Girls Rule and Boys Drool
Day 109
Monday July 10, 2017
Miles: ZERO
Staying at Wood Haven Girl Scout Camp
A huge shout out to Michelle and all her staffers at Wood Haven Girl Scout Camp near Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. They have taken us in and made us feel so welcome. I'd love to list them all by name but I am afraid I would forget someone. But let's just say in the spirit of camp, girls rule and boys drool.
Our accommodations had us sleeping in and we missed breakfast. Our plans were to get up, eat then go back to bed this morning. Hikers love a good breakfast especially when it is free. Our huge tree house bunkroom has shades that block out all light. When I did wake up I was shocked to see it was 8:50am. Shortcake and BB where still in their racks also. So much for the most important meal of the day. Glad I packed out leftover smilie fries and applesauce from last night's supper.
We spent the morning relaxing and planning our miles for the next section. Before we knew it, it was lunch time. This time we heard the chime of the meal bell giving a half hour warning. We heard it ring this morning but neither one of us knew what it was and dozed back to la la land.
After lunch a councilor approached us and asked if any of us would be interested in riding lessons. I guess the smile on my face answered for me. BB and Shortcake accepted the invitation also. Neither one of them had ever been on a horse. My last time was 27 years ago on our honeymoon.
What a great day. After we received our lesson time I went back to our cabin for a nap, Shortcake worked on her journal and BB played ball with some of the staff.
We met at the Barn at 3:00 for our lessons, fitted with helmets, and giving our assigned horse. Shortcake got Bond, BB was handed Hopeful, and I had Diamond. Once in the ring we saddled up. BB met her match. It was the first time we saw any type of fear on her face. But the champ that she is, that fear turned into pure joy. You never know what you can do until you try. Just like Eleanor Roosevelt said, "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do."
Black Bear on Diamond
Shortcake on Bond
BB on Hopeful
We did so well we were able to leave the arena and go for a trail ride. The councilors enjoyed our lessons also. They said it was fun being able to teach adults.
When supper bells rang we were just like Pavlov's dogs, salivating waiting to be feed. Another incredible meal at camp. We don't want to leave this place. In fact, BB is staying one more night. Shortcake and I will hike on.
Happy Hiking.