Many years ago, like many young people, I went to summer camp. During my university years, I worked at that same camp, Camp Grier. It's near Old Fort, NC, the Gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, and it's a beautiful place.
Very brief history of Old Fort, NC
Giant Arrowhead in Old Fort, NC
Downtown Old Fort, NC
Typically, the summer staff consisted of people from North Carolina and surrounding states. In 1977 the staff included several people from Europe and Australia as well. When working and playing in an isolated area with people for a summer, close friendships are made. I'd lost touch over the years, so imagine my surprise when I got a message via Facebook from the daughter of two of my co-workers asking, "Are you the Dixie Cochran that worked at Camp Grier?" Yes, that would be me.
Starting point of creek walks, Camp Grier
Lake Refuge, Camp Grier
The Waterfront, Camp Grier
Rhododendron, Camp Grier
This past weekend, about a third of our group from 1977 gathered together at camp once again. We had 35 years to recall. Some things change. Some things stay the same. What fun it was to discover who we all are now!
10 members of the 1977 Staff
3 from North Carolina, 1 from Washington, DC, 2 from London,
3 from Australia, and one homeless German (Hope you settle soon, M.)
Travers, Manfred, and Flipp
Travers and the "Ford Mustang P. McAllister"
John, Flipp, and Richard
Bill and Marg trying to get us lined up as we were in the old staff picture.
Tough job.
I can't believe how much fun I had over the weekend. I left feeling that I needed just one more day. One more day to talk one-on-one with each of these wonderful people. One more day to recall the good fun we had in the summer of 1977. One more day to laugh. One more day to remember. Just one more day...
Prayers for safe travels, friends. Much love and big hugs to you all. Auf Wiedersehen! Until we meet again.
So glad you had fun,how fun to reconnect. Now we need you to post the 1977 pictures :)
ReplyDeleteHow awesome! Your pics bring back my camp memories at Mosey Wood in the Poconos. The lake, the creek, the rhododendron.... I haven't been there in a long time and I hope there's been major outhouse improvement!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome heartwarming post. So glad you posted this today instead of a card!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, what fun that must have been!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous weekend Dixie, I'd like to see the photos from 1977 too :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful post and great pictures...I'd love to see the older pics too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great job Dixie..Yes it was fun, my how we have all changed. LOL..I too was there with Dixie and yes just one more day...or 10!!Let me know if you need any older pics.
ReplyDeleteLove
Susan
What a wonderful post! The grounds are gorgeous and you all look like you had a lot of fun. Now you can start planning the next reunion.
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