Summer is now considered over in my mind...program groups and conferences the past couple of weeks, along with several meetings, has helped to extradite the FUN summer camp season. This weekend, I'll have several camp staff in as we host Operation Military Kid Family Camp...better knows as our own Operation: 4-Heroes!!!! We have a bunch of families coming over to canoe, swim, hike, and a host of other activities.
Earl is also en route to the Outer Banks...let's hope it stays enough offshore to prevent evacuations, and most importantly, property and personal damage. In the event Earl decides to tango with the Eastern 4-H Center - we have a full action plan that we will put into motion. Basically anything that can take flight will be secured.
This past weekend, we hosted the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast and the Edenton Baptist Church Youth retreat...Rock climbing satiated their energy reserves, and helped to build a spirit of camaraderie.
Nevertheless, it's time to start tying down items - just in case!
Enjoy the day...
August 31, 2010
August 20, 2010
A Break?
So over the past few days, virtually everyone I know has asked me if I was ready for my "break"...the "break" being the time between the end of camp and the pre-camp planning which usually begins in mid-September. My retort is "What break?!"
Sure, I will take some time off when possible, but to be honest, I get a little bored when I have nothing to do. And there is no "break." This weekend (starting at noon Friday), We have 4 different groups using the facility! It is great to be busy...the Northeast Regional Directors are meeting and eating today, along with two overnight groups - the Laymen's League, and The North Carolina Association of Student Councils...following on their heels are the ECU Williams Leadership retreat...we are doing programming for NCASC and Williams...it'll be tons of fun.
The weekend is supposed to have nice weather. Granted, weather has been pretty good for camp activities all summer, we can use the rain, if it is not too late. Most of the corn has shriveled up and beans are still short, like me.
Next week, I'll be in and out of the office tending to a variety of matters...I'll also take some time off, too!
My sister was just up for a visit with my lady friend, who moved from Pittsboro to Edenton over the summer. We hosted my sister and took her all over the region. I even took her out in the D.S. Yella Dog (Duck Ship Yella Dog). We rode throughout the Northwest fork and the lower reaches of the Alligator - in hopes of seeing an alligator. Only one possible sighting occured in the form of a slim wake...when gators plunge from the shoreline muck, they immediately dive and leave a wake much like a ski boat...followed by ominous bubbles. We also spotted several eagles, a few resident wood ducks and black ducks, along with a nutria. I enjoyed describing the pocosin environment to her...she really enjoyed the stark beauty of such a remote and wild place - a place theat Tyrrell County should be proud of...
Nevertheless, it's time to get back to work!
Enjoy the day...
Sure, I will take some time off when possible, but to be honest, I get a little bored when I have nothing to do. And there is no "break." This weekend (starting at noon Friday), We have 4 different groups using the facility! It is great to be busy...the Northeast Regional Directors are meeting and eating today, along with two overnight groups - the Laymen's League, and The North Carolina Association of Student Councils...following on their heels are the ECU Williams Leadership retreat...we are doing programming for NCASC and Williams...it'll be tons of fun.
The weekend is supposed to have nice weather. Granted, weather has been pretty good for camp activities all summer, we can use the rain, if it is not too late. Most of the corn has shriveled up and beans are still short, like me.
Next week, I'll be in and out of the office tending to a variety of matters...I'll also take some time off, too!
My sister was just up for a visit with my lady friend, who moved from Pittsboro to Edenton over the summer. We hosted my sister and took her all over the region. I even took her out in the D.S. Yella Dog (Duck Ship Yella Dog). We rode throughout the Northwest fork and the lower reaches of the Alligator - in hopes of seeing an alligator. Only one possible sighting occured in the form of a slim wake...when gators plunge from the shoreline muck, they immediately dive and leave a wake much like a ski boat...followed by ominous bubbles. We also spotted several eagles, a few resident wood ducks and black ducks, along with a nutria. I enjoyed describing the pocosin environment to her...she really enjoyed the stark beauty of such a remote and wild place - a place theat Tyrrell County should be proud of...
Nevertheless, it's time to get back to work!
Enjoy the day...
August 19, 2010
Summer Camp Highlights
The summer camp season has officially come to an end...Between the start and finish there were hundreds of special moments for campers, staff, and volunteers. Generally, I lean more towards the funny moments as some of my favorites...kid's say the darndest things, right?
The smallest staff I have ever trained strafed right through one of the most dramatic and diverse programs in the summer. I am so proud of the job they did. And while no summer staff is ever perfect, this one came close on most occasions. One of the most difficult jobs I have is to manage 25 different personalities. It is IMPOSSIBLE to manage every one the same way...though that's how many would say it has to be done. When working conditions call for 100 degree heat, rambunctious children, and a healthy, tasty - but redundant - menu, people will become hyper-stressed...all while trying to figure out what the heck they will be doing in school in the coming months. I enjoy the challenge. I like to watch people dig deep. Even better, it's nice to know that they are doing it for me (or the paycheck that I provide to them)...
Nevertheless, the two funniest things I heard a child say this year were:
(1)
"Lemme shoot that boom-a-lang!" This was in reference to our International Night program...our Aussie counselor showcased a boomerang...her New Zealand counterpart was a whiz at tossing it...the results were impressive, obviously motivating a 9 year old American to do the same, and immediately. Obviously because of the dangers, the "boom-a-lang was not tossed by a child, but they were allowed to hold it and examine it...
(2)
"The bottom of the Pool smells like my cat..." Not sure if the kid was being truthful or not. Can you smell the bottom of the pool without taking in a nare full of water? Probably not...though all of the staff, including myself, went to the bottom for a sniff. Also - It would have helped us, though, if we knew what the feline smelled like. The cat might have smelled like nothing. Nevertheless, the campers announcement was made in public...I saw 8 year old children contemplate the blurt...all left scratching their heads...
Also - campers would wear funny shirts, staff had crazy nicknames, and some staff became vegetarians on certain days...There are many joys of operating a summer program, but the Grand Poobah is seeing children have fun and enjoy the freedom of being a kid...
Enjoy the day...
The smallest staff I have ever trained strafed right through one of the most dramatic and diverse programs in the summer. I am so proud of the job they did. And while no summer staff is ever perfect, this one came close on most occasions. One of the most difficult jobs I have is to manage 25 different personalities. It is IMPOSSIBLE to manage every one the same way...though that's how many would say it has to be done. When working conditions call for 100 degree heat, rambunctious children, and a healthy, tasty - but redundant - menu, people will become hyper-stressed...all while trying to figure out what the heck they will be doing in school in the coming months. I enjoy the challenge. I like to watch people dig deep. Even better, it's nice to know that they are doing it for me (or the paycheck that I provide to them)...
Nevertheless, the two funniest things I heard a child say this year were:
(1)
"Lemme shoot that boom-a-lang!" This was in reference to our International Night program...our Aussie counselor showcased a boomerang...her New Zealand counterpart was a whiz at tossing it...the results were impressive, obviously motivating a 9 year old American to do the same, and immediately. Obviously because of the dangers, the "boom-a-lang was not tossed by a child, but they were allowed to hold it and examine it...
(2)
"The bottom of the Pool smells like my cat..." Not sure if the kid was being truthful or not. Can you smell the bottom of the pool without taking in a nare full of water? Probably not...though all of the staff, including myself, went to the bottom for a sniff. Also - It would have helped us, though, if we knew what the feline smelled like. The cat might have smelled like nothing. Nevertheless, the campers announcement was made in public...I saw 8 year old children contemplate the blurt...all left scratching their heads...
Also - campers would wear funny shirts, staff had crazy nicknames, and some staff became vegetarians on certain days...There are many joys of operating a summer program, but the Grand Poobah is seeing children have fun and enjoy the freedom of being a kid...
Enjoy the day...
August 6, 2010
August 3, 2010
Takeoff 4-Health Week 2
Sorry I haven't put any updates in a while, but I'll catch up soon!
We are smack down in the middle of Takeoff 4-Health - a great summer camp program and partnership between Brody School of Medicine and North Carolina 4-H! We have some of the brightest minds in the world concerning childhood obesity hanging out in our office tackling one of the most important health challenges of the generation!
I'll try and post some pictures soon! Nevertheless, with our reduced staff, Lee and I have spent considerable time in the kitchen, too. Lee made an incredible (and healthy) black bean salsa that the staff and campers are still raving about. Activities include kayaking, rock climbing, Zumba dancing, yoga, swimming, water aerobics and a bunch more!
Enjoy the day...
We are smack down in the middle of Takeoff 4-Health - a great summer camp program and partnership between Brody School of Medicine and North Carolina 4-H! We have some of the brightest minds in the world concerning childhood obesity hanging out in our office tackling one of the most important health challenges of the generation!
I'll try and post some pictures soon! Nevertheless, with our reduced staff, Lee and I have spent considerable time in the kitchen, too. Lee made an incredible (and healthy) black bean salsa that the staff and campers are still raving about. Activities include kayaking, rock climbing, Zumba dancing, yoga, swimming, water aerobics and a bunch more!
Enjoy the day...
July 23, 2010
Canvasback and Sailing Camp, great success!
Canvasback and Sailing Camp were pretty amazing this week! Special Thanks to Roger Morgan, our Sailing Instructor for the great information, lessons, and fun that he provided to our staff and campers. He is the reason our Sailing camp is SOOO much fun.
Camp Canvasback is not possible with out the hekp of the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission! Hunter Education Specialist David Denton helps recruit instructors and arrange special field trips that add a lot to the camp. Also Kevin Briggs of Noah's Ark Waterfowl and Caro Coviello brought ducks and dogs, respectively, that help to round out the program.
See all the pictures below!
Here's Carl and a Camper with Carl's star retriever, Jack. Find out more about Carl at http://www.blackwaterkennels.com/
Here's Kevin with a "Pillard" - half Pintail, half Mallard. Kevin operates Noah's Ark Waterfowl in Edenton!
Here are our sailors picnicin' at the mouth of the Scuppernong...They really loved Captain Morgan!
Enjoy the weekend!
Camp Canvasback is not possible with out the hekp of the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission! Hunter Education Specialist David Denton helps recruit instructors and arrange special field trips that add a lot to the camp. Also Kevin Briggs of Noah's Ark Waterfowl and Caro Coviello brought ducks and dogs, respectively, that help to round out the program.
See all the pictures below!
Here's Carl and a Camper with Carl's star retriever, Jack. Find out more about Carl at http://www.blackwaterkennels.com/
Here's Kevin with a "Pillard" - half Pintail, half Mallard. Kevin operates Noah's Ark Waterfowl in Edenton!
Here are our sailors picnicin' at the mouth of the Scuppernong...They really loved Captain Morgan!
Enjoy the weekend!
July 19, 2010
Lost
Last week, blogging was totally lost in my mind. I apologize! Last week we entertained the North Carolina Grange Summer Camp. I really look forward to them marching in with their rich tradition and fun campers, who return year after year.
Speaking of returning campers...this week we have Cloverbud Camp, which is for 5-8 year old children. Hopefully they will all be return campers. Marine Science and Sailing is also this week. Many of them are back for a second run. Camp Canvasback, my heavily biased favorite is entertaining many children that have been here three times!
Sailing Camp will learn to sail (obviously)...so I hope they all expect to learn. Roger Morgan is our Sailing instructor and always builds a great rapport with the teens.
Camp Canvasback is for the aspiring waterfowler. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission teaches Hunter Education and Firearm Safety. My staff will teach Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Kayaking, and a host of other things. Kevin Briggs, a local State Trooper will be bringing live ducks for Waterfowl ID. I will be teaching an activity on decoy history, making, painting, restoring, and tactics. I may know more than anyone because I have learned through trial and error. Anyway - it'll be a fun week. After this, we only have three more weeks of camp to go...
Enjoy the day...
Speaking of returning campers...this week we have Cloverbud Camp, which is for 5-8 year old children. Hopefully they will all be return campers. Marine Science and Sailing is also this week. Many of them are back for a second run. Camp Canvasback, my heavily biased favorite is entertaining many children that have been here three times!
Sailing Camp will learn to sail (obviously)...so I hope they all expect to learn. Roger Morgan is our Sailing instructor and always builds a great rapport with the teens.
Camp Canvasback is for the aspiring waterfowler. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission teaches Hunter Education and Firearm Safety. My staff will teach Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Kayaking, and a host of other things. Kevin Briggs, a local State Trooper will be bringing live ducks for Waterfowl ID. I will be teaching an activity on decoy history, making, painting, restoring, and tactics. I may know more than anyone because I have learned through trial and error. Anyway - it'll be a fun week. After this, we only have three more weeks of camp to go...
Enjoy the day...
July 5, 2010
4-H Week 2
Believe it or not, but just go ahead and believe it when I tell ya' that we are in our FOURTH week of Summer Camp. Yesterday was the anniversary or America's departure from the Queen...better know n as Independence Day.
The weekend around the Sound is always fun on big holidays...especially July 4 weekend. On July 3, I took out the DS Yellow Dog (DS is Duck Ship)...the Sound had a chop, but the river was NICE. That night I went to a pg pickin' on the Sound...beautiful sunset, bug free, and delish...
Yesterday, the 4th, we opened our doors to counties like Hyde, Tyrrell, Durham, Perquimans, Northampton, Halifax, Gates, Bertie, Hertford, and Beaufort to 4-H Camp...last night we had our Opening Ceremony. Afterwards, we all watched firworks on the Boardwalk. The only thing better than a fireworks show is SIX FIREWORKS shows! That's right! Edenton, Hertford, Plymouth, Edenton, Albemarle Plantation, and our friendly neighbors all put on dazzling displays...we could see and hear firworks in a 180 degree plane, all over the Albemarle....
Today, Lee is cooking a pig...another pig picking! This is to much for me to bear, but don't worry about me, I'll "suffer" through... check out the pics...
Enjoy the day...
The weekend around the Sound is always fun on big holidays...especially July 4 weekend. On July 3, I took out the DS Yellow Dog (DS is Duck Ship)...the Sound had a chop, but the river was NICE. That night I went to a pg pickin' on the Sound...beautiful sunset, bug free, and delish...
Yesterday, the 4th, we opened our doors to counties like Hyde, Tyrrell, Durham, Perquimans, Northampton, Halifax, Gates, Bertie, Hertford, and Beaufort to 4-H Camp...last night we had our Opening Ceremony. Afterwards, we all watched firworks on the Boardwalk. The only thing better than a fireworks show is SIX FIREWORKS shows! That's right! Edenton, Hertford, Plymouth, Edenton, Albemarle Plantation, and our friendly neighbors all put on dazzling displays...we could see and hear firworks in a 180 degree plane, all over the Albemarle....
Today, Lee is cooking a pig...another pig picking! This is to much for me to bear, but don't worry about me, I'll "suffer" through... check out the pics...
Enjoy the day...
June 28, 2010
4-H Week!
We are already into week 3 of summer camp and our first batch of 4-H'ers is in the house! Last noghts Opening Ceremony was dubbed the Greatest Show on Earth by a multitude of campers. Many of our campers are from the western part of the state and have never seen the flat portions east of I-95.
Big events arescheduled throughout the week...our adventure campers are looking forward to spending the night in the wilderness after paddling one of the great blackwater rivers of the coast.
Talent shows, dances, and Scavenger hunts round out the night activities.
Enjoy the week...
Big events arescheduled throughout the week...our adventure campers are looking forward to spending the night in the wilderness after paddling one of the great blackwater rivers of the coast.
Talent shows, dances, and Scavenger hunts round out the night activities.
Enjoy the week...
June 23, 2010
June 22, 2010
Sweltering...
Heat index today: 103
Heat index tomorrow: 103
It's just so hot down here...this summer we have had 22 days of 90 degree (or better) weather. Last year we had 4 at this point.
Tonight is the Scavenger hunt. Last night, staff members discovered my first name, which to this point, had been as secretive as the Manhattan Project.
The week is going well, despite the heat. Next week, we have 4-H groups coming from several different counties. We are really looking forward to it, but will certainly miss the wonderful campers brought to us during Operation Purple Camp!
Enjoy the day...
Heat index tomorrow: 103
It's just so hot down here...this summer we have had 22 days of 90 degree (or better) weather. Last year we had 4 at this point.
Tonight is the Scavenger hunt. Last night, staff members discovered my first name, which to this point, had been as secretive as the Manhattan Project.
The week is going well, despite the heat. Next week, we have 4-H groups coming from several different counties. We are really looking forward to it, but will certainly miss the wonderful campers brought to us during Operation Purple Camp!
Enjoy the day...
June 21, 2010
Week Deaux!
Operation Purple Camp is in Week 2! Roughly 105 campers, 29 staff (including Lee and I) are enjoying the warm temps outside and the cool temps inside.... Last night's Opening Ceremony was pretty amazing, complete with a "Purple" sunset. After a quick poll of the campers, I have decided that virtually all children attending here are of the Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Army, and Navy persuasion, while few if any are linked to NOAA, the Public Health Service, or the national Guard.
Military Experience Day this week will be akin to last weeks - two or three static displays, an awesome speaker, and Top 10!
Campers will enjoy the Giant Swing, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, teambuilding, ecology, and FEFA soccer (FEFA = Fourh Entertaining "futbol" Activity). Oh yeah, the pool, just as last week, is still abuzz with fun...it's always a hit! Tonight is International Night...Our counselors from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Scotland will lead activities about the homelands...
This week, we'll have the Eastern 4-H Center Hunt for Scavengers, Talent Show, and Dance, too. Me no like dance. Me like talent show. Campers like dance...
I posted staff pictures in digitized format on the Eastern 4-H Ctr facebook page, too - so look at them - and add us as a "fan"...
In unrelated decoy news...I have restled coated my first-ever made from scratch decoys. The are virtually impervious to chemicals, water, and other items of potential destruction in the foul world of fowling. just need to get the paint, matte finish, keel, and heads on and I'm done!
This past weekend, Lee, me, and several staff also went to the Edenton Music and Water Festival. It was hot and we all got a lil' sunburned. We still had lots of fun!
Enjoy the day...
Military Experience Day this week will be akin to last weeks - two or three static displays, an awesome speaker, and Top 10!
Campers will enjoy the Giant Swing, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, teambuilding, ecology, and FEFA soccer (FEFA = Fourh Entertaining "futbol" Activity). Oh yeah, the pool, just as last week, is still abuzz with fun...it's always a hit! Tonight is International Night...Our counselors from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Scotland will lead activities about the homelands...
This week, we'll have the Eastern 4-H Center Hunt for Scavengers, Talent Show, and Dance, too. Me no like dance. Me like talent show. Campers like dance...
I posted staff pictures in digitized format on the Eastern 4-H Ctr facebook page, too - so look at them - and add us as a "fan"...
In unrelated decoy news...I have restled coated my first-ever made from scratch decoys. The are virtually impervious to chemicals, water, and other items of potential destruction in the foul world of fowling. just need to get the paint, matte finish, keel, and heads on and I'm done!
This past weekend, Lee, me, and several staff also went to the Edenton Music and Water Festival. It was hot and we all got a lil' sunburned. We still had lots of fun!
Enjoy the day...
June 14, 2010
Operation Purple Camp UNDERWAY!!!!
Operation Purple Camp, a camp for children whose parents are deploy(ed, ing) is well underway. Day 1 was very strong!
A speedy check-in was facilitated by a new process...the Dining hall was nice and quiet...If Summer Camp was a football game, a key to controlling the tempo would be "control the dining hall."
Opening Ceremonies saw the introduction of staff, expectations, meaning of Purple (which is all the colors of the different military branches), an in-depth discussion of Leave No Trace, and more....
Special thanks to the National Military Family Association, Sierra Club, and Sierra Club Foundation for making this week possible.
I'll be brief, but consistent with updates this week...tonight is INTERNATIONAL NIGHT!!!
Enjoy the day...
A speedy check-in was facilitated by a new process...the Dining hall was nice and quiet...If Summer Camp was a football game, a key to controlling the tempo would be "control the dining hall."
Opening Ceremonies saw the introduction of staff, expectations, meaning of Purple (which is all the colors of the different military branches), an in-depth discussion of Leave No Trace, and more....
Special thanks to the National Military Family Association, Sierra Club, and Sierra Club Foundation for making this week possible.
I'll be brief, but consistent with updates this week...tonight is INTERNATIONAL NIGHT!!!
Enjoy the day...
June 9, 2010
Staff TRaining underway
Staff training started over the weekend...so far so good. Long hours has them focused and attentive...and appreciative of that 2 hours of free time at night!
Some of the highlights:
We have a mascot, a black panther as "performed" by Ross, our New Zealand counselor. His international night program dealt with the question "Where is Old Zealand".
Liam our Scottish counselor showed a picture of himself in a kilt. He also showed a picture of an exotic animal in Scotland - a pigeon.
CPR and First Aid was yesterday....special thanks to Lee who taught all day long. I had the lifeguards...so I put them through the rigors of swimming with anchors and such. Raymond set the all time record with the anchor swim - 36 seconds, followed by Maria at 38 seconds, who is recovering from a broken foot in February.
We also have done Rock Climbing, Ages and Stages of Development, and a host of other important activities. The new staff members are adjusting well - thanks to leadership of our returners.
Enjoy the day...
Some of the highlights:
We have a mascot, a black panther as "performed" by Ross, our New Zealand counselor. His international night program dealt with the question "Where is Old Zealand".
Liam our Scottish counselor showed a picture of himself in a kilt. He also showed a picture of an exotic animal in Scotland - a pigeon.
CPR and First Aid was yesterday....special thanks to Lee who taught all day long. I had the lifeguards...so I put them through the rigors of swimming with anchors and such. Raymond set the all time record with the anchor swim - 36 seconds, followed by Maria at 38 seconds, who is recovering from a broken foot in February.
We also have done Rock Climbing, Ages and Stages of Development, and a host of other important activities. The new staff members are adjusting well - thanks to leadership of our returners.
Enjoy the day...
June 1, 2010
Pre-Season
Pre-Season is here...Spring training as I like to call it...Summer Staff will arrive later in the week, and we will begin training immediately.
This week, Tyrrell Elementary School will be here today and tomorrow. Thursday I'll head to Greenville to do camper interviews for Takeoff 4-Health...It'll be a busy week. The new cooks are doing well, and survived the Wedding Reception Onslaught, with a great deal of ease, albeit. The reception brought nearly 300 guests to our beautiful facility, and nary a drop of rain fell from the sky as predicted by the Weathermen.
This weekend I managed to take the Yellow Dog out to sea. I put in at Swanquarter Bay, rode the 3 mile ditch into the salty water, took a little used cut through beautiful marsh (the creek is about 2 miles long and 20 feet wide...fun if you have a small nimble craft like the Dog), and turned up in Swanquarter Bay. We rode to Oyster Creek Landing to see all the big shrimp/crab/fishing boats. En Route, we had dolphins playing in the propwash. We also spotted several local black ducks. Black ducks, or Black Mallards, are the wariest of all ducks. They are really tough to decoy, and often look like they don't even trust their fellow flyers. Local ducks are the wariest of all. So decoying a local Black Duck, is virtually impossible...virtually. It has been done.
On the way back a Black Bear, roughly 700 pounds, was spotted in the road. He was absolutely tremendous. We also came across a fox, deer and a 6' Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.
Yesterday, the program staff and I enjoyed a cookout at the Staff House...Boston Butt, Corn on the Cob, Green Beans, Big Girl's Macaroni and Cheese, Watermelon, and Creamsicle Cake. I cooked, the ate. But I am their provider, at least that's what I tell 'em.
I also finished painting my decoys. I completed a Sleeping Bluebill, encased in masticized burlap and painted to perfection. I have gotten better and better. I also finished a Canvasback, 2 other Bluebills, and 25 Surf Scoters. I have 7 more to do...6 of which are from scratch. I will be Restle Coating from here on out. Burlapping and Restleing provides years of use from decoys. You can only burlap the foam ones. I like the foam ones, though...here's why: Cork co$t$ tons of money, plastic is cheap that's what everyone uses, wood is to heavy. I like to hunt over classic decoys, and hand painting and finishing adds to the thrill.
Enjoy the day...
This week, Tyrrell Elementary School will be here today and tomorrow. Thursday I'll head to Greenville to do camper interviews for Takeoff 4-Health...It'll be a busy week. The new cooks are doing well, and survived the Wedding Reception Onslaught, with a great deal of ease, albeit. The reception brought nearly 300 guests to our beautiful facility, and nary a drop of rain fell from the sky as predicted by the Weathermen.
This weekend I managed to take the Yellow Dog out to sea. I put in at Swanquarter Bay, rode the 3 mile ditch into the salty water, took a little used cut through beautiful marsh (the creek is about 2 miles long and 20 feet wide...fun if you have a small nimble craft like the Dog), and turned up in Swanquarter Bay. We rode to Oyster Creek Landing to see all the big shrimp/crab/fishing boats. En Route, we had dolphins playing in the propwash. We also spotted several local black ducks. Black ducks, or Black Mallards, are the wariest of all ducks. They are really tough to decoy, and often look like they don't even trust their fellow flyers. Local ducks are the wariest of all. So decoying a local Black Duck, is virtually impossible...virtually. It has been done.
On the way back a Black Bear, roughly 700 pounds, was spotted in the road. He was absolutely tremendous. We also came across a fox, deer and a 6' Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.
Yesterday, the program staff and I enjoyed a cookout at the Staff House...Boston Butt, Corn on the Cob, Green Beans, Big Girl's Macaroni and Cheese, Watermelon, and Creamsicle Cake. I cooked, the ate. But I am their provider, at least that's what I tell 'em.
I also finished painting my decoys. I completed a Sleeping Bluebill, encased in masticized burlap and painted to perfection. I have gotten better and better. I also finished a Canvasback, 2 other Bluebills, and 25 Surf Scoters. I have 7 more to do...6 of which are from scratch. I will be Restle Coating from here on out. Burlapping and Restleing provides years of use from decoys. You can only burlap the foam ones. I like the foam ones, though...here's why: Cork co$t$ tons of money, plastic is cheap that's what everyone uses, wood is to heavy. I like to hunt over classic decoys, and hand painting and finishing adds to the thrill.
Enjoy the day...
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