What To Do With Too Much Free Time

Preamble:

Sometime ago YHC had the idea of a scavenger hunt. Not sure if this was a result of too many viewings of The Goonies or if the thought had been subliminally placed during prior conversations with @Rusty (which remains the source of ongoing interoffice tension). Regardless, copious free-time during recent business travel led me to notions of One-Eyed Willy Treasure maps and visions of the PAX lost in the woods. It was going to be great. Adding to the anticipation was the knowledge of another @DD planned adventure, which apparently failed to come together. #nexttime

Warm-O-Rama:

YHC arrived before 0500 to setup which apparently was just enough time. Getting to the flag with only a few minutes to spare I watched as robust PAX numbers slowly rolled in. At 0530 we moseyed… 20 feet. 20 SSHs was all we needed for warmup (couldn’t look at Foley’s tights any longer) so we divided into 6 teams and on to the rules:

• 9 stations were placed strategically around the Wreck
• Illuminated signs at each station detailed the work to be done, and a clue to other locations; along with a First Place ticket
• PAX would receive 2 points for every completed station; 3 bonus points would be awarded for each ‘First Place’ finish of a station. AFLAC rule – entire team must complete the station before taking the 1^st place ticket.
• PAX was due back at the flag at 0610. 2 points would be deducted for every minute late arriving
• Oh… and one very important map was placed for the taking (although no one did) that gave location and ideal path for the course. If you knew GMonkey’s favorite exercise spot, it was yours for the taking. Unless of course, you neglect to take it. (this will be important later)

The Thang:

Here we go:

Station 1

ONE LAP AROUND THE PARKING LOT: BEAR CRAWL HALFWAY; CRAB WALK HALFWAY

Station 2: The Wall

3 ROUNDS: 7 HANDSTAND MERKINS; 15 MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS

Station 3: Rock Pile

2 ROUNDS: 25 CURLS; 25 SKULL CRUSHERS; 25 SQUATS

Station 4: Lacrosse Field

3 ROUNDS: 10 MIKE TYSONS; 30 LBCs

Station 5: Picnic Pavilion

2 ROUNDS: 15 ABYSS MERKINS; 25 DIPS

Station 6: Cul De Sac

CAPTAIN THOR: 1 BIG BOY X 4 HAMMERS (Double Count); UP TO 10 BIG BOYS

Station 7: Stadium

• 3 ROUNDS: 10 BOX JUMPS (ON WALL); 10 BONNIE BLAIRS (DOUBLE COUNT) this kind of sucked

Station 8: The Hill

• ROUNDS: 7 BURPEES (at bottom); BERNIE SANDERS UP; 20 MONKEY HUMPERS UP TOP; RUN DOWN

Station 9: The Playground

• ROUNDS: 10 PULLUPS; 15 BOBBY HURLEYS

Fully expecting that no team would finish all stations (which I believe was the case) there seemed to be a mad dash back to the flag with only seconds to spare. Thanks @Squeegee for not leaving a brother behind. A few rounds of Mary and then it was time to determine the winner. This proved to be much more difficult than one would have expected so we moved on to namorama and announcements. As it turns out AFLAC’s team won. (anyone surprised? Didn’t think so). And as a part of that team I can honestly say no guidance was given to location or path, aside from some minor throat clearing sounds when it appeared we were on the verge of a DoubleD. So back to the map… Apparently @DD nails the location of the map but decides not to take it. Then proceeds to lead his team practically off-campus. Next time we’ll set up a Waze version.

COT:

Announcements: Crazy Love, some fitness completion Bronco mentioned for people half our age, don’t recall anything else

Prayers: Sprocket’s unspoken and my dad (Big Al) who suffered a stroke last night

So as I’m sitting here in flight to visit my father writing this backblast, the words to explain how important this brotherhood is to me escape me. The support that you men provide is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and for that I am a better man and entirely grateful to God.  Know how much I appreciate your support and prayers, your messages public and private. And know that whenever you need me, I will be there for you. Iron sharpens Iron.

Let’s see you get that at Planet Fitness.

GMonkey out.