Twenty of us got off the bus at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. There were 16 students, some parents and me. Two parents and their children drove separately. One chaperone drove my truck full of camping gear and food. We got a few of the tents pitched and had a mid-morning snack. Our hike took us to Hidden Falls where we had our first emersion into this great state park. The kids threw rocks, waded in the shallow water and wondered at the beauty of this tranquil spot in the middle of Southeast Minnesota. Then everyone got their drawing pads and found a spot to work from. The key to success was to select the important details from the millions of leaves, branches, trees, and rocks. We had a little art show on the rock outcropping next to the falls. The hike back up the hill to camp was challenging to most of us after months of intown life. Lunch consisted of crystal light, cheese, crackers and chips. We prepared our GPS units for finding a couple geocaches and headed out. I took the girls and Dean took the boys. My group found a wonderful Cache deep in the woods. It was 300 feet off the trail and the complete beauty of these woods was evident as we followed the heading indicated by the GPS. Monica found the cache box after a short all out search by everyone. I signed in and the hikers traded trinkets. We found our way back to the trail and headed back to camp. Freetime followed and parents were soon arriving after their day of work in town. More tents were pitched, and supper preparations were begun. The fire was started and the food was set out. The hot dogs, chicken and hamburger patties were soon grilling over open flames. Conversations were many among the 30 people enjoying this beautiful oasis on this perfect May evening. After lots of help cleaning up it was freetime again. Some went to the playground area and a group of us returned to Hidden Falls. Wading and throwing rocks off the top of the falls as the woods grew darker were the compelling activities. Smores were started when we got back to camp and more conversations were had. Quiet time in my camp was spent sitting by the fire visiting with parents. You could hear the peels of laughter from my students a few campsites down. The ranger told them to save their noise until tommorrow.
In the morning I did my chores and started coffee. Gradually adults wandered into camp and then a few students. The early birds had granola with berries and yogurt while donuts were served to the late sleepers. The morning geocachers were divided into 3 groups. My group took the long way around to Blue Beach Bridge. On the way we ran into Mr. Ryan's group. We talked for a few minutes and soon were on our way. Izzy found the cache which was out in plain site. We took some photos and were on our way. Most of the food left was eatten during our lunch. We also had cake provided by Dean in honor of his 48th birthday. I recieved many well wishes on my June 5th retirement. Camp clean-up, goodbyes and thank-yous were completed by mid-afternoon. It was a great two days, especially with such a wonderful group of kids and parents.
In the morning I did my chores and started coffee. Gradually adults wandered into camp and then a few students. The early birds had granola with berries and yogurt while donuts were served to the late sleepers. The morning geocachers were divided into 3 groups. My group took the long way around to Blue Beach Bridge. On the way we ran into Mr. Ryan's group. We talked for a few minutes and soon were on our way. Izzy found the cache which was out in plain site. We took some photos and were on our way. Most of the food left was eatten during our lunch. We also had cake provided by Dean in honor of his 48th birthday. I recieved many well wishes on my June 5th retirement. Camp clean-up, goodbyes and thank-yous were completed by mid-afternoon. It was a great two days, especially with such a wonderful group of kids and parents.
1 comment:
No pictures of art????
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