Early morning hike

A few of the campers got up extra early today to pick the wee
wild strawberry blossoms for pressing as souvenirs of Camp.

They spotted another early riser by the Purple Lagoon.

Here, Baby B, Berdie, and Rose see something different. But what is it?

Mary Moonwalker explains that this is a sassafras tree. They are easy to identify by the mitten shape of their leaves. Sometimes they have a right thumb, sometimes a left, and sometimes they are symmetrical. The root bark of the tree, when boiled, makes a fragrant and delicious tea. Mary Moonwalker's people enjoyed the flavor, and it was formerly used to make root beer. It is no longer used commercially because scientists believe it causes liver damage.





The scent of steeping sassafras tea still brings back fond memories of her youth.

Lowla and Jean are impressed.