The race course was 3.6 miles that started on a narrow beach and went into the water and up over hills several times as we traversed this little island park in the midst of industrial Port Tampa. At first we were in ankle deep water, then later to our waists, and finally up to our chests as we went on and off the island and over lots of obstacles! We crawled under cargo nets, jumped over hurdles, and ran through tires! We climbed big mounds of mulch, ran narrow trails slipping in mud and being whipped by mangroves, and made it to the finish line after lots of other surprises, including hills! Of course it was high tide; those race organizers are crafty that way!
This was a great family event and we saw young and old alike having fun and enjoying a beautiful sunset on the shores of Tampa Bay. They fed us afterwards, which is probably one of the biggest attractions for these teenagers; that and the T-shirt! We had a great meal together and bonded even more as a unit!
This scouting group is called a Venturing Crew and is operated under the Boy Scouts of America. Yes, it is co-ed and for young men and women age 14-21. The youth plan all their own activities (usually monthly) under the guidance of adult Advisors. This is a great leadership and service opportunity for these young adults, and prepares them for life! As one of the crew members noticed after the race; "It's funny how the events we do match the event planner's interests!." We certainly excel at what we love! Can you pick out the event planner in this picture? He would be the one who finished in the top 10!
Many thanks to our Crew Committee Chairman (and Scoutmaster of our Boy Scout Troop), Mike Ebert who took hundred of photos, including this one at the starting line. We can't wait to see what else he shot! As I was going under the cargo net in the deep sand that is normally reserved for a swing set, I spotted some coins! I picked up a handful and tossed them to Mike but he didn't hear me as a gasped the word "Coins!" He thought I was just trying to get dirt on him! (I guess I have done that to him once or twice before!)
Everyday can be a great adventure outdoors! Go find YOUR adventure, bring along some friends, get dirty, and share a few laughs! It's great for the soul!
L-R; Rob Philbin, Kelly Spence, Ryan Spence, Mary Spence, Ben Bryant, Lauren Ebert, and Jonathan Ebert; photo by Mike Ebert
What a grand adventure you all had.
ReplyDeleteThanks! It was a blast! We were all pretty sore the next day. I thought it was from the hills (since it's hard to train for those here unless you run the bleachers) but Ryan said it was from trying to run in the water!
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