Hadley Robertson “Pause for Comfort”

We were on our way to FAM in Yellowstone National Park when our caravan suddenly stopped mid-trip at a gas station. It was apparently time for some stretching because the driver of Tad's vehicle had complained from back pain. I'm sure the station attendant and passer-bys wondered what we were all doing--circled up, stretching and following Tad's leadership on (yes L.I.) good posture and proper stretching technique to poractice then and always. It was a great reminder to stop what you're doing once in awhile and take care of yourself. Thanks for that reminder Tad!
We later followed a trail far into the backtrails of The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone again following Tad's leadership (and perserverance) on a wild hike to find a mysterious waterfall. We never found the said trail but we did create a memory by sticking with the hike through a 'snowing' situation. Again, thanks for the leadership Tad!

Eoin Canny “615 lbs of lean red meat”

December 07. A large contingent of 2nd year leaders were presearching on New Zealand's North Island. As part of our diligent prep, we visited the Zorb site near Rotorua. In case you're wondering, Zorbing involves climbing into a large plastic ball, pre-filled with 5 gallons of tepid water, before aiming oneself down a steep hill and praying for deliverance. After a little negotiation, the Kiwis decided to comp three leaders on a single downhill excursion. Someone thought it a good idea that the three largest, ungainliest leaders present should be the victims: cue Dan Shaw, Tad and I sliding into the aforementioned Zorb. If you'd care to imagine a washing machine on a rapid spin-cycle consisting of six elbows and six knees, then this was it. I think I broke 2 ribs on the descent. One comforting thought amidst the pain was the sound coming out of Tad: he was squealing in pleasure on the same pitch as a teenage girl at a Backstreet Boys concert. Manly man my arse. The momentum gained by all that meat meant that we broke through the employee brake people at the bottom, and almost went through the catchment fence. Those present claimed that the spectacle of us emerging from the Zorb afterwards was akin to that of a large translucent cow giving birth to very wet pink-skinned triplets.

Tad dude, I'll forever hear your girlish screams. Slan go foill (goodbye, but just for a little while).

Eoin