place totally kicks ass. I've spent the past 6 days hanging out with some of the coolest, most unique people I've ever met, and I couldn't be more excited for the rest of the summer. Of course I miss people and things at home, but I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. All of the people here sheare so many of the same tastes in so many things that I do, its been so much fun to get to know people and hang out.
The past three days I have been able to go out sailing, and I am learning it, little by little. Its an extremely enjoyable thing to do. Also extremely relaxing. Last night we went for a night kayak, which was totally sweet, except for the fact that I got soaking wet. Suffice it to say that plenty of shrinkage is involved any time one submerges themselves in the water (extremely coooooold).
Tomorrow the kids come, and I am a bit excited. My co-counselor is a Mountain Camp veteran named Alan, who is from England and just partook in a marathon down Mt. Everest. He has been here for three years, so having the experience with me will be nice.
I wish I could tell more, as there is so much more to tell. Hopefully once kids get here and I'll start having some time off I'll be able to be on here and update more often. You all should for sure get at me; comment on here, send me an email, or gimme a call (515-710-1877), I always love to hear from you.
--Andy
(Aaron, if you read this, please give the address of my blog to Kirk, thanks.)
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