Third Great Park Pursuit

Starry attended her third Great Park Pursuit put on by the State of New Hampshire State Parks.  They are all different and this one had Nature activities, Scavenger Hunt, Yoga (which she complained about trying but loved the airplane and tree pose).  Tennis was a struggle to get them (her friend joined her for the weekend) try, but they ended up having a great time.  The instructor was great and once they both were able to lob the ball across the small net a few times I decided to quit before they lost their new found zeal.

They also had a few old fashion games.  The traditional sack race, a three legged race, tug of war and a fun game called catch.  That was all the park service had organized, but they had tagged this event onto local events and ours had free hot dogs, bouncy house, the old plastic sheet and some water for a cheap, but fun water slide (we passed on this event), face painting and they were able to throw the ball and dunk a person in a tank of water. 

On the way home we stopped at another state park where they played in the water and collected a pile of rocks and made a small sand castle.  This is another feature of the Great Park Pursuit.  On the first day’s event, which you need to register for, you are given some wrist bands and these allow you to visit other state parks for free.  The whole purpose is to introduce your family to the fun and adventure they can find at the many state parks we have across the state.  To complete the whole program and be eligible for prizes you need to visit other state parks and do certain tasks (like build a sand castle and take your picture).  Each activity has points and the more points you get the better your prize will be.  We just hope to complete the basic list of activities.

Biking, Fishing, Exploring, Blueberry, Frogs, and Birds

We started out by biking to a spot where we might find some fish and blueberries, we found neither.  So we went exploring and Starry sure has a great imagination.  We found a dead body (an old jacket) and a lot of evidence along the way. 

We then found a frog.  Starry tried kissing the frog, but nothing happened, so she let him go back into the pond.  I did eventually find and pick 7 cups of blueberries and now just have to find time to time to go back and get some more. 

Then we spotted this blue heron on the way home.  It was a great day of adventure.

5K Ranger Run National Camporama 2012

Competed in my very first 5K road race at the 2012 Royal Ranger National Camporama to raise money for BGMC.  After driving three days with the district I went to bed late the next two nights before the race.  Then I was not able to sleep well, so I knew that I was going to do well.  From the campsite I took the long way to the starting point to warm up.  I attempted to jog and realized then I was in trouble.  I just didn't have it.   Since this was my very first 5K I knew that what ever I did it would be a Personal Best, so I didn't need to do too well.  The course also went along dirt roads with rocks strewn along the way.  Didn't wear my 5 fingers, though several other people were wearing theirs. 

I did have two goals.  One was to beat Sy (an 11 year old from out outpost).  I also did not want to end up dead last.  We checked in and then proceeded to the starting point.  I then realized I was in trouble.  There was a guy in a tri suit and many other very in shape looking people.  We waited and waited and waited and then I realized I should have brought some water. 

We finally took off and Sy was instantly ahead of me.  I had told him to take it easy and warned him about the dangers of getting caught up in the race and going too fast, especially in the start.  But Sy did not blast ahead, I'm just a slow runner so he was going at a nice steady pace.  A while later I saw him ahead walking and when he saw me he started a slow jog.  This continued for most of the race.

I usually can run a 5K without stopping, but this was not the case.  Not only did I get little sleep the previous two nights, but the humidity was around 85% and it seemed hot for a 7 am start.  So I plodded along as people as those who looked in shape surged ahead and eventually those who looked out of shape began to pass me as well.  I did pass a few walkers, so I knew I wasn't in the very back. 

Towards the end of the race, I caught back up to Sy and walked behind him for a bit and he finally turned around, but this time I was ready for him to run.  He didn't.  So I finally passed him with about a quarter of a mile left to the race.  I had really thought Sy would run super fast to start and burn himself out, but he really did a great job pacing himself.  He also had never run a 5K before, never mind in a race, so hats off to him for the great effort.

I finally finished in a time of 41:39 and ended up being second to last in my age group. I didn't place last in the whole group or my age division, I'll live with that, but this will definitely give me something to work on.  I know I can do better so bring on the next 5K.

Easter on the 4th of July

The 4th of July was filled with a little bit of activity.  We started off with home made waffles.  Then headed off to the lake to try our hand at fishing.  No luck at all this time.  We returned to discove that the Easter Bunny had finally arrived and there were over 200 chocolate egges and other various items hidden about in my and my sisters apartment.  We all had fun looking around for the treats.

Beach Star

A day at  the beach.  Starry is enjoying spending the summer away from all the day cares.  My mother has agreed to watch Starry all day everyday while I work.  So today she got to go to the beach with her Grandmother, Alana and Carol Earle (pastor's wife).  I think she had fun.  That night we watched the fire works from the parking lot across the street and got to bed very late.