What could possibly go wrong?
It was cold, getting dark, too dark for the planned archery (and by planned, I mean the archery gear was in the truck, but by the time we set up a target, we couldn’t really see it…)
Plan B! Too dark for archery? How about axe throwing? Keep moving in until you can see the target. That’s safe. Enough. No one was hurt, although I did draw blood. Turns out no matter how close I stand to the (really rather large) wooden target, at least one of my attempts at burying the hatchet will miss, and go flying into the undergrowth. The tangle of thorny undergrowth. So, yeah, I drew blood after pulling out a sharp thorn from my finger. I didn’t cry.
It was an almost planned meeting of young warriors, the first since the latest pandemic restrictions, and optimistically convened following a flurry of phone calls and texts earlier in the sunny afternoon. A (fool)hardy few gathered around a fire pit overlooking the bay just as it was getting dark. Too many mentors and not enough students meant the fire took quite some time to light – it was a chilly evening, so fire first – sharp objects and play (I mean safety learning and setting up a range) second. With all the expertise delaying the fire, by the time it was lit and we were warming up it was too dark to loose arrows safely.
So no archery, mission not accomplished, and we didn’t care, because it was so good to see friends and familiar faces for real and not on Zoom etc. There’s nothing like a group of awkward men meeting up after a number of months and discovering the pandemic hasn’t eased the awkwardness. Nothing like a pandemic to improve communication skills. Anyway, you can’t just stand around (not) saying how much we’d missed each other, that’s for your inner voice or a blog. Hence the axe throwing. Doing something slightly silly and feeling less awkward? That’ll work. It was wonderful!
We’re hopeful more of the pandemic precautions will ease as it becomes prudent to do so, and as they do, I’m very much looking forward to getting back to working with mentors and youth on life affirming projects – and picking up a few more scratches and bumps along the way. With very early hints of spring here on the coast, it is time to get back outside – playtime!
Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
Once again you had me chuckling away, pc. Your opening sentence got me going. Then this passage had me smiling and chuckling more: “There’s nothing like a group of awkward men meeting up after a number of months and discovering the pandemic hasn’t eased the awkwardness. Nothing like a pandemic to improve communication skills. Anyway, you can’t just stand around (not) saying how much we’d missed each other, that’s for your inner voice or a blog.” You have a beautiful way of describing the situation at hand with truth and humor. I am so glad the young warriors and mentors were able to meet up again, and I think it’s terrific that you and the other mentors do this for the young lads. Cheers, my friend.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jet! It really was so good to get back out there, and we’re hopeful, pandemic permitting, to be getting back to this on a regular basis – as soon as tomorrow, fingers crossed!
I hope your week is going well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this. Including pup at the end. Great story!
LikeLike
Thanks, Michelle! She’s a great companion!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You need to get the Nerf Axe Throwing kit! It always bounces right back,or you can train Scout to fetch?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wayne, I think you have a safe solution! Although Scout would probably chew through a nerf kit?!
LikeLike
Stunning skies! Scout is such a great subject.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jane! Yes, Scout will just about stay still for a portrait – if there’s an edible reward!
I hope all is well with you.
LikeLike
Hmm, axe-throwing… Wouldn’t mind getting a political scalp or two to hang from my belt, but wait… don’t want to cause no trouble, better to think serenity– those coastal photos, candid photo of Scout there by the ocean, etc. Then again, maybe that Nerf Axe notion is another place to start… Thanks Adam!
LikeLike
I understand where you’re coming from, Walt, but I think think you have the right of it in staying above the fray?! Keep it serene, get outside, go for a wander… but if you happen to have Nerf Axe, fling it safely to work off the frustrations…
I hope your week is going well!
LikeLike
It appears a few of us agree with Wayne that the Nerf Axe Throwing kit would be a good idea!!😁 Wonderful photos and to read about the community gathering together again. Enjoyed laughing at the awkwardness and axe throwing attempts and luckily it sounds like with those early signs of spring you and Scout could practice with the Nerf kit before the next gathering. Thanks for the laughs while my team is losing again and enjoy the week!🙂
LikeLike
Yes, there’s a lot of love for the Nerf Axe kit, sounds like I should investigate it, if only to stay safe! Fingers crossed we’re able to get back out tomorrow, and as far as I’m aware, no axe throwing is planned. Not that it was last week. Maybe we’ll juggle chainsaws or something sensible like that.
Dreading the soccer restarting, but sooner started, the sooner the misery ends?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do so want to go to one of those axe throwing galleries that have been popping up seemingly all over the place. Believe it or not, I have chucked a few axes in my youth, with varying degrees of success. Here’s to the waning (cautiously optimistic) of the pandemic and renewed acquaintances and bonds!
LikeLike
Sounds like you might be ready to get reacquainted with your youthful axe throwing ways, Bob? It was oddly satisfying…
Here’s hoping some cautious optimism is justified as we head into spring and something resembling post-pandemic days?
LikeLike