A final word...

If you are reading this post first then stop and go down to the bottom of the blog as that is how a blog should be read. This is the last post. Now, that being said...

I just wanted to say what a fantastic time I had at the campout this year. Since I don't work at the church I have limited opportunities to spend time with all of you and I truly cherish these opportunities. I love getting to fellowship with you on a more personal basis when we aren't "doing ministry" and we can just hang out as friends.

I'm sitting in the airport lounge in Amsterdam as I write this and I am a bit loopy since it's around noon here but my internal clock thinks it's the wee hours of the morning. I was just reflecting that I missed six Sundays before the campout due to work related travel and now I am going to miss another six so this campout was like an oasis in the desert for me. Thank you all for such a wonderful time.

Blessings,
Greg

The road less traveled

I captured this great photo of Tri and Nancy. I call it: "The Road Less Traveled" Okay, so that title has already been used but it seemed so fitting.

Waterboy

Why yes Ray, I am thirsty...

The three amigos

I have no idea what these guys were up to since Sharon took the picture but I liked it and they sure look like they are having fun.

Some of us played in the dirt

Erik and Sara's little guy.

Hiking the river canyon

Some of us went for a hike through the river canyon. Here you can see David and Brandon resting along Baron Creek. I think David is crying out in pain from the exertion. Wimp.

A tragic incident

I'm not sure what happened here. I heard a rumor that Tim was baptising someone but lost them under the water. He was captured in this photo wading around looking for them. I guess that's why we baptise in pairs.

Hot springs

Here is that same herd of Esteses enjoying a soak in the natural hot springs along the river.

A herd of Esteses

If you keep your eyes open and are very lucky, you might sneak up on a herd of the rare and elusive Esteses.

Father & Son - Mother & Daughter

Erik & Joseph and Andrea & Paige

A time to worship

And what would a Vineyard outing be without worship? Andy, Barry, and Kona lead us in worship.

The most beautiful woman in the world!

My wifey Sharon.

Two beauties and two dogs

And lest I get in trouble... The beauties are Maureen and Jamie. The dogs are Moses and Clifford (I think).

Campfire popcorn?

Lisaann cooks up another batch of popcorn while David commes in for the assist. Contrary to what you might think, it's actually delicious and doesn't taste like a campfire at all.

"Roast me a marshmallow daddy!"

Trevor instructs Miss Patience in the fine art of marshmallow roasting while Damian observes. I hope Damian didn't have any of his horse manure in the fire to add color.

7 Steps to better preaching

Greg gives Tri his "7 Steps to Better Preaching" seminar while Nancy gently elbows Tri. You can even see Chad in the background pretending not to listen.

Smiles for all

Sharon and Lori sure look happy. I wonder what was in that coffee...

Must have coffee

This photo shows a bunch of campers sitting around the campfire on a chilly morning. Can you tell that the coffee hasn't kicked in?

Rides for all

The kids (big and small) had a great time hitching rides on one of the four-wheeler taxis.

Fisherman Bob

Here's Bob with dinner!

Fishing prayer team

Kevin and Ginny came down to the river, no doubt to pray that we would catch some fish. It seems that God answered thier prayers as far as Bob was concerened but no such blessing for me.

Fishing expeditions

There were several fishing expeditions. On one we waded for what seemed like miles through beaver infested marshes. Despite the beavers doing their best to keep us from the river, we laughed at their marshes, sloughs, and dams and arrived at the river triumphuntly. Sure, there were easier paths but we wanted to go where only the bravest of fisherman (and women) dared tread.

A brief history of Grandjean

The name Grandjean comes from Emil Grandjean, a Dane who came to the United States in the early 1880's. He hunted and trapped in this area before the turn of the century and became forest supervisor of the Boise National Forest in the early days of the twentieth century.

Sawtooth Lodge first opened for business in 1927. The original owner was Babe Hansen, a colorful lady who handled managerial duties and was also the guide and packer. Babe's geographical namesake, Hansen Lake, lies near Observation Peak.

The original structures Babe began with were remnants of a forest service station. The main building now comprises the lobby and kitchen of Sawtooth Lodge, and four rustic cabins are still in use.

Several owners later, the Lockett family took over the lodge in 1954. The second generation, Linda and Rodney Lockett, have been managing the lodge for the past twenty years.

Grandjean here we come!

This year's the Vineyard Boise staff had our annual family camp in Grandjean. It was a wonderful time of felloship and relaxation where we rested in God's great creation and simply enjoyed each other's company.