July 2001

Dear Junior Church "Alumni" and parents,

We are not asking for donations for the alma mater (although that might be a good idea some day.)

And, although we vowed to never do it again, there is going to be an alumni hike, including all 7th - 10th
graders who now have or ever have had any connection with First Free Church. (The ones who may have
a connection in the future are not on the list at
present, but if you know any, invite them.)

The day will be Saturday, August 11 and we plan to go to the Vermillion River in Hastings where we went last century, 9/25/99.  There are caves, old mills and waterfalls and we plan to explore further down the river than we did the previous time.

We will meet at First Free Church parking lot at 9:00, dressed for the weather, covered with sunscreen and insect repellant, carrying $5.00 each for lunch and
pictures and another $5.00 each in case we need to stop for fast food on the way home.

If it rains early, we may go to the Science Museum again, or the Minnesota Zoo, or the Mall of America or some other wild place.  If it rains late, we may get wet.

If it is hot, there are places in the river that are suitable for swimming but no places to change, so if you think you might want to swim, wear your swimming suit under your clothes.

The route is rugged and involves steep hills and narrow ledges -- and that's just the morning.  The afternoon mission, if we decide to accept it, will involve mud, nettles, poison ivy patches and occasions where it may be necessary to wade in the water.  This means that sturdy shoes that can stand the mud should be worn.  And long pants are essential unless you like the torture of nettles and their 7 minute itch.

We will probably start returning with the survivors by 4:00 pm, but because of the distance, the last of the group may be getting home about 7:00.

I will call those on the list* to find out who is going for sure.  My daughter Stacy will be coming along to help crack the whip and to dial 911 if I break a leg or have a heart attack. 
     *If you did not get a hard copy of this letter, you  are not "on the list." 
Do not despair, it is not such a great honor. But call Ross to reserve a place.

We will have the beeper 612-538-6882 and cell phone 612-719-6165 if you need to get in touch with us during the hike or if we do not show up by 7:30.  (You are required by law to take your kids back -- even if you don't recognize them.)

                                                 Ross Olson 612-824-7691

PS, After checking out the site, I have this recommendation for muddy shoes:  1) rinse the shoes and socks outside the house with the garden hose until the water is clear and until all visible flora and fauna are removed;  2) soak shoes and socks in warm soapy water overnight;  3)  rinse in clean water and soak in non-soapy water until the following morning;  4)  air dry, in sun if possible, until no longer squishy;  5)  decide if the shoes are worth saving;  6) toss the socks for sure.