Pete English Remembers

Little Mike,

As a camper for many years in the late 60’s, I remember many of these same events., but from a kid’s perspective:

Hippies in the Gorge – smelling them smoking dope and skinny dipping too.

Wallenda walking the Gorge, but Pop not letting us watch because he thought the dude was going to fall.

Frank Wills running away (escaping) and trying to hitch-hike back to Washington.

Being good enough to play basketball with you old guys.

Hating “Appleknocker” until I was the biggest kid in the water

Having to “dive,” not just jump off the high dive into that cold-cold water.

Did I mention that cold-cold water?

Helen laying out on the dam after lunch.

Wondering how someone could get as big as “Sky” Hertwig.

One year there was actually ice cream at the end of the hike.

Every single Cove hike it rained – for like six years in a row.

On camp-outs today, I still tell the story of the Vandiver Man. He still lives.

I still call it “Bug Juice.”

Now, I actually like DVOT.

Charles was actually our cook too, at the KA house in Athens – and he never killed anyone.

Although I don’t have to clean it anymore, I certainly spend my share of time in the HD – daily.

Sneaking candy bars back into camp from Gold City.

Sliding toothpaste into the mouths of “chubby” kids so they would quit snoring.

Trying not to bust a gut, having to take a leak, waiting for rest hour to be up.

Or getting caught by your dad, if the leader actually let me run to the HD during rest hour.

How glad I was to come back each year.

How glad I was to go home each year.

Being Captain of the teams during league games.

Wining Best Camper Award – I think I still have my “Y” letter-jacket letter.

I have two daughters; one is at UGA now. Had they been boys, you can bank on it that they would have been at AYC – for the duration. Please add me to your list. Just reading your recollections brings back so many memories.

Thanks for all your Dad and you did. I truly believe you made me a better person.

Pete English

Hometown - Warrenton, GA