Camp EmBay Day 3

Tuesday, July 30, 10am; by Brian Finley
Greetings! Apologies, but it has taken the computer literally 3 hours to download the pictures posted in our earlier post. The computer keeps crashing, and there are network issues. I will try to post a few more right now, before my sailing outing. Update: The breakfast burritos were delicious this morning. They were massive, and we had a few boys eat 3! The kids are busy in their session 1 Merit Badge classes, Mr. Cook is in training for Leadership Skills, I'm here in the same room with that training (cracking up every few minutes at the trainer's jokes), and Mr. Thiry is snorkling in the middle of the bay with his snorkling buddy Mike (another parent from the LA area).

Mr. Thiry and Cook went through a lot of the leadership trainings yesterday (the same ones I went through my first year here at EmBay). I spent about 5 hours in the dual-session MB class (I was the only adult participant). I had a great time with the kids. The highlight was directing the 3 kids on our small Catalina 14.2 boat about a mile offshore. The scout operating the tiller was a little inexperienced, and we ended up capsizing the boat. We tried to right the boat for about 25 minutes. It was comical, tiring, and challending, as the seas were somewhat rough at that time. In my 20s, I could right a Holder 14 in about a minute by myself. These Catalinas are much harder! We did it, though, without losing any shoes, hats, nor sunglasses!

As I mentioned in my email yesterday, the highlight of the day was our troop kayaking trip. We kayaked to the south part of the bay, where the kids turned our relaxing trip into a capsize-fest. I first became aware of the situation when I saw Zach paddling for his life (as if he's just seen a shark!). I managed to stay afloat and avoid the transgressors. It was a hilarious situation. Even a post-capsized, swimming Ethan tried to coax me close to him, saying, "Mr. Finley, I'm your friend. Please give me a ride. You can trust ME. PLEASE!" I wasn't about to fall for that! I paddled away from him, and the first thing I noticed as I looked back at him was that he had a huge grin on his face.

I'll try posting some pics, now, but if it's still slow, I may have to try again later today. Cheers.

Emerald Campfire Ampitheater