Woodland Altars was the Church of the Brethren campsite where I would spend a week for every Summer between 1981-1990 – in addition to periodic visits throughout the 1970’s and stays at the chalets throughout the 1990’s and 2000’s. I spent my very first weekend there during a trip around May 1972. At about eight month olds, I obviously enjoyed my surroundings, especially considering I had Lora and Robby there to help entertain me. Also along on the trip were Bill and Dottie, and Dad’s cousin John Shirk and his wife Patty. Dad took a Super 8 film of some of our antics around the camp and it appeared that there were a few other people with us, possibly folks camping nearby.
We actually roughed it in tents, but photos and films certainly indicate that we enjoyed many of the luxuries of home, with a table spread that would rival any fancy dinner. The film shows that John cooked steaks on a small portable grill and that Mom took me for a walk in my stroller. Rob carried around a frisbee that he apparently had no idea how to throw, and Lora assisted in feeding me my bottle and rocking my walker up and down.
Me and Mom at Woodland Altars
Lora chills out while Robby looks for a Frisbee partner
Lora assists with my nourishment
Obviously I have no memory of this, but I do have scant recollection of other similar visits that we would take as late as 1977 – always with Bill and Dottie from what I recall. Woodland Altars feels like a second home to me, with Ashleigh preparing for her last year at Youth Camp this coming 2008 Summer.
Our happenin’ campsite
Dinnertime. I had quite the fuzzy white dome.
Mom and Lora on the prairie
The very familiar view from atop Heritage Ridge
John loads up his gear. Apparently we brought enough stuff to survive a month.
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