The Washington times., 1911-07-10
MERRY
CAMPERS THRONG
WOODS At REACH
Ha -y IS the Birds Abar
died to Innocent
{
'urSuitS.

Among .. & ana gsl-st trees whose
branches r.-.. lost continually with
the salt les from the sparkling
waters of Chesapeake bay. summer
colony of Washingtonians has pitched
tents on the bluffs at historic Chesa-
peake Beach, to while away the long
hours in the pursuits of comfort and
happiness Care-free they are, elders
and romping children, whose little
bodies are turned healthy brown by
exposure to the sun and gentle winds.
Al first glance the camps-there are
two groups-present the appearance of
mass Of teapots. blankets, swings,
and hammocks. The big white tents
are not too precise, here and there flap
! ping around in the breeze like wounded
birds. alg4
! The blankets hav4 been hung out to
air; the teapots have discharged their
LIQUID, and are also being cleaned by
wind and sun. while the hammocks and
swings hold a bevy of happy youngs-
tiers.
; No one cares how they look or dress,
Just so long as Old Care is banished.
The elders either stroll through the
woods for blackberries-which are just
coming in-or fish, or read. Not SO tho
Offspring. An Indian-Iike whoop and
whole delegation are off for the shore.
followed by the tots whose little legs
7 are not yet ready to do a Marathon.
Seven Baths a Day.
About seven baths a day is the gen.
eraI run for the campers. whose appe-
tites respond to the call of the wild.
And cooking is about the best sport OF
the whole business. What matters II
a few cinders do lodge in the fish? or
the hot grease flies about in search of
some bare-legged little victim? The
meals are wholesome and plentiful for
provisions may be purchased cheaply
and without trouble.
Gathered around the big camp-f1res,
an entire family may be seen with
their hands in the BROTH" one peeling
potatoes another cleaning fish, another
slicing bread, while several have the
gentle task Of setting the table. The
feast commences and it's safe 70 say
the children get about as much on their
faces as they do on the inside.
Jars Of jelly hang by strings from
the branches of trees, thereby eluding
the pesky ant. Meats are kept in i'm
provised screens, while the vegetables
are generally thrust into the pot for
safe keeping. Nothing matters as long
as all have a good time and grow
healthy and strong for the coming
school season.
1t must not be imagined that because
many of the tents are decidedly priml-
tive and their owners prefer a rough
and tumble way of outdoor life, that
comforts are lacking in every case. One
family is screened in so thoroughly that
a germ could hardly penetrate. Electric |
lights take the place of candles, while |
the cheerful campfire is replaced by a
holds grub instead of the common
and much-used dry goods box. The
place is as up to date as a modern
apartment
All Is Gay at Night.
When night comes in this little city |
of campers, all is gay and blithe. While |
the moon sails on her course, with a
kindly frown for those below, the boys
and girls bring forth from the medley
Of bed clothing and camping parapher- |
Ealia, sundry musical instruments rang
ing from a Jews-harp to a trombone. |
The air viorates with the result.
So the hours fly as on wings. Each |
day sees about the same program car
ried out. The campers get leaner and
browner, but harder and better ply
sically. The fathers feel more like |
earning the daily bread, and the moth |
ers are better able to care for
their youngsters AS for the laGs |
and laSSies who are in the first |
bloom of manhood and womanhood. |
they care not, nor heed the passing of |
the minutes; 80 long as the fun lasts.
-saT q hirogy Inn
who are down for the season with their |
families are: DR.. John Hicks, of ia
Sixth street southwest; J. K. Maxwell, |
Of the Sixth Auditors office; DR.. S. B. |
Burn, Charles NJ. O'Connell. of the Gov
ernment Printing Office; Mrs. P. NJ. |
Corr and three small sons; G. A. Mer- |
rill, engineer at the District Building |
Albert Lariviere, of the War Depart
ment; c. A. 'fersdorf. secretary Of the |
Oriental Building Association; John. w. |
Thompson, J. J. Corners, T. NJ. Sew
ell, T. A. Dixon, David Splitter, W. J.
Manders, F. T. Israel. and E. J. Fitz-