July 9, 2009

Yesterday dawned clear and bright, the forecast calling for mostly sunny skies with a possible shower in the afternoon. Mr. Braden announced to the camp after breakfast that we would hike Mt. Monadnock - the tallest peak in the region, respected by Glen Brook campers for generations as a tough climb. There was a ripple of excitement - some groans, some whispers of anticipation, even a few mysterious illnesses that prompted a rush on the nurse's station following breakfast - but an hour later we were on the trail. As it turned out, the skies opened up and poured rain before most of the campers had reached the summit. While it remained sunny at camp most of the day, the summit of Monadnock resembled Mt. Doom - cloaked in mist and gray scudding clouds. There were no injuries, and spirits were high despite the foul weather.

Last night the Deer group returned a day early from their Battenkill River canoe adventure. Rainy weather and overturned boats had soaked everyone so thoroughly that the leaders decided to cut and run - all humbled by the experience. There was great chattering this morning at breakfast about their considerable exploits and tales of derring-do.

Right now their tents and gear are strung up to dry in the meadow, making the camp resemble a cross between a Civil War encampment and a New England tag sale. The Falcons are due back from Northern New Hampshire later today; photos and tales from their adventure will be posted tomorrow.