It's been a busy week here at Lutherock. With our very limited connection to the internet (it's slower than dialup), we haven't been able to upload any photos yet. I may head into town this afternoon to try to find a place that sells a day connection and get some of the photos uploaded.
The Whitewater Week youth came back yesterday afternoon (Thursday). This was a bit earlier than we expected them. It turns out that they were able to do two of their trips in one day (a morning trip followed by an afternoon trip). This freed them up to come back during the day on Thursday rather than coming in real late Thursday night. It was great to have them join us for cookout night and share stories of their adventures on the river. They will be on the challenge tower all day today. Most of the adults are out there with them as well.
This noon I spent in town picking up our spare tire for the trailer.
Let me see if I can summarize the week. The middle school youth enjoyed the advanced ropes and GIC (Group Interaction Course) on Monday. This was a great opportunity to get to know the other youth in their adventure groups. This year, the adventure groups were split up into boys and girls. They pretty much did everything together, so it really didn't matter. (Although it was a concern to some the first night when they found out).
On Tuesday, I joined the groups as they did the Loop Hike. This involved hiking up to the top of the mountain where they have a cross and it's appropriately called "Cross Rock". Then the trail proceeds along the ridge of the mountain to another corner of the property called "The Pinnacle". Because of some home construction just off the Lutherock Property these past few years, they have had to blaze a new trail to the Pinnacle. This new trail is quite challenging. But I think all agree that the extra work was worth it for the beautiful view and relaxing time on those pinnacle rocks. It was easy to tell when the front of the group arrived at the top with all the shouts of "WOW" and "Awesome View" that we heard. After spending about an hour there, we proceeded down to the Main Lodge completing the loop. I understand that the total hike is just over three miles. After dinner, we enjoyed a presentation of "LDR" or "Life, Death, Resurrection". This is an interactive presentation of Jesus' life put on by the counsellors. Many of the important events in Jesus' life leading up to his crucifixion. An interesting and moving way to present a message for our worship that evening.
Wednesday was caving for the middle school youth. I think this is the third time I have participated in this activity and even though we go into the same cave, each time is a completely different experience. About the only thing that's consistent is how messy you get in the process. The guides took us thru several really tight crawl spaces, showed us many interesting formations that happen in caves. We even saw some of the cave's inhabitants. One of the most amazing parts for me is the total darkness. We rarely ever get to experience total darkness in our world. This is one of the few places where it is truly dark. When they have us all turn off our lights, the inky black engulfs you and your mind tries to convince you that you can see something when you really can't.
Thursday was middle school's day for going whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky river. This year, we all went on rafts. Last week they had alot of rain and the river has been up and running fast. Thursday it was finally coming back down to a normal level. Because of the drought last year, the "normal" level felt really fast for us. We had wonderful guides that took good care of us and provided safe and fun run down the river. One of the rafts got wrapped around a rock. All of the rafters were safely rescued before they proceeded to figure out how to remove the pinned raft. This was an excellent demonstration to all of us of just how powerful the river is. None of our youth or adults were on that raft.
And today, (Friday), I had breakfast with the high school youth before they went out to the Challenge Tower where they will spend most of the day. The Middle School youth hiked back up to "Cross Rock" where they will climb and then repel about a 70 foot rock face. After dinner tonight we will have our closing campfire followed by a celebration. The kids will pack up so that we can hit the road early tomorrow morning.
I'm really sorry that the internet has been an issue and we haven't been able to keep you up to date with pictures through out the week. Someday they might actually get a real internet connection up here. I was encouraged to see a couple of trucks from a local cable provider working on some homes leading up to the camp.
We'll try to post some more tomorrow.
Erik