Confidence Camp 2026- Day 1

We packed today just about as full as we could. Had to scramble the schedule because we are going to be inside most of tomorrow. No need to learn new things in the rain if it can be avoided. So I shuffled the schedule a bit, and it's all going to be fine, just maybe not in the order I wanted.

It was a pretty cold night. Totally frosted tables!

Meals appeared magically as Cathy came three times a day with wonderful food and treats.

We talked about the two books I had everyone read. Pictures of that just look like an outdoor classroom.

We talked about fires and everyone made some fire starters to keep.

We practiced reading topo maps. This demo helps people understand why topo lines bend upstream.

We practiced two ways to accurately find north without a compass.

We practiced following a map and walked around checking our location against a map, found some edible foods, and collected some tinder.

Then we compared 7 or 8 natural materials for tinder as to their quality. Not sure if we have any pictures of that. But by then it was really windy, so everyone collected wood and got it ready to build their own fire, but we covered the piles and are hoping it won't be raining or blowing so hard first thing in the morning, so we can do that before coming inside.

The shadow of the plastic obscures the fact that Judy is getting ready to cover her wood.

I'm in the house getting the handouts printed for tomorrow and blogging. Hoping to get to bed a little earlier tonight. We are having a blast!

Miles walked today- not sure, I'd already done a mile before breakfast. Probably 2 or 3.

See Kicking Off Confidence Camp

Kicking Off Confidence Camp

And... here we go!

All six "campers" are set up and ready to dig into the material tomorrow.

We had a "get acquainted" campfire with sharing and s'mores, and a funny story. How much more basic can one get for an opening to camp?

Interestingly enough, when I took a tent out to set up for my sleeping quarters (yes, I'm camping out with everyone), I discovered that the shock cord that holds the poles rigid once you slip the parts together, was completely disintegrated. Hmmm. OK, I haven't used that tent for a few years, but it was a really expensive one. I was pretty surprised. It can be fixed, but I don't think things should fail that soon. My first tent that size lasted 25 years, and it got used a lot.

Anyway, I set up the newest, big tent instead. That way I can keep all the teaching stuff in there with me out of the wind and weather.

Gotta finish up and get back out there.

See Two Picnic Tables, Part 2

Those Flowering Trees

I may have reached panic mode for Confidence Camp. Everyone arrives tomorrow afternoon, and I'm just trying to get all the final things ready. Cathy and Doug came over today and brought their four-wheeler. It will be here for the week to make trips to the house for needed items

I mowed the new "road" and the whole campsite.

We installed the fire ring and took the picnic tables and a few odd things that can stay outside to the campsite.

But what I want to share is that line of flowering trees that is just down the road from me. I'm pretty sure they are all ornamental crabapples.

I think the pink with the red buds is the most stunning.

But then there is pure white.

Can't decide? You can have a mix.

OK, gotta get back to work.

See That Line of Flowering Trees

Taking MOWA to the Trail

The Michigan Outdoor Writers Association (MOWA) is having their annual conference this weekend... just over in Baldwin! But with Confidence Camp, I'm too busy to attend. But I did offer to lead a hike. Four of us did the 3.5 mile loop at Bowman Lake. I was delighted that a few people signed up!

You know Bowman Lake is one of my favorite places in our local area.

We all had a chuckle about this. Somehow a Skunk Cabbage got itself planted in this three-trunked tree.

A happy and clean painted turtle sun-bathing on a log.

And, ta-da! The sassafras are just starting to flower and get leaves.

They took me out to lunch afterwards. A very nice morning!

Confidence Camp all afternoon. Hoping to finish the last major item this evening.

Miles walked in 2026: 162.2
Hike 100 Challenge 2026: 53.3

Bowman Lake area, Lake County, Michigan. North Country Trail 1.75 miles, Bowman Lake Trail 1.75 miles.

See Bowman Semi-Primitive Area

Rock Garden Makes Me Happy

I am socked in working on Confidence Camp notebooks. But the rock garden is looking so pretty! This is a shot across the top with lots of color.

Now the Hawara daffodils are blooming. I put the wrong labels on earlier ones, I'll have to go back and fix those.

I have a tiny bit of the 'Candystripe' moss phlox left. Most of it reverted to plain pink and white.

One of the Lewisia has a lot of buds. I'm hopeful.

And the Rock Cress is in full bloom. It's quite reliable- one of the survivors from the original garden.

OK, it's back to work for me. Got a LOT done today, but there is lots to do yet.

See Jewel Baby