Attendance: 29
Absent: Geoff, Dean B.
Echuca camp-out 2008 separated the men from the boys. The men overcame their fear of the cold, they over came their fear of being away from amenities, and gave themselves up for service. The boys stayed at home.
Early starters (Nick, Ben J, Warren and Gavin …) did a great job of setting camp up and lighting the mother of all bon-fires on Friday. As campers started to arrive and stake their sleeping space drama struck two upcoming campers; novice – but showing great potential. Navigation systems failed and resulted in a wrong turn leaving Stu and Ash bogged in a treacherous area of the wildlife park. Thankfully, having a 12 step program in their lives they reached out for help, and soon two older members Ben L and Adam came to the rescue. Using special boy scout knots Adam secured the Honda to the Ute and Ben skilfully towed the car out of the swamp and got the newcomers safely to camp.
As the night drew on, concern was raised for two campers who hadn’t arrived at camp. It was late, dark, and there was no sign of Paul or Sasha. Had they fallen victim to the swap that near took Stu and Ash? No-one knew.
Some of the older campers showed their experience by bringing items such as sleeping bags, pillows and mattresses, as described under “Must Bring” in the instructions list. Unfortunately Stu, Daniel and Danny missed this part of the documentation and were forced to endure the elements without such luxuries. Others like Nick were well informed and still chose to bring just a toothbrush and the clothes on his back.
Saturday morning was kicked off with a delicious breakfast and a meeting around the bon-fire. And then out of the wilderness appeared Sasha and Paul…they were alive! They looked fresh, clean and were smiling. There were talks of a romantic evening for two in a local Echuca Motel…but those reports are only rumour. We think. And it’s okay if it’s true anyway.
It’s not the only situation where love was in the air. Cable was kindly giving out massages in the car on the way to camp whilst claiming “what happens on footy trips, stays on footy trips”.
The love quickly disappeared on arrival at the soccer pitch. Warren was keen for a win from the start after training during the off-season since his team’s domination on the volley-ball court during the past two camp-outs. But there was a new comer who had been training for this day most of his life…an import from the USA, dynamite Danny. Team B was lead to victory under the strong leadership of Deano, and with the AFL tackling and shepparding techniques of Adam, Jarrod and Deano.
Still Team A put up a sterling fight with a particularly stellar left foot goal by Ash off the cross. Team A were just finding their form when the game was ended by the rear back tyre of a black 2003 Mercedes Benz. Result: Team B – 4 def. Team A – 3.
Next stop…river cruise. That was great.
Saturday night after some free time, a delicious dinner and a powerful meeting, members continued to share their experience and knowledge. The meaning of new terms were learnt such as the dolphin, rusty trombone, angry pirate, angry dragon, rodeo and the eagle. There was a lot of laughing and singing (thanks Justin!) and discovery that a good time can be had by a group of guys from mixed backgrounds in the middle of the bush without alcohol.
Saturday night and two members were taking the loudest snorer challenge very seriously. It was Ben J Vs Ben L, both wanted the title bad, and left the rest of the field for deaf…dead. In the end it was a tie but they both vowed to be back next camp out.
On Sunday after another great morning meeting, Steve L observed that the weekend of free rehab was almost over. Pack down was a great example of many hands making light work. The camp was packed up and left in the state we found it in in record time.
As we convoyed out of camp everyone seemed to have a smile on their face and the talk was of when and where next camp out will be. It was a great weekend, a great reminder of how good it is to be sober.
– Ash