After 9 nine days on Isle Royale, the group returned a day late due to gale force winds preventing boats from leaving the island. While everyone was happy to be home, the experience was deeply meaningful to all. Thank you to Pastor Dale Swihart as he led his last backpacking trip with our group.

2015 Camper Awards

The I Can Talk Your Ear off on the Trail Award goes to Nick for his endless stream of “Who cares knowledge.”  He gets rights to the Isle Royal Box Set of Texas Hold ‘em, complete with $100 pine cones and $500 rocks, and to the book, How to Lose 100 Games of Solitaire in Five Days.  His tee shirts reads:  “See, Nate, that is how you put a tent away.”

The Food Vacuum Cleaner Award goes to Anna for her ability to make every morsel of food on the table disappear.  She gets one trail walker, complete with bright lime green tennis balls and a cane to keep her upright on the trails, a giant tube of Neosporin, a finger spatula to clean every dessert bag and one giant stuffed moose that appears on command.  Her tee shirt says, “Pudding Meister.”

The Trail Runner Award goes to Ann for her ability to leap boulders, roots and mud holes in a single bound and for faithfully leading us on the trail.  She gets one set of titanium silverware, a cobweb catcher, and a dew collector.  Her tee shirt reads, “I can kick your butt ‘cuz I carried Dale’s stuff.”

The Oatmeal Gag Award goes to Nate for making the most outrageous faces while eating cooked oats.  He gets a year’s supply of Quaker Oats.  His tee shirt reads:  “You can call me Sarah, you can call me Wesley, but you can’t call me David!”

The Trail Face Plant Award goes to Heidi – she gets a hiking partner who will actually stop and help her up with she falls.  Her tee shirt reads, “I may finish second on the trail, but I hike harder.”  She also gets an indestructible $5 pair of sandals, complete with toe guards.