Scouting Weekend, Archery, Pool

Ted’s First Solo Campout

Because of the storm Friday, leadership decided to postpone Ted’s campout until Saturday morning. I brought him and a neighbor to the drop-off where they loaded the trailer and left for Walnut Ridge. I drove there with another scout, also a friend of Ted’s, and found the campground. It was odd not staying the night, but Ted needs his space. I think he appreciates me leaving and letting him be in control of his campout. Evidently they made some delicious food and enjoyed themselves by burning over 100 flags during a flag retirement ceremony.

A few days later I took Ted to his marksmanship practice at a local gun range that a former Scoutmaster maintains for our Scouts. I used to work with him and we caught up. Very small world!

Archery at Dutchman’s

I wanted a little time to practice one of my many hobbies, most of which are left dormant because of conflicting priorities. I honestly didn’t really care what it was that I would do that day, I just wanted to do something, to take on a task that benefited nothing but my idleness. I chose to practice my archery in this instance. I realized I could go straight to Dutchman’s after dropping Ted off at Walnut Ridge and not worry about having a firearm in the vehicle, which I’m not interested in doing at a Scout camping event. Before I journeyed to the club though that afternoon, I stopped by Five Noodle House in Hebron KY and had a wonderful, flavorful, and satisfying lunch. I first ordered hot pigs ear, because, well why wouldn’t you try it? It arrived in a white dish, slivered like slabs of bacon, yet much chewier and firmer in texture. I can’t really explain the coating it left on my tongue from the various finely chopped peppers that accompanied. For my main course I ordered a spicy fish noodle soup which came out in a massive bowl. The shop owner warned me it would be spicy and it consisted of tofu, however, I assured him I wouldn’t feel offended by either. I cleaned both of my dishes.

It was a beautiful afternoon at Dutchman’s. I shot about a dozen or so arrows, proving the accuracy of my bow over and over. I sighted it in for 30 yards and put it right on target. I can’t take credit for the setup of this bow, it was done by a local master at small bow shop in the area. If you ran in these circles you’d know him but suffice to say he tuned it better than I could accomplish.

Pool Opens

After archery, I decided to go and swim laps at Silverlake pool, just to shake off the last of a difficult week. When I arrived I heard children laughing, and soon realized the outside pool was open. I inquired within and learned they were doing a soft opening. I called my wife and invited her out, and she came with our youngest son. I swam a few laps before they arrived and then spent the rest of my time with Ben. The pool was warm but the strong wind wasn’t, and eventually I gave in and dried off. I did try their new chili cheese tots, and that is most likely the last time I will order it. You could tell they used that can chili sauce that you find on cheap concession type food. I will admit, I felt very let down.

Hiking With Ben’s Pack

On Sunday, after I picked Ted up from his camping adventure and brought him home, I found myself not completed with this weekend’s scouting activities. I found Ben and took him to Doe Run Lake, where we hiked together with his pack. The leaders created an informative Leave No Trace talk on their way through the trail which I found interesting. I appreciate the effort they put into it. The trail, by the way, was beautiful and took us through nice, thick woods. I’ve never hiked here interestingly enough, mostly because I did years ago before the trails were completed and found it a muddy mess. Now I will make sure I go here in the future.

Other Updates

My first week of MBA classes is this week. I am looking forward to getting started but a little nervous about all of the work I need to do in five weeks. I believe there is a group presentation, which I dislike, because there is always one person who tries to free ride. I hope this isn’t the case.

I am knee deep in understanding APIs. We talk about it a lot in my role and I need to understand better how they work and how to use them.