How Pete spent last weekend

lAs mentioned before, Pete joined a bunch of his friends for their semi-annual "ATF" gathering last weekend. By some rough calculations, I think we have determined that this was approximately the 26th such gathering! There is a group of 10 of them who attend regularly -- 9 former Grove City students, and one former Grove City professor.

Thanks to Trey Miller (owner of Pascal Agency -- how's that for a plug?), I got to see some pictures of this auspicious event. The guys usually stay in cabins that are part of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, and this time they picked one they had not tried before. It required them to park and then hike in for about 2 miles, reportedly on a narrow and harrowing trail with multiple switchbacks, the threat of killer bears and an uphill incline in both directions. But they were MEN about the whole thing, hauling in whole cases of beer, several pounds of meat, etc. It looks like it was in a beautiful location once they got there!

They got to spend some time hiking on the Appalachian Trail on Saturday, and by the looks of things, also got to spend a lot of time talking and talking and talking...

The name for these ATF weekends was originally meant to be "alcohol, tobacco and firearms" but from these pictures it looks as if it's become more like "alcohol, talking and food." To be fair, I think the "F" has actually been usurped by Football usually... although I did not hear about this this time. Maybe something about the average age of attendees precariously tipping over the far edge of 35 has now brought this activity to an end as well?

They DID try and revive the original "F" intention last winter, though.... Here's a picture from that event.

Paintball
In all seriousness, I am very thankful for this group of men. Even though I don't get to actually go on these trips (thankfully), I do benefit greatly, having a husband who comes home refreshed, newly challenged, and encouraged by these life-long friends. I admire their commitment to the group and to one another, and the accountability they provide for each other is amazing to see. I won't get all sentimental and weepy, since this is supposed to be a manly post, but I'll just say that Pete and I are both very thankful for these friends!