What fun we had! I believe the early birds arrived on Thursday, and other brave campers arrived Friday.  We had some hold-overs who weren’t ready to leave until Tuesday.

But we got into full swing on Saturday with an invigorating morning hike.  Many people convened in the dining hall for eating (surprise) and games throughout the day.

At high noon (some thought it was 1:00 but the start time was based on Mountain Time) we began the wiffle ball game.  At first, some were not so eager to play, but when they heard that the other option was to wear the TOWN cheerleader outfit (which CarrieL selected during the gift exchange this year), they relented and joined us — it was a little too cool for the grass skirt and clam shell top!  Unfortunately, SandyO had to run to work, and JenLG and SusieA were not there to lend their considerable skill to our game.  Who knew that GloriaB has been holding out on us?  She was all over the field catching balls!  LindaBW’s team won, but the final score kept changing.  It was something like 84-3.  It seems that anyone who hit the ball and rounded the bases was suddenly on her team.  The good news is that no one was seriously injured.

Thanks to JennyF and JanB for leading an afternoon hike.

By dinner time, we had 40 people.  As usual, there was a huge assortment and volume of food.  In addition to snacks, people brought dishes that could serve as entrees for everyone.  Although we all wanted to sample everything, it didn’t look like we made a dent in the food.  Oh, and the sweets!  Too many to mention individually, but I will say that Eola came from Coleman and brought her homemade pies!  Again, we had to try all the delicious confections.

Then it was on to the gift exchange.  JoanB was the referee . . . I mean moderator.  Some choice gifts from previous years made a reappearance and some new favorites were unwrapped.  Gifts were stolen until they could no longer be taken, but without serious injury to anyone.

Thanks to those of you who signed up to be the set-up crew, the food line organizers, the dishwashers, and the clean-up crew!  Wait, I never had anyone sign up for anything.  I knew it wouldn’t be a problem, and in usual TOWNie fashion, everyone just pitched in.

We had people travel in from many out-of-town locations, and it was such a treat to see everyone.  I didn’t mentioned everyone by name, but please know that it was so good to see you all.  Once again, I am reminded that the greatest gift is your friendship and support every day.

Looking forward to our next adventure!

Lisa Sands