Charles and Camm smiled at what Robert just said, knowing the WHY behind their tardiness.
"Put your clothes into one of the lockers and then I'll give you Mr. Ken's Swim Test," added Robert.
Camm asked Charles what Robert meant about the 'swim test', as they walked over to the clothes lockers, and Charles had to honestly tell him that he really didn't know.
The two lads placed their locker key around their ankles, like they saw the other boys had done, and then walked over to Robert.
"Robert … can you explain what this 'swim test' is all about?" asked Charles, for both he and Camm.
But it was Terran who stepped out and answered for Robert. He told the two latecomers about how he refused to take the test and then Robert wouldn't let him swim. The younger boy explained that it wasn't until Mr. Ken came down to check on them and he talked to him that he realized he messed up. Terran explained the man had told him that it was his rule that everyone who hasn't swum in his pool take the swim test so he knew they could actually swim and not fake it. Then, Robert finally spoke up and explained the simple test.
Charles looked at his friend Camm and they both agreed they could swim and told Robert they wanted to take the test. With no delay, Robert had the two new friends jump into the water and told them to swim across to the other side. As Charles and Camm swam, it was obvious they could indeed swim. As the two lads climbed out of the pool the other lads clapped and then ran over to them and congratulated them.
There were thirteen boys there that afternoon that thoroughly enjoyed the large enclosed pool. Normally, they'd have skinny dipped but because Gene and George were in the house that day, but Robert told them they all needed to wear their swim suits just in case they came down to the pool. The boys all understood and since they were swimming, they didn't really care if they skinny dipped that day or not.
They played numerous games in the pool, such as, jumping off the rock platform to see who could make the biggest splash, horse, Marco-Polo, Sharks and Minnows, Tag and a few water games they made up as they played. But as the time went on, they began to get hungry. It was Chuck who decided to raise the question of when they were going to eat.
Upon hearing Chuck's questions about eating, most of the other lads spoke up too. Robert knew he had to take charge of getting the barbeque going so he called the guys to gather up.
"OK, I know you're all hungry. I'm kinda hungry, too," said Robert. "All of you, except Charles and Camm, have been here before and know how to help getting things together and helping me to start to cook. Charles, Mr. Ken allows us to feed our friends but they have to help. Once you get settled in here at The Cove, you'll probably have a bunch of your own friends over and so you need to know how to do this.
"Guys, I'm going to have Charles help me with getting the grill ready and then I'll show him how to cook the burgers and dogs. The sooner he learns the easier it will be for him to host his own friends. Camm, I'll ask you to go with Eric, Brad, Gordon and Josh to the garage and see what is involved there, and Sam how about you helping there, too.
"Logan, Chuck, Trevor, Cody and Terran, I'd ask you guys to retrieve the chips, buns and the rest of the stuff we need to serve hamburgers and hot dogs. You've all, with the exception of Terran, done this a time or two and know what we need to do to have a successful barbeque. OK guys, go get your stuff and Charles and I will get the grill cleaned and started."
Robert took Charles outside and showed his new 'brother' where to find the grill. He showed him how to clean the grates and then start the burners and then had him do it, telling Charles he'd learn better if he did it. Charles just laughed at Robert as he then redid what Robert had just undone. The grill was now in heat up mode.
Camm went with the other boys to the garage area and saw that was where the huge industrial ice maker was. He saw the guys get two very large ice coolers out and fill them both almost up to the brim with clear ice. Along the way back to the pool deck, Camm helped his group stop for four cases of sodas and load them into the ice chests. Eric explained to him that with thirteen people there he wanted to make sure everyone had enough to drink during dinner and afterwards.
Logan's' group hit the pantry for the chips, pretzels, pickles, ketchup, mustard, salt & pepper, napkins, and cups. They were almost all the way back to the pool when Logan realized they'd forgotten the buns. He gave the things he was carrying to one of the other lads and asked Terran to go with him back to the pantry. It was while he was in the pantry he remembered the burgers and hot dogs from the freezer. Now, Logan and Terran would really have their hands full as they carried not only the buns but the main ingredients of the barbeque.
Within ten minutes, the lads had brought together everything they needed for a successful barbeque. Robert explained to Charles how he placed the burgers on the grill long before the hot dogs, explaining the hot dogs don't take all that much time to cook. Robert then took his friends' orders for either burgers or dogs. He took out the burgers he needed and threw them on the hot grill. He then asked Charles to go up to the Study and ask 'dad' what he wanted.
Charles and Camm both headed up to the Study. "'Da', err Mr. Ken … Robert sent me up to ask you what you wanted, burgers or dogs, and how many," stammered Charles. Then noticing the two security guards from last night, Charles said, "Oh, Hi, Mr. George and Mr. Gene. Will you be eating with us, too?"
"Oh, is it almost time to eat, Charles?" asked Mr. Ken.
"Yes sir. It's after 5 o'clock," replied Charles.
"Okay … tell Robert I'd like one burger and two hot dogs," replied Charles' foster dad.
George and Gene replied they'd like the same.
As Charles and Camm began to turn and exit the Study, Mr. Ken called out and added, "Tell Robert I'll be done in a few minutes, and that they all should be presentable. Will you do that for me, Charles?"
Charles had no idea what Mr. Ken meant by the boys being 'presentable' but he figured Robert would understand. The lad said he could and would and that he'd see him down at the pool in a few minutes. As soon as Charles arrived back down at the pool, he sought out Robert.
"Robert … 'dad' said he'd like one burger and two dogs and that he'll be down in a few minutes. Oh, and Mr. George and Mr. Gene are here too and they said they'd like what 'dad' wanted. … … Ahh, by the way, Robert … Mr. Ken also asked me to tell you that the boys better be presentable when he came down. Could you tell me what he meant by that?" finished Charles.
Robert laughed as Charles told him what his 'dad' had said. He figured he better explain what Mr. Ken meant but first he had to tell the other guys.
"Hey, guys … Mr. Ken said that we all better be presentable when he and Mr. George and Mr. Gene gets down here," yelled Robert.
Most of the guys knew exactly what Mr. Ken meant and, so, they began to laugh. That laughter left Charles and Camden in the dark. It was then that Mr. Ken and the two security guards, came around the corner and heard the laughter.
"Hello, guys, it is nice to hear all the laughter. May I ask what the joke was?" asked the man.
The boys began to settle down when they heard what Mr. Ken asked, and they looked to Robert to answer the man.
"Ahh, 'dad', ahh … we're laughing at you because you wanted us to be presentable when you got down here. As you can see, we all have our swim suits on," answered Robert.
"Yes, I see that Robert, and thank you all for not em-bare-assing me when I came down this time," teased Mr. Ken. "Oh, and this is Mr. George and his twin brother Mr. Gene. I believe Camm is the only one who has met them. They are Charles' and Roberts' personal protection detail, for the time being, due to the activities of the other nights."
"Mr. Ken … what do you mean, 'not em-bare-assing me'" asked Charles.
Mr. Ken looked first to Robert and then to the other older lads and then back to Charles. He stood there trying to decide how he wanted to answer the question as his answer may cause a problem, as he hadn't kept track of the number of lads who had already skinny-dipped in his pool. But he knew he had to say something.
But it was Robert who answered Charles' question.
"Charles … what 'dad' wants to say, but my bet is he is having a problem figuring out how to tell you, is that … you see … 'dad' caught many, if not all, of us skinny-dipping. You know … not using our swim suits."
Charles got a surprised look on his face but it wasn't as big as the one on Camm's face showed.
Then, Charles looked at Robert and said, "You guys … you've skinny-dipped, here in this pool? Wow, I bet that was a lot of fun! When can I get to try that out?"
The boys all laughed, including Sam and Terran who had also swam naked in Mr. Ken's pool. The owner of Three Finger Cove just stood there wondering when and IF the skinny-dipping would ever stop. He figured it never would as the 'genie' was out of the bottle. Then, looking over to the twin security guards, he saw a big smile on their faces, as well.
"Boys … please listen to me, okay. You all know I've caught many of you, and probably all of you, with the exception of Charles and Camden here, skinny-dipping in my pool. You all know I don't mind that you do that. I feel it is a part of growing up and of course it's a great bonding experience with your friends. And, as you all know, I DO NOT stay and watch any of your activities. And, and you can ask Trevor, over there, if I ever told any parents.
"Now, as for Charles and Camm … I want you to know that I never want any of your friends to feel that they HAVE TO participate. And I DO NOT want anyone teased or tricked into NOT wearing their swim suit. Isn't that right Robert?"
"Yes, 'dad' and we've never made anyone NOT wear their suit. Most of the guys want to do it because it feels so good not to. And, we never tease anyone who gets a bone … well, you know what I mean, 'dad'. We don't make fun of anyone who gets one of those, do we guys?" was how Robert answered his 'dad'.
"Charles, I take it you want to try that as soon as you can. Camm, I said what I just said so you know the Rules when it comes to skinny-dipping. Don't let anyone force you or tease you into doing it. And, I will never tell your mom if I ever catch you and I'd ask in return you don't go out and talk about it with your other friends or all over the school or neighborhood.
"And that reminds me. One thing I did promise, it was to Ms. Mary, was a bell of some sort that an adult could ring when they are coming down to the pool. That way you'd know to get decent. I think I'll make that Priority One for Mr. Chris when he starts work tomorrow," finished up Mr. Ken.
"That's right, Mr. Chris starts work tomorrow. I forgot all about that," spoke up Robert.
"Who is Mr. Chris?" asked Cody.
"Mr. Chris is the new House Manager," spoke up Robert real quick. "He's taking over the old Witch's job and boy am I ever happy to know she will never come back here."
"Hey … what is that I smell burning? Who's watching the grill? Robert? Charles?" asked Mr. Ken, after sniffing the air and smelling something burning.
Robert, quickly followed by Charles, went to the grill and opened it only to find many of the burgers were now more like hockey pucks than edible hamburgers.
"'Dad' … you see what you made me do? I burned all these burgers and now I'll have to start all over," yelled Robert, with his hands on his hips.
"Who me?" quizzed Mr. Ken. "I wasn't the grill master today. You should have been checking that grill while we talked. Now, let that be a lesson to you Charles. When you're feeding your friends you are responsible for the entire shebang, no matter what. So, Robert what are you going to do?"
Robert looked over to Logan with a stare that asked if he knew how many burgers were left in the freezer up in the pantry. Logan got the drift of the stare and motioned to Terran to go with him to check. All Mr. Ken did was laugh at the way that transaction went without a word being said.
Robert then announced that the hamburgers would be delayed, but he could have the hot dogs out in less than five minutes and he wanted to know how many takers he had. Everyone's hand went up including Mr. Ken's, Mr. George's and Mr. Gene's. Robert quickly showed Charles where they were and asked him to help put them on the grill and to help watch he didn't burn them.
Eventually, Logan and Terran came back to the outside patio, where the grill was located, with only about half the burger patties than they had before. Robert then knew someone would go without a burger that night and because he was the one who forgot to watch his grill he decided to be at least one of those people. Charles heard what Robert said and he told his 'brother' that he'd give up his burger, too. Soon, Camm, Eric, Logan and Terran offered theirs up, as well.
In the end, only Robert had to give up his burger as the people who had wanted two burgers gave up one of theirs so everyone got at least one burger and one or two hot dogs. Mr. Ken was proud of Robert for offering up his burgers and was equally pleased the other lads jumped up to help even things out, without even being asked. He was very happy Robert had met such caring and thoughtful bunch of kids to be his friends. He hoped Charles would be as lucky.
It took an hour for everyone to have eaten their fill and to sit back and relax and let their food digest, some. Mr. Ken, and the security guards, went back up to the Study to eat their dinner. A little while later, the three men came back down to get the boys ready for the boat trip.
"Guys … what say you all pitch in and help Robert and Charles clean up. Then, when you're done there, I'd ask you all to change into your street clothes for when we go out on the lake. Oh, and Robert and Charles would you join me for a few minutes? I have something I want to discuss with you," Mr. Ken announced at the end.
As Robert and Charles walked away with Mr. Ken, many of the boys were hoping they were going to talk about having a sleep-over. Some of the lads expressed their thoughts, on that, to the others and that brought on a lot of hushed talking. Eric knew the longer it took to clean up the patio the shorter the ride in the Commander would be so he spoke up and asked everyone to keep their thoughts to themselves and, in the meantime, to help straighten out the patio and return what hadn't been used. The lads did exactly that and got right into cleaning up the patio and whatever they needed to do.
"Boys … I wanted to take you aside and tell you that I know this would be a great night to have a sleep-over with so many boys here today, but … remember, Mr. Chris is starting his first day on the job tomorrow. I don't think it would be right to hit him up first thing with, possibly, thirteen boys sleeping over. It would be equally unfair to Momma Maria to have to feed such a big group without knowing they would be here," explained Mr. Ken.
"So, what you're saying is … we can't have a sleep-over tonight?" quietly asked Robert.
"Yes, that is what I am saying and I am telling you that before we get out on the boat and you decide to ask me there. Charles … if you are ever wanting to have a sleep-over, I would appreciate it if you would ask me in sufficient time, so I can check to make sure there is nothing that will interfere. Robert will tell you that I have been known to say 'No', especially if asked at the last moment. Also, don't ask me in front of your friends thinking that I wouldn't say 'NO' in front of them.
"Just like with this conversation, we hold them in private and discuss the things that are important and appropriate and should be discussed only amongst ourselves. Our friends do not need to know everything we are doing, which is why we are doing this aside from them.
"Charles, I told you yesterday that you'll wind up learning the Rules as we go along and this is one of those things you need to know. So, let me ask you two if there is anything you want to say to or ask me," was how he wound up his discussion with his 'son's'.
Charles immediately said he didn't have anything to ask, as this was all so new to him. He also said he was just happy he was there now with Robert. Robert did want to ask his 'dad' about a sleep-over, but he understood what Mr. Ken wanted to do, so he decided to let it slide, as he knew he'd have the opportunity for more sleep-over's as the summer went along.
The trio walked back to the area of the patio that was used for the barbeque only to find it was almost totally straightened out, cleaned up and everything put away. A few lads did check around the area and then noticed the trash needed to be emptied so they did it without being asked.
Seeing everything was under control, Mr. Ken asked his boys to do a final check and then ask the lads to change into their street clothes. He also asked the lads to have their friends call home to let their parents know they'd eaten and were going out on the Commander. The man then asked they let him know when everyone was about ready. With that all taken care of, Mr. Ken motioned to George and Gene to follow and they walked into the house and went up to his Study.
"Hey guys," Robert called out, "'dad' asked me to do a final check and then for us to go get changed. Mr. Ken also wants you to call your parents to let them know you ate and we're going out for a boat ride. Charles and I have already told our parent (laughs Robert). I'll catch up with you in the dressing room."
Robert then headed to his locker to grab his clothes in order to get changed. Charles and Camm follow along, as they are the new kids there, and don't know what the routine is. Soon, the other lads grab their clothes and enter the dressing room.
Robert, Charles and Camm already had their swim suits down and off when the others began walking in. Camm wanted to watch the others change, to see what everyone's dick looked like, so, he hesitated in putting his briefs on. Charles was also intrigued by all the different ages and he too wanted to see what he could see.
Charles and Camm did notice that many of the lads broke off into pairs and that they talked to each other as they dropped their suits and stepped out of them. They didn't see anyone being embarrassed about being naked in front of so many other boys. Then Camm felt the beginnings of what happened up in Charles's room and he hurried to get his briefs on. Charles saw his friend moving a bit faster and then he noticed Camm had the beginnings of a boner. He just inwardly laughed at his new friend.
When the lads got changed, Robert and Eric collected their swim suits and took them to the industrial dryers. He asked Charles to follow him so he'd know what to do with the suits and towels when they used them. Camm followed along hoping he'd get to be a good friend to Charles and then he'd know what to do like Eric does.
When the four boys came back to the pool deck, most of the other lads were either on their cell phones or had just gotten off talking with their parents. It was then Camm remembered he needed to call his mom, so he did.
"Charles," whispered Camm, "my mom …she wants to talk to Mr. Ken. What do I do?" asked Camden.
Charles went over to Robert and told him what Camm just said and asked him what they should do. Robert told Charles to have Camm's mom to call Mr. Ken on the house phone. He explained that until the parents get used to their kid being over here they'll want to double check with the adult to make sure what he said was true. Robert also added that he'd get used to it after the first time or two for each of his friends. Charles laughed at the explanation and then walked over to Camm and told him what Robert said.
Since Mr. Ken wanted to know when everyone was just about ready, Robert and Charles asked the guys if they were and then headed up to the Study to tell him. Eric and Camm tagged along. When the four youngsters arrived at the Study, they heard Mr. Ken on the phone. They figured it was Ms. Cambelle. It was.
The lads heard the part of the conversation where Mr. Ken told Ms. Cambelle that this was part and parcel when the boys visited The Cove. The man told the woman they'd be gone for about two hours or so and her son should be back at The Cove about 8:30ish and she could call to see if Camm was back yet. It was when Mr. Ken hung up that he noticed the boys waiting on him.
"I guess you boys heard some of the conversation. Not a problem, this time, boys but… you need to know that phone conversations are mostly private and that you should announce your presence so the person can either motion you to stay or to come back. So, what can I do for you young men?" said The Cove's owner.
"We're sorry for listening 'dad'. We figured it was Camm's mom on the other end. What you said does make sense, so if there is a next time I will let you know I am here and you can then tell me to stay or come back. Won't we Charles? … So, 'dad' … the guys have called their parents and are ready to go. The question is, 'Are you ready'," teased Robert.
Mr. Ken got out of his chair and quickly attacked Robert and began to tickle him. It didn't last long but then he attacked Charles and did the same thing. "Let that be a lesson to both of you. I'm not sure what lesson that was, but learn from it," teased Mr. Ken.
Both Eric and Camden looked on as Mr. Ken played with his two boys. Each of the observers wished they could have been included but they understood that they weren't a part of The Cove's family, per se, and that wouldn't happen for them. But, they were happy for both Robert and Charles for what they now had.
Ken Thomas sent the boys down to the waiting boys on the patio and said he'd be right there. Thirty seconds later the man, along with George and Gene, were outside with all thirteen lads. He then asked the boys if they had drained their 'dragon's' as there was no usable bathroom on the Commander. All thirteen lads laughed at Mr. Ken's 'choice of words' that he used to describe their possible need to go pee. That said they all headed into the pool's bathrooms to devoid themselves of any excess fluids they needed to get rid of. George and Gene had to laugh at the antics of the youngsters and realized it was only about forty-five seconds later that the boys returned. With that done, the boys, Mr. Ken and one dog, Chief, headed to the Commander. George and Gene quickly followed so as to not be left behind.
With it being summer time, the Commander was kept opened up to allow the boat to breathe and any moisture could evaporate. This allowed Mr. Ken to cast off more easily and to get out onto the lake quicker. Robert and Eric did the lines and bumper honors and pulled them up and onto the deck after they cleared the dock. Charles and Camm watched them to know what they could do the next time.
All the Covers' friends were beside themselves that they were out on the Commander as the majority had never been invited to experience that. Robert and Eric usually stood next to Mr. Ken when they went out, and were up in the wheelhouse when 'dad' Ken asked those two boys to let Charles and Camm do the honors that time. Charles was honestly surprised he learned he was going to be up at the controls with Mr. Ken. Camm was flabbergasted that he even was along for the ride let alone being asked to watch from behind the controls.
Ken Thomas kept the boat at a constant speed and just worked his way up around the lake. Robert asked him to go by the Lakeside Water Park so the guys could see it from that perspective. Then, Mr. Ken had an idea so he got Charles behind the wheel and told him to sort of keep it straight. The man then made a phone call to the Lake Water Safety and Rescue Team Headquarters to see if the men there would like to give a quick private tour to thirteen lads and three men and one dog. The man had a great big smile on his face when he hung up the phone.
"Charles … I want you to steer in that direction," said Mr. Ken. "Make sure you don't run over any smaller boats, okay," teased the man. Mr. Ken did stand behind his newest 'son' to make sure he didn't panic if they came across a smaller boat.
As the Commander rode along the mirror smooth water that evening, Robert and Eric both recognized the area they were at and then told the other boys to look in a certain direction. As the lads looked on, Robert and Eric told them that was the general area that Collin had been held before they tried to kill him and before he swam to The Cove. The boys who met and knew Collin's story, and about his late night swim, realized that it had to have been a hell-of-a-swim he did that cold and stormy October night.
Soon, Robert recognized they were headed towards the Lakeside Water Park, like he asked, but he wasn't prepared for Mr. Ken to actually stop there. Suspecting that was the man's intention, Robert got Eric to help him with the boat bumpers and the lines, again. Mr. Ken was surprised the lads realized what he was going to do before asking them. That put a big smile on his face.
Ken Thomas took the controls from Charles and asked him to watch as he made the approach and then docked. Camm also watched and then he saw the sign that said in big block letters,
Camm got concerned that they'd get into trouble if they did dock there.
But Camm wasn't the only lad who saw that sign and those boys began to yell they couldn't dock there. Robert heard the ruckus and told them to read the 'fine' print. Thirty seconds later the boys began to laugh at what it said, that Mr. Ken Thomas was allowed to dock there.
When the Commander was docked and properly lashed and the bumpers properly placed out, Mr. Ken told everyone to disembark his 'ship', including Chief. Then, no sooner had the large group walked off the dock three men met them and told everybody they were just in time for their tour of the Lake Water Safety and Rescue Team Headquarters. All the lads had a great big smile on their faces when they heard that. The three volunteer men broke them into three groups and then headed into the basement of the three story building.
"Boys, it isn't usual we get a tour group this late in the evening, but as a favor to Mr. Thomas we agreed. … Actually, to tell you the truth, we were really bored sitting around here and telling our old 'war stories' and this will give us something to do," laughed the older gentlemen.
"Okay, if you five, pointing to Logan, Cody, Brad, Gordon and Mr. Gene, will go with Jonesy, there, he'll start at the top and work his way down.
"If you other five, pointing to Chuck and his brother Sam, Trevor and his brother Terran, and Josh, will follow Markus, he'll begin with showing you the mid-sections of the Headquarters.
"The rest of you, well … you're stuck with me," laughed the older man. "Oh, by the way my name is George, George Lamake."
The first group followed Mr. Jones, also known as Jonesy, to the elevator where they headed up to the very top of the Headquarters.
The second group following Markus Arnolds trailed the older gentleman to the stairs where they walked up to the first level.
George waited until the commotion of the two other groups, who were leaving with their tour escorts, died down before beginning to explain what the basement level of the headquarters was used for.
"Okay, now that the noise has gone away," laughed George, "let me show you corner by corner so we don't miss anything. As you saw as you walked over here, you can see the basement of the Headquarters is almost level with the docks. This makes it much easier for our Rescue Teams to load out their gear onto the rescue boats. I'll talk about them in a little bit.
"So, starting out at this far inside corner you'll find the restrooms and, most importantly, the showers. There are rooms for both men and women so they can get ready or cleaned up without having to wait for someone. You'll also notice there is also a large, double wide locker for each qualified Rescue member. They store their personal gear there which may include scuba tanks, weight-belts, wet suits, gloves, and anything else they feel they need in order to make a successful rescue or recovery," explained George.
"I understand what you mean about rescue," began Charles, "but what do you mean when you say … ahh, a recovery," asked the twelve year old.
George looked to Mr. Ken for guidance and getting a simple nod, the older man responded by saying, "Lad … a rescue is when we find the people from a capsized boat or possibly a missing person. As for a recovery, well … that is the term we use to explain we have recovered a … well, a body. Lads … not all of our efforts result in saving someone's life. Unfortunately, many times … we aren't made aware that someone was in trouble until they've gone missing for hours, some times. Follow me over to this other corner, if you will.
"What's your name?" George asked the lad who had asked the question.
"Charles, sir," replied Charles.
"Charles … I would like you to open this box, if you would please," said George Lamake.
Charles opened the box and when he did he found a heavy duty thick plastic bag. George asked him to take one out and when the lad did he discovered the bag had a heavy duty zipper running down the middle and canvass straps along the side.
"Can anyone tell me what Charles has in his hands?" inquired George.
The four boys looked amongst themselves before Eric spoke up and said, "It's ahh … ahh a body bag?"
"Yes, young man, you are correct. Lads … when we find a deceased body, out in the water or along the shore line, we need a way to remove them without disturbing their remains. We also need to protect their identity from the viewing public until their next of kin are notified. Lads … it is a gruesome task and it isn't for the faint of heart.
"Let's move over to the other corner, shall we. There we have the compressor equipment that our Rescue Divers can use to refill their scuba tanks. You'll notice there are four connections. That keeps the Rescue volunteers from having to wait their turn to get back on the job at hand.
"You can see we also have a number of work tables and cabinets full of tools the volunteers can use to inspect and possibly repair their own equipment. Lastly, you all can see the wall that faces the lake is floor to ceiling windows and doors. This gives the waiting rescue volunteers a good view of when the Rescue boats have returned. It also gives them easy access to load their gear."
Once the first group reached the third floor, Jamie Jones, Jonesy, had his group follow him up to the Observation Deck after they exited the elevator. When they arrived at the top, Jonesy asked them to huddle around one of the Long-Range Observation Binoculars that were already mounted and positioned.
"Boys, when Mr. Thomas built this Lake Water Safety and Rescue Team Headquarters he didn't go cheap," started out Jonesy. "What you see in front of you are one of three of the long-range binoculars we can use to scan the Lake and surrounding areas for boaters or people in trouble. These binoculars are very powerful as well as being waterproof. They are military grade and include night vision capabilities.
"There is only one up here tonight because only one of us was up here using them. In very serious situations, we can have all three units set up and working. When we are finished, we dismount them and place them in their protective cases right beside the stairs. You probably saw those large wooden boxes as you walked up here. Go ahead and each of you try them out. It is still quite light out so we can't use the night vision capabilities right now."
Down on the first floor, Markus Arnolds started his tour. He showed his group the centralized information and communication desk right there in the middle of the entrance that visitors can stop at and ask their questions. Markus explained, to the lads, that the person manning the desk has the capability to make any announcements throughout the building and/or the surrounding grounds. He further explained the person operating the desk could use the Police & Fire style two-way radio system to stay in constant contact with any of the four rescue boats and the Fire Department, Sheriff's office, and or Texas Parks & Wildlife agencies, as well as using the phone system to contact them or any other group for assistance.
After he explained the options the information desk had, Markus showed the lads the meeting rooms and classrooms located there on the first floor. He explained they conducted their group meetings in the larger room and used the smaller rooms for First Aid and CPR training and other instruction the volunteers need. He then took the boys up to the second floor.
Jamie Jones finished up his discussion on the use of the Observation Deck and how they use those very powerful binoculars to spot trouble out on the lake. He then took all of them down to the third floor. There, Jamie showed off the offices and explained who they were for and how any remaining space could be used for meetings and classroom instructions and storage.
In the end, all the lads got to see everything that the Lake Water Safety and Rescue Team Headquarters building had to offer. They were all amazed at the size and beauty of the building and how the volunteers used the facility to help protect the boaters and swimmers on the lake. But, overall, they were thoroughly impressed by the Rescue boats and their own capabilities. All the boys shook each of their host's hands and thanked them for taking the time to show them that unique facility. Even Chief offered her paw to them.
Mr. Ken took command of the boat so they could quickly return to The Cove. They got back at about 8:45, which was only fifteen minutes later than he planned. Most of the parents were waiting outside the Main Gate since the security guards would not allow them inside the grounds without Mr. Thomas's permission. The guards fully explained to the parents why they wouldn't allow them in and the parents were okay with that so they just called their child to let them know they were there waiting. The small group of parents just waited around and talked to one another about how they saw the course of events of the past five days, or so.
The lads asked Mr. Ken what they could do to help dock the boat, but Robert and Eric said 'they got it', and would catch up with their friends when the Commander was secured for the night. The other lads decided they should all walk to the Main Gate together so they waited on Robert and Eric.
The whole group, Mr. Ken, George, Gene and Chief included, all walked around the side of the house and up towards the Main Gate. As the lads got closer to the entrance some of them ran to meet and greet their parents. After a quick hug, or two, all you could hear were long and loud discussions of what they had done that day, but, most importantly, what they just did and saw at the Lake Water Safety and Rescue Team Headquarters.
The parents heard the enthusiasm in the boys' voices and they were all very happy their kid got the opportunity to participate not only in the boat ride but a tour that lads that age would remember for a long time. The parents thanked Mr. Ken for treating their boy to a very special day and they began to leave.
Joyce Cambelle made sure she was the last one to thank the man as this was the first time her son had even had the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful experience. Joyce stayed close to Mr. Ken and often patted the man's arm and shoulder, with her hand. She wanted to get 'real close' to the man and to let him know she was interested.