Dear Families,
This weekend we stayed in Flagstaff for our outdoor trip and things went amazingly. We left Saturday morning for the base of Mount Humphreys. It was packed due to fall colors where the leaves are changing. Our group enjoyed the colors of the trees. We immediately packed up and split for the hiking gym in downtown Flagstaff. We learned how to climb safely and meticulously while getting good exercise in a fun, team environment. Afterwards we split for the Alcoholics Anonymous speaker meeting in downtown Flagstaff at the Phoenix building. At the conclusion of the meeting it was five o’clock p.m. so we headed home for dinner where we grilled out on the patio. Hot dogs and burgers for the boys on a Saturday night in October. What else could you want. We then watched a movie and got to enjoy the comfort of own beds for a great night’s sleep.
Sunday we awoke early to cook a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon with mushrooms, onions, peppers and kale. It was fantastic but the kale was completely unnecessary. We headed for Mount Humphreys and hiked up the mountain. As the elevation increased and the air became thinner several of the boys needed a break to catch their breath. As a group though, we maintained a solid pace up the mountain. The trail was long and windy. We got to enjoy the sight of many other hikers along the way including families, couples, groups of students and international travelers. As we approached the peak the wind picked up dramatically and a significant drop in temperature was felt. Many of us had to quickly throw on fleeces and hats. The way down provided a much-needed rest on our calf muscles and a test for our joints. Though there was the occasional slip, everyone made it down safely, in good shape and enjoying a sense of accomplishment. We split for the house and unpacked our gear before enjoying an in-house A.A. meeting where we discussed acceptance at length. Then we prepared a chicken and cheese ravioli dinner with a poor man’s vodka sauce (marinara and alfredo mixed together). The dinner also included caesar salad and grapes. We rounded out the evening by enjoying a film before getting a great night’s sleep at the house.
Monday morning we awoke at 730 am and quickly proceeded to clean the kitchen, living room and van before uniting as a group in the living room to discuss the weekend. It was unanimously agreed that it was a success for us as individuals as well as the collective. Outdoor staff kept us a safe, we got to do indoor rock climbing, attend a great A A. meeting, cook great dinners, sleep in our own beds, and climb a mountain all while enjoying each other’s company and growing closer as a group. Love you, miss you and thinking of you.
The Boys
