Our annual camp retreat

As if we hadn't recently just spent a busy tiring week up at a camp facility giving it the annual clean-up, we were back up there this weekend just to enjoy the grounds as intended.  Our church is one of the supporters of the camp, and we go up every fall for a group get-away. 

Unfortunately, last year's event was canceled, as our pastor broke his back jumping into some canoeing rapids just before the event.  So the advances we made at last year's work week were not appreciated until this year.  Here's a taste of some of what took place.

For those who are available, the retreat opens on Friday night with dinner and an introductory meeting.  This year had an unusually small group, so it was more calm and intimate.  The big Saturday event for as many as care is a big hike, as we are surrounded by beautiful mountains.  I enjoy this challenge, while Doc Leo tends to have a knee problem when he tries. 

Looking back towards original plan

There are several different official hiking trails within reasonable distance.  One was picked this year that allowed a more gentle hike, as we now have a bunch of kids becoming old enough to try, with a harder one continuing on for the more extreme-minded.  But as we got near, bad weather started rolling in.

As we had to change the program and could see sun in a different area, we went over there. It did not turn out to be nearly as exciting, unfortunately.

Ski slopes and dead wood -- pretty!

Where some people call home

The above picture is the view towards the left, where we'd intended to be.  The photo on the left is what was across from us.  We were parked down there, and you can see the local ski trails.  I loved the dead wood in the sun.  The photo to the right is the view to the right, with a town nestled in the valley.  The trio form the panorama we had from our trail.

Good friends enjoying nature and freedom from obligations

We happened to be on a road leading to a rock climbing area rather than an actual trail, but at least our view was pretty. 

And I got to hike with my friend Ellie for the first time.  She's been in baby mode in past years, but now the kids are getting old enough to participate, too.

Alpine mushrooms

Along the way, we came across this fun clump of mushrooms.  However, none of us were knowledgeable enough to know if they were edible or not.

Enjoying the view during the lunch pause

Finally, a real trail

Our lunch spot was less than exciting, too, but our weather was beautiful and the view was specular, not to mention the company being fun.

Just beyond the lunch spot, the actual trail finally started.  It didn't go very far until it just ended and dropped off the mountain!

A bridge from nowhere to nowhere

Following the trail, however, I found this bridge between two rock formations, not accessible from where we were and maybe only with rock climbing equipment.

When we left, I captured Ellie's car entering one of the tunnels to get through the mountains.  I thought it was pretty, so I'm sharing it with you!

Heading back down to the camp

If you recall, last year I completely redid the fire pit and this year I weeded and cleaned it back up.  But we've never gotten to use it ourselves yet!  Until Saturday night. 

All the pyromaniacs gathered around, and we cooked marshmallows.  The adult French aren't too sure about our crazy s'mores, but the kids don't have much trouble with them!

Isn't this just such a pretty fire pit?

A marshmallow reward for hard work

Such a joy to have a new toy

The serving crew

Another big project last year was replacing the kitchen stove.  That, too, got used by our group for the first time this year.  I think the cooks were ecstatic. 

A ball game instead of laundry

Halfway across and still on line

Sunday afternoon was a time to really enjoy the grounds.  Instead of laundry hanging on the posts, a real volleyball court was set up, and various age groups took their turn making full use of it. 

A tightrope was set up in another area, and even the youngest enjoyed trying out their sense of balance.

Follow the bouncing (NOT) ball

This being France, and especially the south, you can't have group activity without somebody bringing out a set of balls to play boules .  Or petanque .  I'm not sure if the terms are interchangeable.  You mostly see old men hanging out all around, but maybe that's because they're the only ones with enough free time.  The women tend to have higher priorities!

In reality, all ages and genders will play when they can, including Americans and Brits and those who break their backs. 

Even Doc Leo joins the mostly old guys . . . and succeeds!

Let's not exclude a handicapped woman who was a champion back in another life.  I think she was giving direction offering advice from the sidelines.  The excitement of throwing a small but heavy ball in order to knock other balls away from the little point ball overcomes all obstacles, apparently, and she ended up participating quite a bit.

Madame hasn't lost her touch

Who ended up the closest?

Madame and the Doc were on the same team for a while, and they were really proud to have won their game!

After a number of times of throwing these heavy balls, it is very serious business to analyze where they have all ended up.

Such a great group to share the weekend with

And then the weekend was over.  After the traditional annual photo of the whole group was taken, the rooms were packed up and cleaned for the next group, and everybody made their way back down the mountain roads to wherever they call home.  Until next year!