Texas StrenFest I

Texas held its inaugural Festival of Strenuosity on October 14-16 at Black Creek Lake, part of the LBJ National Grasslands. In attendance were @joseph-vandeventer , @bhart , @cfoandrew with recruit Mark, @jerroddcopeland , @thelonestarveteran, and coming in to represent Oklahoma, @dartist918 .

Friday was an adventure hike to the remote site and set up camp. Nestled among 70′ plus giant pines, the group primarily hammock camped. Due to the late arrival, the first day’s activities were mainly composed of Fire Builder, where Joseph quickly demonstrated how to make a fire using a Ferro rod. Andrew and Jerrod followed suit, though their strikes took a little longer. The rest of the night was spent with cigars while watching the late arrivals practice their night hiking skills through tall grass, dense scrub, and a tricky mud hole.

Saturday was spent primarily on Angler badge requirements and additional Fire Builder skills. Joseph again quickly built a fire, this time using a reflector that would be used to cook the first fish he had caught in his adult life. The remainder of the day was spent continuing Angler badge work until bad weather forced the group to relocate lest they be trapped on their remote peninsula.

Saturday evening was spent with a beautiful meal where Andrew showcased his Kiss the Chef and Backyard Chef skills by preparing several excellent skirt and tri-tip steaks—even eating in the rainy weather could not damper the group’s spirits, as delicious meat was washed down with rain, wine, and whiskey.

Initially scheduled for October 2020, the participants considered the first Texas StrenFest a success. There were moments of strenuosity, moments of unexpected strenuosity, and lots of fellowship. The lessons learned from the first event to the second event are the most significant, and Texas looks forward to a big step in the strenuous direction.

With new subregions being created in Texas, Texas StrenFest II will be coordinated by the Hill Country subregion.