The night before we departed, we stayed at Pioneer Lodge in Fort Benton, Montana. Here we're having a meeting, going over last-minute details. Mr. Blosser dynamically makes a point while everyone avidly listens.

Photo by Mr. Schrock

Rebecca, Laura, Joan, Kara and Heidi are getting ready to put out on the first day.

Photo by Mr. Brenneman

These beasty boys are getting pumped and ready for the coming 3-day canoe trip. (They have yet to be "vested up")

Photos by Becca Souder

These people are ecstatic about the fun idea of wearing life vests, resembling bumble-bees, for the entire trip.

Photo by Becca Souder

A beautiful day on the river. We were fortunate enough to have 3 gorgeous days, and often entertained ourselves by "falling" out of our canoes into the cool water.

Photo by Becca Souder

The teachers enjoy their day on the double canoe contraption, called a Catamaran. This boat was fun to drift and talk on, but when it came to speed, it was often left in the "dust."

Photo by Becca Souder

There were two clippers (8-person canoe) available for riding in. This crew looks ready to conquer the "Big Muddy."

Enjoying a laid-back lunch along the river. Our lunches consisted of snack mix, carrots, and the ever-present sandwich bar. These fine gourmet meals were occasionally topped with Peppermint Patties. Yummy. Lounging in the shade was an incredibly popular activity, following our lunch.

Photo by Becca Souder

Sleeping, lounging, basking in the sun. This was a novelty that was enjoyed every day. In the picture on the left, Jason and Tim relax, hopefully not catching too much UV rays, and on the right, Mr. Brenneman chuckles in his comfortable position.

Photos by Becca Souder

While some people are working hard to get to our destination, Mr. Yoder takes a nap.

Photos by Mr. Schrock

Scrubbly Bubbly! Everyone lines up to clean off and de-sanitize their mess kits. This process is definately the highlight of each day: the murky first tub, followed by the sudsy second, with a scalding rinse, and finally the bleach, in which extreme caution is needed to avoid clothes-spotting.

Photo by Becca Souder

June 15, 2003
We were all lounging in our canoe when a war drum began to beat. A dead prairie dog had been found floating down the river by Tim and Jason. The dead dog soon found its way on the oar of one of the boys. A war cry could soon be heard. Our canoe was bigger and slower but when everyone picked up their oars and began to paddle we made good time…but not good enough. The small canoe slowly closed in and before too long we could see the stiff form of the dead prairie dog on the oar. We watched with horror as the dog started flying through the air toward our canoe. THWACK!!! The prairie dog was knocked out of the air by the oar of Mr. Brenneman. But the chase was not over yet. Tim and Jason quickly recovered the dog and made yet another attempt to throw it in the canoe. Our camp was in sight but the small canoe was closing in fast. The dog was once again launched into the air. This time it was Greta’s oar that knocked the dog down. We docked at our camp and the great prairie dog chase was finished.

Look for the sequel to this story in your local bookstore: DEAD RATTLER
-Kara Heatwole

Photo by David Showalter

Photo by David Showalter

Two muddy creatures, vaguely resembling Tim and Lars, slathered themselves in mud attempting to soothe their burnage, raced through camp, startling some lounging teachers and journalers. Kurtis hops in the picture, wishing he was as cool as these crazy boys.

Photos by Ethan Zook and Greg Blosser