Paul's First Camp Out

Paul went on his first camp out this past weekend.  He went with his dad and his Boy Scout troop.  Being that it's December, it was cold.  We gave Paul the sleeping bag we had gotten him for Christmas before the camp out so that he'd be well prepared for the below freezing temperatures.

All in all, Paul did very well.  Matt, confident before leaving that the whole camping thing would all come back to him and he'd take to it like a duck to water, didn't fare as well.  Thirty years between him and his last Boy Scout camp out  has wrought some changes to his body.  He felt every bump under his sleeping bag and sleeping pad.  He heard every sound at night.  And it was cold.  Very cold.  He hardly slept the whole weekend.

Both Matt and Paul loved the meal that was served on Saturday night.  One of the Scout leaders prepared a turkey in a garbage can.  Charcoal and chicken wire were also involved.  Matt said it was by far the best turkey he's ever eaten.  I'm guessing anything would have tasted good after a day of hiking in the cold.

Sunday morning, Matt prepared a huge breakfast for the men--scrambled eggs with ham, fried baby red potatoes, sausage and banana bread.  (The boys were in charge of their own meals, with the exception of Saturday's dinner.)  He also lead the troop in a devotional time before they packed up to head home.

Matt looked liked he'd been through the wringer when he returned on Sunday.  Paul excitedly told all his siblings about the great time he and his dad had.  Except for a few bug bites, Paul is none the worse for the wear.  It might take his dad a few more days to recover, however.