Troops of Saint George Camping Trip

 From Tim:

Another Troops of Saint George camping trip in the books. This was definitely one the boys will be talking about for years to come. In the days leading up, Joey was constantly asking about what we would do, when we would leave, etc., but Timmy was a little lukewarm to the idea.

For days the forecast looked like an almost perfect fall weekend, and we all got a little more excited. I'd say I'm more of a "glamper" after retiring from the Marine Corps, so comfort is my first priority. Days of preparation ensured we would be well fed and have (almost) everything we would need or want. As Friday got closer the weather forecast was changing drastically, but it still looked like it would be great from Friday night on. I left work Friday afternoon and headed home in a steady drizzle mixed with light rain. We stayed committed even as the clouds showed no sign of letting up. At last we made the call to load up the truck and head out.

The sun was setting fast and the rain was easing just a bit. I hoped that the forecast was accurate, as it showed the rain clearing up. When we arrived, however, it was still raining, but fortunately only lightly, and the temperature was in the 60s. Timmy and I struggled in the dark to get the tent set up (I should have listened to my inner voice telling me to set it up before leaving), not realizing it had been stuffed back into its sack inside out. This was hard to see, as Joey was busy pointing the light everywhere but where we needed it.🤣 There might have been an off-color comment about light discipline and the Marines, and how the enemy would have definitely had its way with us. But Timmy and I pressed on, finally got the tent up, and filled it with our packs and whatever else we needed to get through the night. Timmy was a huge help and maintained a great attitude.

We settled in just in time to hear rain bouncing off the rain tarp at a much steadier pace. What ensued was probably the longest night ever. I realized at some point that the bottom 18 inches of my sleeping bag was drenched. This forced me to have to sleep with my knees bent, but I still managed to squeeze in some z's between rain-soaked trips outside to pee. At about 6 or so, Timmy woke me to ask when it would be morning, and when I asked why, he said he was soaked. I took a gander and feel, and discovered that the boy had spent the majority of the night sleeping in a puddle. He was soaked head to toe, along with his pillow and sleeping bag. I felt terrible, but truthfully, he only wanted to change his clothes, and was still in good spirits.

I got us all up and into dry clothes, and we hunkered down inside the truck as the rain continued. I spent some time with another dad who had also braved the night and was trying to decide how to proceed with the day. We had a lot of events on tap and, still unsure of how the weather would play out, we didn't want to bail just yet on the day. In the end we said, "Let's do this" for as long as we can. Fire was the first priority.

Assisted with some dry firewood and a fire starter, we got a good fire going. A shelter went up, shielding us from what would be the last two hours of rain for the day. We built our camp up and the boys grabbed their rods and headed down to the river. The fish were biting, the boys were excited, and all had a turn pulling a variety of fish out.

Lunch was next, which included some hot dogs over the fire and baked beans. After a couple snacks we made our mile trek to the "range" where the boys would get their first real marksmanship training. Rounds went down range, and each boy did well getting on target. A quick police call (clean up) and a mile return hike followed, and then it was time to start preparing for Mass.

We were very pleased to have a local priest, Father Vic, come hear confession and celebrate Mass at the campsite. Most of the dads and boys got a chance to go to confession, but imagine my surprise when I looked over and saw Joey sitting across from Father Vic. It warmed my heart and made me chuckle. I don't believe he knew why everyone was lining up and sitting down  with the priest, but he was not about to miss his turn. Families were invited, and it was nice to see Rachael roll up with the other kids. Following our intimate Mass we said see you later to the families, and the boys and I headed back to camp to pack up and help with dinner.

Timmy said to me as we were leaving, "That dinner more than made up for sleeping in a puddle!" One of the dads had brought, prepared, and served a good ol' lowcountry boil with fresh local shrimp. It was amazing!! Boys and dads alike gobbled it up. We did our part cleaning up, and I gave the boys a 15-minute warning we'd be heading out.

On the ride home I told the boys I was proud of their attitudes and company, and that there was no one else I'd want to share that misery with. They excitedly retold the stories from the longest 24 hours they've had to date--amazing how in the retelling, the rain got heavier, the fish got bigger, and the bullseyes kept multiplying. It was a crazy day, but one we will never forget.