The TrailBlazers once again Shuffled off to Buffalo to spend the weekend near Jasper with 26 housed at Buffalo Lodge and 7 offsite. We were pleased to welcome Becky who always works so hard to organize our annual event. Friday night we had our wiener roast with all kinds of great desserts, snacks, dips, fresh fruits, homemade wine and what have you supplied by our members. We had a campfire that warded off a chill in the air, played games (poor Yours Truly got farkled!), started a puzzle, and were serenaded by our talented Katy and her guitar. 

Saturday found half of us in the Buffalo National Park hiking the Indian Rockhouse trail where we explored the cave. Later we checked out Rush ghost town where zinc used to be mined and smelted. The Energizer Bunny contingent safely tackled Indian Creek, a difficult hike that rewarded them with some spectacular scenery. In the evening we were treated to a great pulled pork dinner with various side dishes. When most of us went to bed, the puzzle was not finished but a few diehards rose to the challenge of the 1,000 tiny pieces and got it done! 

On Sunday morning after eating our traditional Big Man breakfast (a moment on the lips forever on the hips), 16 of us canoed or kayaked from Pruitt to Hasty on a beautiful day with swirling winds that required more paddling at times than floating, especially for the kayakers. The hiking contingent decided to hike the BRT from the low water bridge at Ponca to Steel Creek, but Becky reports that there were several dropouts along the way with only three going the distance – all women! (For a fee payable to Yours Truly the names of the dropouts will be published in the paper thereby sparing Bobby P the dubious distinction of most newsworthless)! We had good weather, great food, and congenial company making for a wonderful weekend!