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Courtesy Larry Pickett

VOLUME 23             July 25, 1949                   No. 3

WEATHER To talk about the weather is usually accepted as evidence of an empty mind; however, last night at 3:30 it started to rain and was raining when we came to breakfast - an unique experience for this camp year. Just before this we had two completely perfect camp days of cool, clear and windy weather.

HEALTH After our remarkable freedom over many weeks, we find ourselves with a succession of colds, which are being treated at the infirmary. Boys are in for a day or two then out again as good as new. A silver lining for those parents whose sons are afflicted is to compare the free infirmary service at Hyde Bay, including the care of an experienced trained nurse with the charges even in the ward at hospitals. Dr Goodwin has visited the boys once or twice. On Sunday night the infirmary’s population dwindled down to a single boy.

JULY 18th This was Monday. Bob Pickett and Heb spent the day exploring Trenton Falls and the adjacent terrain. Of this more later. We had a little rain which served to show the remarkable recuperative powers of our now tennis court dressing. The rain, however, eliminated a wrestling match which we had scheduled for 7:45 p.m. It eliminated the spectators, that is; and no American sport goes on unobserved. Toward night Bob and Heb returned bringing two new pack baskets and a new set of boxing gloves, also reports of their Adirondack expedition.

TUESDAY Our third trip went down the Susquehanna under the leadership of Heb, ably assisted by Bob Russell and Edo. The rest of the camp enjoyed a usual sort of day, featured by aquaplaning back of the Hacker.

THE REAL McCOY On Wednesday one of those sudden fierce storms which we call an “Otsego” smote us with all its fury. Storms violent enough to receive this accolade come very infrequently. This day marked the escape of an immense turtle inscribed with the insignia of Rotary International . The Director brought him home from the Rotary meeting on Tuesday. Thoroughly international in his in interests, our friend went off presently for foreign parts. “The Miracle of 34th Street” was revealed to us on the cinema in the evening.

TRENTON FALLS AND OTHER EVENTS Early Thursday morning, Bob Pickett assisted by Heb, Hobby, Angus and Blaise escorted eleven boys on our famous Trenton Falls trip. I wish there was time to describe the wonders of this expedition. Mt. Fort Noble was scaled. A night was spent on an island in Hinkley Lake. The beautiful gorge was explored. The climax came with the trip down the rapids of West Canada Creek. To qualify for this trip, boys must have passed their Junior Life Saving or be well on the way to this award. Only councilors who have been at Hyde Bay in other years are eligible. This is a unique feature of camp life.

FRIDAY This day it rained, but atmospheric conditions did not prevent C. B. Alexander from passing his “E” test. While the usual group of older boys went to see the movie in town, Chiefie went to visit our migrants at Trenton Falls. He ate a sandwich, took a swim, and brought back with him Messrs. Bitzer and Newell who were ailing a bit.

THE SEVENTH DAY Bob Russell lead a huge group on a hike to Lookout, which is a spot high above the camp from which the lake appears at its very best. This day was windy and cool with good sailing. Toward night the Trenton Falls trip, tired but happy, turned in at the gate. Five canoes, as you may know, are carried on a trailer, built for that purpose, and two station wagons carry the canoes and transport the voyagers.

THE DRAMA ONCE MORE In the evening under the able management Al Kerr, three tent plays blossomed forth. You will find the- program enclosed. A committee of the Directress and two visiting ladies, Mesdames Kydd and Merrick awarded the prize to Tent 5. The margin of victory was a marvelous horse constructed and partially operated by Westy. Mark Smith ably brought up the rear. The other plays were excellent, but could boast no such human-equine wonder.

AND FINALLY SUNDAY This beautiful morning found Al Kerr preaching. There was a North versus South baseball game in which the North claimed the victory over an unreconstructed South. Inspection winners, Tents 7 and 8, went to town in the Hacker with the mail after supper. Puffy with a gang of turtle hunters were apprehended by the game wardens. The guardians of the law were under the impression that they were gigging frogs. When they found they were only collecting turtles for the Derby, the officers were appeased as they could not determine the legality of the act.

AQUATIC ACHIEVEMENT John Barker and Pete Powell passed their Junior Life Saving tests while other boys were delayed by trips. Messrs. Reddington, Trigg and Wheeler passed their “D” test.

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