Although the Gloom greeted all PAX this morning with a chilling cold reminder of it’s presence, The Eastern Fleet’s landing on The Commons would not be hastened.  Guided by their maps, over 100 PAX traveled near and far to celebrate the 6 year anniversary of it’s existence.  As each region began making its way to the Commons, they were greeted with a sea of red, white, and blue flags marking their destination and an end to their journey.  Or was it the beginning? Our Host Qs, Bono and Tonka, gathered all PAX together and welcomed them to this wonderful celebration.  As the commencement ended, we split up into (3) mighty battalions consisting of Runners, Ruckers, and “Boot Campers”.  The Boot Camp Battalion was led by (3) seasoned buccaneers who do not flee in the face of fear, but rather sail towards adversity.  These (3) fearless leaders were Silverado, Softshell, and Ricky Bobby (Kind of weird for a pirate name, but I digress).

This…is the story of the Boot Camp Bucs’ (3) Quests to Conquer the Commons

Quest 1 – Battle of Baker’s Bridge

Warm Up

Pledge of Allegiance

YHC led the battalion on a long treacherous trek to Baker’s Bridge

Battle #1 – DORA – The battalion broke up into groups of (2) and, began the siege of Baker’s Bridge.  Once we reached our landing spot we proceeded to do the following:

1. 100 Merkins
2. 200 Jump Squats
3. 300 LBCs

While one Buc proceeded to do the workout, the other took siege of the bridge.  Each PAX would alternate as the other came back from battle.  The battle lasted approximately 15 minutes, and the battalion claimed victory to Baker’s Bridge.

Quest 2 – Soft Shell’s Revenge

Once Baker’s Bridge was conquered, it was off to the next landing spot.  All PAX moseyed across the fabled 1^st Street channel, making their way to the next destination.  Once all made it across safely, we proceeded to the next battle.

Battle #2 – Battle of the BLIMPS (Two Rounds In Cadence)

Before the battle began, Softshell honored our first responders with a 28 merkin salute that signified the 28% increase in the amount of suicide deaths of first responders.  This gesture sparked the motivation needed to move on to the next battle.

1. B – (5) Burpees (Bear Crawl down the parking lot; Bear Crawl Up the parking Lot)
2. L –  (10) Lunges (Bear Crawl down the parking lot; Bear Crawl Up the parking Lot)
3. I – (15) Imperial Walkers (Bear Crawl down the parking lot; Bear Crawl Up the parking Lot)
4. M – (20) Merkins (Bear Crawl down the parking lot; Bear Crawl Up the parking Lot)
5. P – (25) Plank Jacks (Bear Crawl down the parking lot; Bear Crawl Up the parking Lot)
6. S – (30) Squats (Bear Crawl down the parking lot; Bear Crawl Up the parking Lot)

Once Softshell’s Revenge concluded with the battalion’s second victory, Ricky Bobby led the battle scarred men to the final battle…Cotanche Peak.

Quest 3 – Ye must Be First or ye will Be Last

The journey to Cotanche Peak was long and treacherous.  To conquer this ROCK, would prove to be the toughest of all battles as this mountain is long and steep.  Once the PAX arrived at the foot of Cotanche peak Ricky Bobby yelled out his signature battle cry..”Ye must Be First, or Ye will be Last”, which led to a resounding roar from the men he was leading.  And the battle began….

Battle #3 – The Battle of Cotanche Peak

1. (20) Side Straddle Hops – Lunge up to the slope to the 1^st ridge
2. (20) Plank Jacks – High Knee up the slope to the 2^nd ridge
3. (20) Squats – Back Pedal up the slope to the 3^rd ridge
4. (10) Arm Circles forward and backward – Butt kickers up the slope to the 4^th ridge
5. (20) Mountain Climbers – Bear Crawl up the slope the slope to the 5^th Ridge
6. (5) Burpees – Side shuffle up the next two slopes to Cotanche Peak
7. (20) Good Mornings – Go Down the stairs

Once the Battle of Cotanche Peak concluded with a victory, the Boot Camp battalion made its way to the sea of flags.  The journey back proved to be swift, but distant.  All PAX worked together to make certain that no man was left behind, and no man was left where they were found.  With time to spare we finished off with a quick Mary that included Xs & Os and American Hammers.

Miraculously, there were no casualties, and all men made it back feeling good about what was just accomplished. We met up with the other battalions who just came back from their own victorious battles.  Once all men were accounted for, we broke bread, drank coffee and celebrated the accomplishments of the brave men known as the EASTERN FLEET.

THE END

COT

• Prayers for Bench’s Mother
• Prayers for Condor’s Mission
• Prayers for String Bean’s 16 year old daughter who just received her license
• Praise for Charlie Brown’s recovery from Covid
• Prayers for Soft Shell’s Brother n law
• Prayers for Large Mouth’s uncle who has not accepted Christ into his life.
• Find someone to mentor who may be in need of guidance during tumultuous times.