Laudaga 2008
This year the Laudaga weekend was held during the last weekend in October. For the first time in 18 years, Aldas was unable to attend so the group was one of the smallest we've seen in some time. The weather varied from warm and sunny to cold and rainy, but there was ample opportunity to get outside and have some fun.
The kids had fun rebuilding their fort by the swings, and enjoyed a "GPS course" as well. The GPS course is a cross between geo-caching and orienteering. I set up a course, and hide a playing card at each location. I then mark the location on the GPS, and come up with a witty clue to describe where the card is hidden. The GPS will get them to within 20 feet or so, at which point they have to use the clue to figure out where the card is hidden. (It's amazing watching them wander off 100-200 feet from where the GPS said the card is hidden as they forget that component and focus solely on the clue). The orienteering component comes in because the GPS points in the direction of the next card, but they need to figure out the best way to get there. Last year, I was amazed at how well they did this - they were popping up and walking along the road, then zipping back into the woods to get to the location. Very efficient. I commented on this, and Gytis (I think) pointed out that he was just following my path, which was still in the GPS as a dotted line. I.e., he was tracing my footsteps. I quickly erased that from the GPS memory, leaving them with only the actual marked locations and surprised looks on their faces.
The log chopping contest was won by Aidas this year. Aras took 2nd, and Senelis won the bronze. The card game (tukstantis) was a bit more interesting. Since only 3 of us were playing, we opted to give Aldas the points for the cards being dealt. This is how the game is played with 4 players, with the dealer position changing after each hand. The first game was won by Aidas, and Aldas took third (out of 4). Since the first game was over quickly, we opted to play a second game, which was won by Aras. Yet, once again, Aldas took third. In both games, it actually hurt one of the players to be at the table using their "strategy". Fortunately, both players also won a game so ego's were not bruised beyond repair.
Official group portrait from this year:
Click here for full set of photos (42 photos).
The kids had fun rebuilding their fort by the swings, and enjoyed a "GPS course" as well. The GPS course is a cross between geo-caching and orienteering. I set up a course, and hide a playing card at each location. I then mark the location on the GPS, and come up with a witty clue to describe where the card is hidden. The GPS will get them to within 20 feet or so, at which point they have to use the clue to figure out where the card is hidden. (It's amazing watching them wander off 100-200 feet from where the GPS said the card is hidden as they forget that component and focus solely on the clue). The orienteering component comes in because the GPS points in the direction of the next card, but they need to figure out the best way to get there. Last year, I was amazed at how well they did this - they were popping up and walking along the road, then zipping back into the woods to get to the location. Very efficient. I commented on this, and Gytis (I think) pointed out that he was just following my path, which was still in the GPS as a dotted line. I.e., he was tracing my footsteps. I quickly erased that from the GPS memory, leaving them with only the actual marked locations and surprised looks on their faces.
The log chopping contest was won by Aidas this year. Aras took 2nd, and Senelis won the bronze. The card game (tukstantis) was a bit more interesting. Since only 3 of us were playing, we opted to give Aldas the points for the cards being dealt. This is how the game is played with 4 players, with the dealer position changing after each hand. The first game was won by Aidas, and Aldas took third (out of 4). Since the first game was over quickly, we opted to play a second game, which was won by Aras. Yet, once again, Aldas took third. In both games, it actually hurt one of the players to be at the table using their "strategy". Fortunately, both players also won a game so ego's were not bruised beyond repair.
Official group portrait from this year:
Click here for full set of photos (42 photos).
posted by Aras at 11:01 AM
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