The crisp country air was a nice break from the marijuana fumes that we had grown accustomed to. The paved bricks of Pioneer Courthouse Square were replaced with good, honest, clean dirt. We didn’t have to worry about needles or powders. The most we had to worry about was stepping in horse poop.
Royal Ridges is an amazing place. Campers can get away from their dealers, johns and customers to enjoy nature in its beautiful simplicity. The activities are just the same as at any other camp; there’s a choice between wood burning, horseback riding, rock climbing or archery. A big swing is attached precariously above a ravine and stream. A bonfire is burning brightly, the result of logs piled high in the center of the fire pit. Roasting sticks lie close at hand, ready for an eager hand and a marshmallow.
Everyone was relaxed. The cares of the city had been dropped off miles down the gravel road, left to be picked up after the weekend was over. The wide meadows were ripe for a game of football, tag or Frisbee. The volleyball court was riddled with fresh mounds of dirt, compliments of an overactive family of moles.
The interns (Laura, Jake, Taylor and Whitney) and I stayed late at Royal Ridges. The others had headed back to Portland earlier in the day, eager to catch the spring break crowd in the Square. My team played with the homeless. The afternoon was a lovely lark with our new friends. We tackled the big swing, played on the rock wall and had impromptu photo shoots with the campers.
One of the highlights of the day was praying around the campfire with Robert. Robert is one of the most noticeable street people that we have come across. He’s noticeable because he’s a schizophrenic. He talks in two different voices and not always aware of what he is saying. It can get him in trouble. Robert approached us and asked us to pray. Our small group soon grew and a huddle was soon formed around him. Hands were laid on him and fervent prayers were sent up to heaven. It was one of the most beautiful moments of this trip.
As we headed back to the city, it was strange. It felt like every mile back into the city was another mile away from our oasis. The clean forest air and the gentle stream had soothed our souls and now it was time to get back to the dirt and the grime; the sin and the shame, the lost and the weary.
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