The Plague Revisited

It's the second week of Junior Sea Camp, and I am sick. In fact, I am the latest in a flurry of staff to fall victim to a virus moving through camp. I have never seen anything like this. One after another after another staff member has come down with nearly identical symptoms, thus the confidence that we are all suffering from the same bug. That's the bad news, that about a quarter of the staff are sick. The good news is that the worst of it seems to be over with in about 24 to 48 hours.
My hypothesis is thus: Because the majority of victims are those who have not worked at this camp (or any other, as in my case), I suspect that the more experienced staff have already worked up innoculations against this strain. If that is the case, then I might predict that this is not the last, but only the first in a series of sicknesses that I (and other newbies like me) will fall victim to.
Oh boy...

A New "First"

Yesterday evening, I decided to go for a short kayak after dinner. The hour or so before sunset is my favorite time of day, and so I figured what better place to enjoy the peace and calm it usually instills in me than from the seat of a kayak, a half mile offshore? I loaded up, paddled a short while out, then enjoyed the broader view of this part of Catalina, as seen from the sea.
As the sun dipped behind the island, I turned back to Toyon Bay, with a mind to head back into camp and catch the end of a movie that some friends/coworkers were watching. I didn't make it.
My supervisor, Erica, and several other staff members from various parts of camp were out "surfing". The waves aren't really surfable, so instead they simply tie up to the back of a boat and get towed around, much like water skiing. The only difference is that they use an old surfboard instead of skis.
They saw me paddling in, intercepted me, and invited me to join them. For some stupid reason, I was hesitant. I think I may have said something lame like, "I'm too tired" or "Maybe next time". Fortunately, they ignored my weak excuses and talked me into ditching the kayak inside Toyon Bay and hopping in with them. I'm glad I did, cuz it was awesome!
I love those experiences where, while they are happening, you know that this is a once-in-a-lifetime situation. Of course, I may get another chance to surf with them (I hope so, anyways), but the way the whole thing came together was unpredictable. It is no secret that I cherish random, fun experiences.
The best part was that I stood up on the board on my first try! I've surfed longboards a little bit, but never a short board, and yet there I was grinning my fool face off while surfing behind a boat being driven by my boss at sunset on Catalina island...there's a sentence I have never been able to say before!
What a day...

Instructor Luke!

Whoo hoo! The Instructor Training Course is over, and I passed! Actually, all seven of us passed, which is even better. What now, you ask? We have today and tomorrow free (to unwind, go hiking, kayaking, diving, etc.) and then we start a week of lifeguard training, CPR/First Aid renewal, and Supplemental Oxygen recertification. Maybe throw in Nitrox training as well (note: Nitrox is a different mix of gas to use while diving in shallower water, containing higher percentages of oxygen than regular air). After that, we do some staff training, and THEN the kids come to camp. Good times!