This year Arne joined us for Camp Blue. After several years of writing about Camp Blue (2009, 2008, 2007) it was nice to have Arne's perspective on the Lair experience.
Saturday: Arrival
Saturday morning, Mom met us in Palo Alto, and we headed up to the Lair. It was a quick 3 hours up 108 to Camp Blue Road, where we turned off and headed down to our welcome home from Mike White and the Camp Blue Staff.
We set up our tent - number 13 - and were ready for the week.
Sunday: Pool Party and Sunset Hike
Sunday morning Arne and I played some volleyball, and then headed down to the pool party. Arne was not very skilled at inter tube water polo, but still had fun in the water.
After dinner we went on the sunset hike. Unfortunately about 15 miles away there was a fire, but this made for great sunlight and a beautiful sunset.
Monday: Hike
Monday morning, we met up with Ellen Green and headed out to Camp and Bear Lakes. The wildflowers were in bloom on the hike.
Camp Lake was lovely, but we pressed on to the next lake.
Bear Lake was perfect for hanging out and enjoying lunch and a little swim.
We returned to rest and enjoy the Lair.
Tuesday: Paddle Boating and Softball
After breakfast we headed out to Pinecrest with Ken, Julia and Caleb. Mom's friend Marcie joined us on Monday, and she was ready for our paddleboating adventure. The lake was lovely.
And we all had fun swimming in the water.
The boats paddled around the dam and then headed back to the dock.
On the way back, Arne enjoyed hanging with Caleb and Ken in the men's boat!
After paddle boating, it was time for the Staff softball game. I got a home run, a double and a triple!
Then, to top it all off, that night was the 6 person volleyball tournament. Mom and Marcie watched as we won 4 game to win the night!
Go Team! Following Volleyball, we headed up to Pinecrest again to see UP! under the stars. It was a great outdoor movie experience, and a very long day.
Wednesday: Tie Dye and Tournaments
Wednesday was tie-dye day. I got to make lots of fun tie-dye's!
We also spent time in the hammocks...a great addition Arne brought up to the lair.
At dinner, we always tried to eat outside with our friends...it was just so nice out.
Then, at night, there was the burger shack, games, and even puzzles.
Thursday: Volleyball and Softball
Thursday was volleyball versus Gold in the morning. Arne was a real hero for the men and they dominated, crushing Gold.
Then, in the afternoon, it was the staff softball game. It was Arne's first softball game, ever! He got hits and even caught a fly ball for an out at his catcher position.
The team was happy to have him.
Friday: Kayaking and Softball
Friday morning, we got up early and wet out kayaking and swimming on the lake. It was a great morning.
Then Arne stuck around to watch them seed the lake with fish...the whole process was really cool.
I headed back to camp for the Blue vs Gold women's softball team. We crushed Gold 26 - 3, one inning going through our lineup 3 times. I got 2 singles, 2 doubles, and a triple!
That night was the final show and a lot of goodbyes.
Saturday: Returning Home
It was a wonderful week at the lair. Everyone said I made a good choice on my gentle giant Arne. I think it was not just a good choice, but I was lucky to find someone who can love the Lair as much as I do.
