...the schedule was jam packed with fun things for the kids - starting with a nature hike...
....the counselor begins by telling the kids that no one has ever gone on this particular path at camp before - how exciting...
...so - off we go...
...we stop every so often for some nature facts - this is the Russian Olive (correctly identified by our Scout - who was along as a helper - as he's not in 6th grade) - commonly known as the Silverberry Bush...
...for obvious reasons - this is the main food source for grouse in the winter - our guide tells us...
...a lovely milkweed - this would have looked like the milkweed we found our caterpillar on just a few weeks ago...
...it was another lovely warm fall day...
...with the sun dappled through the golden leaves overhead...
...there was kitten who followed us - and kept meowing to be picked up...
... a couple of skulls to be inspected...coyote...
...more kitten cuddling...
...this little trooper just kept following us...and it was a rather long hike for a kitten...
...a pretty slough...
...in search of cattails...
...they are plentiful - and our guide explains the various uses of cattails...
...climbling the observation deck...
...checking out the views...
...a blurry photo - sorry - looking back at Cross Hill - you've seen it before but from the other side...
...prairie views...
...the chain of sloughs which feed the lake...
...a moment of solitude...
...climbing up to Cross Hill...
...climbing hay bales...
...Scout checking out some marsh critters...that boy sure loves his aquatic life...
...the end of the trail and a snack before heading back to camp...see the little kitten still following...
...a teepee frame from the Outback Camp...
...artsy shot...
...one of the kids found an owl pellet right under their feet...
...so our awesome guide donned the gloves from his first aid kit and dissected it with the kids...
...the owl had apparently eaten a small bird and some grasshoppers - EEEEUUUWHH!...
...the guide also explained the Ichthys symbol - did you know that in ancient Rome (where Christians were persecuted) if you met another person on the road you would draw one arc of the Ichthys with your foot and if the other person drew the other arc to complete the Ichthys - you would both know that you were safe...
It looks like such an enjoyable hike! Beautiful golden sunshine : )
ReplyDeleteLooks like everyone is having an awesome time at camp. I can't believe you are still going around without long sleeves and jackets. here it is still sunny on some days but the air is brisk.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a gerat hike!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a beautiful hike. That kitty was too precious.
ReplyDeletePeace, Angela
My kids have a cartoon video series called "Story Keepers". They did the Ichthys symbol on the cartoon all the time, so my kids would copy it. :) Pretty neat.
ReplyDeleteDid the kitten have a home or was it a stray?
I would have been so tempted to bring it home if it was the latter.