Karate Summer Camp

It feels like it's been a long hard Summer with much still to accomplish. My never ending list. We're in heavy duty renovations (not so much fun), work has been busy and I have felt really disorganized since my house is under some construction. I needed some time for me.

I had the opportunity (and challenge) to attend Karate Summer Camp. I am a member of the USA Seishin Karate Club, and we had a weekend camp at Deer Lake Scout Reservation in Killingworth, CT. I knew that we would be training hard with classes scheduled all day, including free swim, gourmet meals, completely rustic housing and running at dawn. Excuse me, I said running at dawn! Hello... I don't get much done before a gentle rising and several cups of coffee. Well things have certainly changed around here. I quit smoking (part of the plan and doing great!) and even managed the run at dawn without losing the pack. I was thrilled to be somewhere in the middle. Training in the wilderness was fantastic. We met new friends who traveled long distances to be there, trained hard, ate well, slept even better and all left with a feeling of accomplishment. It was great and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I took pictures when I could between classes.

The lake is beautiful!

Our humble housing was actually quite comfortable, especially after a long day.

Our fabulous Chefs!

Games at sunset!

The next day, I realized how long it's been since I've experienced dawn. It was so peaceful and beautiful.

My Sempai, more training and even a Japanese game like our smash the pinata!

Mark and Patti Clifton, our hosts, have been rescuing orphaned deer for years, but I could not believe how tame this little female was. She actually kissed my lens!