It takes teamwork to make any group activity seem effortless. Whether that is in work, such as the officers and crew that keep the Sea Bird running smoothly, or whether that is in recreation. The challenging hike this morning had us in a team spirit as we cajoled, hoisted and pushed our fellow hikers up the more challenging parts of the path that parallels Cascade Creek. Over, through, around and under an obstacle course of moss covered trees, mud wallows and steep slippery steps, we enjoyed the rewards of an exhausting hike in a magical, mist covered rainforest.
We continued on to the small town of Petersburg for our afternoon. On this Fourth of July, most of the stores and shops were closed. However, the main street was filled with people as the entire population of Petersburg was either participating in or cheering on contestants in the egg toss, tricycle race, bed race, 2x4 boot race and later in the afternoon, the log rolling. Here we witnessed, and even participated in a bit of teamwork and the hilarity that can accompany it. Cooperation among teammates earned egg-tossers the coveted “chicken trophy” for their prowess in catching an egg as opposed to wearing the yolk. The winning toss had teammates at least 100 feet apart. In the spirit of teamwork and fun, most of our own “Sea Bird Stews” which included Annie, Katharine, Whitney and Amy entered the 2x4 boot race. With a pair of boots nailed to opposing 2x4 studs, each team member hung on to each other and (hopefully) moved their feet in unison to make it to the finish line. Giggling seemed to interfere with the rhythm. The Sea Bird team worked with a steady clomping cadence to win their heat, but time wasn’t on their side and the reining team from last year ended up with the trophy.
Later in the afternoon, everyone gathered along the rails of the mid-harbor dock. It was time for the log rolling event. First the men and then the women tried their hand at this aquatic balancing act. Staying on the “dry” side of a log rolling and bobbing in the harbor must be as hard as it looks. Even though this was a one against one contest, most winners followed their opponent into the water in good sportsmanlike fashion. In the end nearly all ended up wet and laughing together, a great way to end the competition and the day in Petersburg, Alaska.
We continued on to the small town of Petersburg for our afternoon. On this Fourth of July, most of the stores and shops were closed. However, the main street was filled with people as the entire population of Petersburg was either participating in or cheering on contestants in the egg toss, tricycle race, bed race, 2x4 boot race and later in the afternoon, the log rolling. Here we witnessed, and even participated in a bit of teamwork and the hilarity that can accompany it. Cooperation among teammates earned egg-tossers the coveted “chicken trophy” for their prowess in catching an egg as opposed to wearing the yolk. The winning toss had teammates at least 100 feet apart. In the spirit of teamwork and fun, most of our own “Sea Bird Stews” which included Annie, Katharine, Whitney and Amy entered the 2x4 boot race. With a pair of boots nailed to opposing 2x4 studs, each team member hung on to each other and (hopefully) moved their feet in unison to make it to the finish line. Giggling seemed to interfere with the rhythm. The Sea Bird team worked with a steady clomping cadence to win their heat, but time wasn’t on their side and the reining team from last year ended up with the trophy.
Later in the afternoon, everyone gathered along the rails of the mid-harbor dock. It was time for the log rolling event. First the men and then the women tried their hand at this aquatic balancing act. Staying on the “dry” side of a log rolling and bobbing in the harbor must be as hard as it looks. Even though this was a one against one contest, most winners followed their opponent into the water in good sportsmanlike fashion. In the end nearly all ended up wet and laughing together, a great way to end the competition and the day in Petersburg, Alaska.
