White Cloud Club meets in Crawfordsville

The United Church of Crawfordsville was the setting for the annual White Cloud Club picnic on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 6 p.m. Margaret Patterson gave the blessing before the bountiful meal that was enjoyed by those present.

Everyone enjoyed visiting and sharing stories and following the meal the men attended to the dishes, while the ladies had a business meeting.

President Betty Lintz opened the meeting with some "fun quotes.“

Secretary and Treasurer reports were given by Pat Miller.

Old Business: None.

New Business: The group voted to give a donation to the church for the use of the facility, which was very much appreciated since evening temperatures were well above normal.

It was decided to meet at the church at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3 for a trip to places in the Mt. Pleasant area.

The group thanked Virginia Sands, chairperson for the evening for making arrangements.

Those attending were: Andy and Jolene Colthurst, Diane Johnston, Gene and Betty Lintz, Gene and Pat Miller, Margaret Patterson, Floyd and Pauline Richardson and Virginia Sands.

MAN UP HIKING EXPERIENCE

On July 23, Pastor Jason Collier joined Josh Lundburg from the Kalona Mennonite church and four other men, one from Des Moines ,and three from Indiana, four of whom were pastors for a hike in the Grand Teton Mountains. They went into the back country on day one and had a wonderful boat ride across Jenny Lake, then 11.5 miles up 3,850 ft.

and then 2 miles 1,500 ft. down to wilderness site #1 which was Sunset Lake. Day 2 was 2 1/2 miles up 700 ft. elevation to wilderness site #2; Day 3 was 1 1/2 miles up 500 ft, then .75 miles up 650 ft. to summit Static Peak Mountain at 11,303 ft. before 8 mile down 4,400 ft to backcountry site at Phelps Lake. On Day 4 they went 1.6 miles up 600 ft. then 1 mile down to trailhead.

The trip ended with fish and chips at the Signal Mountain Lodge at the Trapper Grill and then followed by ice cream at Mo's in Jackson Hole.

They then had a good night's sleep in the Climbers Ranch at the foot of the Grand Teton mountain range.

There were sore muscles and very tired hikers as everything was carried in and out. They learned a little about their own limits and a lot about God's love for them in the beauty all around. While on the trip the group saw two Black bears, and two cubs and one bull Moose taking a bath.

They walked through lots of rocky ground and several places traversed snow. The lowest camp was at 10,000 ft, and the temperature got down to around 45 degrees. They had perfect hiking weather and were thankful to make it back safely to their families and friends on August 1. A great hiking experience!