Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Truly sleeping in at this site is apparently not an option as the daily incessant clamoring chatter of our vociferous resident squirrels starts up just after first light and continues well into the day. Being the young father of 6, Ben is usually an early riser anyways and crawls out to try to enjoy the sunrise amidst the prattling; while the rest of us linger in our sacks awhile longer.

The sleeping arrangements are as follows: Ben and I are in my tent nearest the lake, Bill, Joe and Sam are in the their tent which is back away from camp, Father Drew and Fitz share a tent just off the trail to the latrine, Jason has a small tent a short distance behind the fire grate and Father Brandon is sleeping in a hammock he borrowed from Father Nick Nelson. I secretly dub this contraption “The Holy of Holies”.

I am not a coffee drinker, so my early morning priorities are skewed from most everyone else’s. However, I make note that Jason has got his early morning coffee making down to a science, as he not only uses a jet boil but, has an electric mixer as well. Betty P, an extremely good-hearted parishioner has baked and sent along copious amounts of cookies & cupcakes for our consumption. I try to justify continually “sticking my hand in the cookie jar” by convincing myself that I burn a lot more calories when camping. Beyond the indulgence of these heavenly treats, the contributions people like Betty (and several others who also aren’t on the trip) made to the enjoyment and success of our adventure is a truly inspiring witness to the faith.

Bill and I stay back again today, basically repeating our chores and activities from yesterday. However, today the wind becomes something of an issue; especially out on the lake. We marvel as a group, with the wind at their back, effortlessly cruises by just south of our camp. While I utilize one of or camps hammocks, Bill finds a nice spot in the shoreline rock face that conforms to his body; where he does some reading.

Upon everyone returning to camp, they relate a bizarre story of a group of young men in nothing but underwear pulling up basically right where they were fishing and setting up a hammock camp. (Which is nowhere near a designated site.) This sets the tone for our crew as we begin to share our experiences, frame of mind and sordid tales of our entry in. Remarkably, as we were going through it, I don’t recall anyone seriously complaining about our arduous ordeal. However, now comfortably in camp, the gloves come off and everyone opens up. I believe it was Mark Twain who said, “The secret source of humor is sorrow/suffering. There is no laughter in Heaven.” And, the unassailable truth of that pithy statement cannot be denied. But we have a great and merciful God, and while it is true there will be no suffering in Heaven; He is able to use all suffering on this side of the veil to bring about a greater good. Often, in our earthly lives, we are unable to discern just what that greater good may be. Although, in this instance, I feel the great spiritual lesson and reward taken from our misadventures is readily apparent. The abundant blessings of prolonged, almost painful belly laughs that we share when talking about the long paddle, stumbling on the boulders and lugging Ol’ Blue around etc. more than compensate for the sore backs and scraped knees. Literally, we are rolling on the ground! And quite honestly, it’s experiences like this that will forever be burned into our memories to be relived and enjoyed for years to come. I think if there weren’t any struggles, we would fail to fully appreciate when things do turn our way. So, in something of a strange paradox I say, “Thank you God for allowing me/us to suffer in this way.”

Another spiritual fruit of wilderness travel and camping is regaining a more acute sense of awe and wonder. So many things that are taken for granted back home are set front and center here out in the woods. Something as simple as the weather, which rarely attracts much of my attention, makes for an interesting diversion and photo opportunity. Case in point - Several of us marvel as a storm system passes overhead this evening, brilliantly illumined by the giant orb in the sky. The ever-changing structure of the clouds mesmerizes a few of us before the sun officially sets for the night. By the time the sun fully sets the sky has opened and we enjoy another star filled evening around the fire; tastefully enhanced by Father Drew's strings of party lights.