[Nevertheless] It's Always a Different Adventure

We go to Camp Calumet every Summer. They have pretty much the same routine of activities for all ages throughout each day. Tuesday is Tubing, Thursday is the Weekly Hike. There's a Campfire on Sunday and Vespers on Wednesday. Nevertheless, each year, Camp is always a different adventure.

We'd never gone tubing before - so that was new. 

We hadn't camped with two teenagers before, so that was also new, and something to get used to. They slept in their own tent, keeping their stuff in ours, for the most part, because we had room and they only had room for their bed. 

I don't think we've ever come to Camp without experiencing at least one new weekly hike. This time was no different. We headed out on the usual day, at the usual time, and, as usual, we were the "bus" that took the bulk of the group to the trailhead. But we hiked somewhere we'd not been before - Mount Katherine. 

As we walked to the beginning of the trail, butterflies flitted across the road and around us - such a beautiful experience! The trail through the woods made its way along an old stone wall that once helped contain livestock of some sort, most likely sheep. That this was once a farm seemed amazing, considering the size of the trees. 

As we made our way up the mountain, we came across a spring-fed watering hole, which was once used for the animals in the fields. One of the dogs that was hiking with us seemed eager to take a swim.

Finally at the top, the view of Mount Chocorua was stupendous, and I was very much relieved. It was a hot, humid day and my body was having a difficult time coping. After a snack of salty cashews and beef jerky and a needed rest, we were off again, down the mountain the way we came. 

The hike was only enhanced by the amiable conversations with fellow hikers in our group. I always learn something new about these people with whom I spend only hours with once a year, but whom feel like family, the way all the Camp Calumet week one regulars do. 

I'd write more, nevertheless, it's time to do a little more packing before heading to bed. We return to our Connecticut home tomorrow, already longing for more time at our Calumet home.