For information about reunions contact:

Jack Grant 707-823-0839

or

Mike Garvan 508-896-5712
administrator@campvikingcapecod.org

REUNION 2009

Saturday August 1

Hosted by Copey and Susan Coppedge

Gil Lincoln, Tom Lincoln, Mark Ravlin, John "Buckle" Hagenbuckle, Mike Garvan, Tom Lincoln

I went up for the reunion. I met Rick Marvin and Steve and Mike Schram at Nauset Beach. We hung out and did some body surfing. It really brought back memories of camper and counselor days. It turned out that we were swimming under the watchful eye of Tom Lincoln Jr. who was life guarding. At 6PM Copey Coppedge and his wife Susan hosted a wonderful party at their house which is located right on big Pleasant Bay across from CYC. Some who were in attendance included: John Hagenbuckle, Tom and Bonnie Lincoln, The Garvans, Phil Sayre, Nick Shephard, Steve Turschmann and many others. There was a trip for those that wanted to go to the outer Beach. Bonnie brought a lot of memorabilia, Tin cups, ribbons trophies, Photos, Log Books. She even had the ledgers where I was able to look myself up and see that my tuition was $700.00 for the full season my first year. Steve Garvan brought the sheets with the requirements for Apprentice, Ordinary, Able-Bodied and Mate and the legendary Skipper. Steve Turschmann brought some great photos from our Cabin 9 year (1971.) They documented our outer beach trip with great shots both inside and outside the cabin. It was really fun and I hope that more of us are able to connect through Facebook so that the next one will be even bigger.

Tag Gross

We had a strong turnout -- probably about 20 former campers/counselors, and Copey Coppedge and his wife Susan were wonderfully hospitable. His place looks out over Pleasant Bay, just across from CYC, so we had gorgeous views to boot. Copey took about six of us out in his powerboat for a ride across Pleasant Bay to the new 'cut' that has opened up at the outer beach roughly across from where Ryder's Cove is located. Lots of shallow waters, faster currents, much more eel grass, pods of seals, and the tides in Pleasant Bay apparently are at least a foot higher as a result of the cut. Copey has a beach 'cottage' on the outer beach that nearly got washed away -- it's up on a towing barge awaiting possible relocation to a new spot on the "southern" island (so called) down near Chatham.
In terms of attendees, it was also a good mix of ages -- some 'younger' cubs along with us oldsters. Some familiar names/faces in addition to Copey: Jack Grant, Nick Shepherd (and his wife Kathy), Tommy Lincoln (and his wife Bonnie), Buckle, Phil Sayre, Gib Lincoln, PJ Adler from Quanset (and her husband Peter), Mike G., and several more I didn't get to chat with. We had a "cookout" style supper, no formal presentations. Bonnie and Tom L. had brought along lots of memorabilia, pictures, etc. and had them on display. I also brought along the sailing dept. rating sheets (courtesy of Lodge McKee), and had them on display.
We also got very lucky on weather -- it was an ideal mid-summer evening -- so all in all, a wonderful event.
The next evening, Tom Lincoln took a few of us out in his powerboat -- up from Ryder's Cove across Pleasant Bay, up through the Narrows, past Quanset with all its new micro-mansions, around Namequoit point, past the old Viking beach area, and around into the channel next to what used to be Camp Namequoit. The fog rolled in to add some chill and challenge, but it was great to get back out on the water.

Steve Garvan

2009 Reunion Photos

2007

Reunion 2007 took place the weekend of AUGUST 4 with a gala dinner hosted by Copie and Susan Coppedge at their Pleasant Bay home just down the street from Viking (well, maybe a couple miles!) Plans are taking shape for Reunion 2009 and all suggestions/ideas are welcome.

Here's a reunion summary compliments of Tag Gross. Don't miss the photos link at the bottom of Tag's summary.

Hi everyone:

A quick note on the reunion for those that couldn’t make it.

I made contact with Mike Garvan before driving up and we agreed to meet at Land Ho! For me Land Ho is a Viking landmark. It was the first place that I ever got realy realy drunk as a JC and as a camper while running errands with Tom Lincoln in town we stopped there for their lunch. It was then that I first had there legendary Roast Beef sandwich that was the most amazing thing I had ever eaten ( especially considering I had been eating the Babe’s food for weeks). Mike’s Brother, “Steve” joined us as well as Pam who used to be a counselor at Quanset. From lunch we headed to Paw Wah pond and a hike around the beach to explore the camp.

Approaching the Viking beach we first came across Namequoit point, a favorite spot for evening swims, and then there it was. It really looks the same. The boulders are still there and the eel grass is still tall in the same spots stopping right where the ramp to the dock would be. We could immediately see the hulls of three boats lying inverted and pulled above high water. I could easily identify the Mercury and The Day Sailor. The other boat which was also fiberglass I could not make out. No signs of Moths, Winabouts, Whistlers or beatle cats. There were also 2 dock floats perhaps one for sailing and one for swimming. The boats were pulled up where the archery range was  and the cinder blocks that made up the throne were still there exactly as they had been.

We ventured up the path behind the range to where the Nav cabin was and it’s still there. This was called the Nav cabin during my years but apparently earlier it was the AC cabin. It still looks the same. The little house was clearly visible from here. We walked back down to the beach and headed over to where the road up through camp was. Ced would have a hard time making it through now even in that Jeep of his. It is completely over grown. We could see my generations AC cabin still standing but surrounded and protected by a thicket of thorny vines and poison Ivy. At the base of the road the sail shed is still there just as it was. On the open right side were all of the spars from the boats stacked on racks. Those of the Dutchman and Mercury were easily identifiable. The left side was locked and I imagine that all the sails are inside. We went through the sail house and managed to get onto a bit of a trail heading up. Past the where the showers, infirmary and shop would have been. They are gone now. Before we knew it we were on the road between cabin 6 and 7/8 and looking at the baseball field. It is still open but overgrown with tall grass and wildflowers.

We turned and followed the road toward the mess hall. The next intact structure we saw was cabin 41/2. This was Lincoln’s cabin during my day. We continued walking past where the library and office clearly were and approached the assembly area by the flag pole and there it was. The White Whaleboat. It was stored perfectly and looked like it could sail after a bit of attention. The spars, rudder and even the sweeps were laying inside. Amazing to see it.

The Mess Hall is gone but we found remnants of the bluff fence as well as the flagpole laying in the grass and the 2X4 nailed to the twin trees that the bell was on. We chose to descend via remnants of the bluff path and lo and behold the pump house was still there. We didn’t explore over by cabin 9 and the bosons or down where the riflery range and tennis courts were.

It was tough going and next time a machete as well as long pants and shirt sleeves would be very helpful. On the hike back to pawwah, I made an obligatory swim off of the point. We took numerous photos and Mike will be posting them to the site

During the evening Copey held a party at his beautiful house which is on Big Pleasant Bay right next to the Wequassett. Phil Sayre, Rick Marvin and Todd Silberman from my generation were there and there were many others who preceded them at the party. I’m sure Mike will provide more of the details of the nights festivities. Unfortunately due to a prior commitment I had to return to New York and left the party at about 9PM. Tom Lincoln had a prior commitment over at the Orleans Cardinals game so I drove over to meet him there. For me the reunion would not have been complete without seeing him He hasn’t changed at all and I could imagine him bellowing out: “It’s whaleboat weather”! For my generation, Tom was the iconic figure that was Viking. He was a perfect combination of inspiring and terrifying! I’ll never forget intercamp racing and learning small boat racing and tactics and I’ll never forget my SLS exam.  I learned an incredible amount from him. Not just about sailing but also about life.

The bonus of going to the game was that I also got to see Gail who was the nurse at Viking for a number of years.

Going to the reunion was really fun. It’s amazing that the same stories and experiences were had by the generations that came before us and after us. It’s just a shame that the Viking tradition is not still continuing.

I want to thank Mike Garvan for leading the tour and the reunion efforts and for constructing the website that allowed many of us to reconnect and Copey for hosting the event. The 80th reunion of the camp is coming up so pass the word. Tom and Buckle have the log books and other memorabilia and the Viking book is really great. Look for photos up on www.campvikingcapecod.org in the near future.

Best,
Tag Gross
‘69-’77

 For Reunion 2007 pictures visit:
 http://web.mac.com/volklskier/iWeb/Site/Viking.html

2005

Following several successful reunions, the troops decided to take a breather and leave the rental house to other occupants. Still, a few intrepid travelers made their way to the Cape and joined up for a more casual get together mid August. Lodge McKee arrived from Florida, Pam Adler from Connecticut and Nick and Cathy Shepherd from, well, Orleans.

Several sailing sorties departed the shore of Pleasant Bay from the vicinity of the Eastward Ho dock, and a raucous dinner was organized at a favorite Orleans eatery, the Binnacle. (No sign of the Babe, but that might have been a good thing.) We hoisted a couple rounds in memory of Ced and vowed to stay in touch to plan future reunions.

 Mike Garvan

2004

As in 2003, P. J. (Pam Rook) Adler arranged for the rental of the big new house in Tom's Hollow, which we all once knew as the site of Camp Quanset. Guests at the house included Pam and Peter Adler, their son Jeff and future daughter-in-law Beth Ann, and Viking alums Lodge McKee, Peter Ferrara, Jack Grant, and Buck Hagenbuckle. Peter Adler brought along a Sunfish and Buck brought a pair of kayaks. Lodge provided a Day Sailor, an antique skiff, and two Martin guitars, a 1961 00-21 and a 1955 D-28. Peter Ferrara provided a more recent D-28 and the majority of the nighttime entertainment, with Dylanesque renderings of favorites from Our Era ably performed on guitar and mouthharp. At home in Kentucky, he says, they call him the Eye-talian Hillbilly.

Joining us one or more evenings, at the house for a copious lobster feed or at the restaurant in town, were Mike Garvan, Bob Finch, Steve Garvan, Jean Mason, Nick and Kathy Shepard, Tom and Bonnie Lincoln, and — major surprise — Tom and Barbara Hughes, who had learned about the reunion via the internet and happened to be in the area.

Copey Coppedge was unable to escort us by motor launch this year, but graciously okayed our use of his outer beach site, not far from the old Viking cabin, so we crammed bodies, sandwiches, and beer coolers aboard the Sunfish and Day Sailor, and convoyed down on our own. The outer beach is a different place these days - - much narrower, more houses, and lots of motorized traffic grunting through the remaining dunes. But the sun was shining and the ocean water was nice and brisk.

With the same two small craft, we also rose to the traditional challenge of sailing through the Hog-Sampson cut, both ways. Buck and Jack explored Pawwaw Pond in the kayaks. And, on the 25th anniversary of Ced's untimely passing, Lodge, Pam, and Buck participated in a ceremonial swim off the Namequoit Point sandbar.

Jack Grant

2003

The 2003 reunion, held between August 9 and August 16, was another success. Thanks to the efforts of Pam Rook Adler, we had the run of a fairly big house on the shore of Little Pleasant Bay, on the site of the former Camp Quanset. House guests included Ed Esty, Buck Hagenbuckle, Al See, and Jack Grant. Lodge McKee provided a pair of Martin guitars and a Day Sailor, while the Adlers brought along a Sunfish; both vessels braved the Hog-Sampson cut in the face of adverse wind, tide, and greenheads. The newly published Viking book was shared and perused. Buck and his red kayak arrived midweek. Other participants in an array of daytime and evening activities were Tom and Bonnie Lincoln, Nick Shepherd, Jean Mason, Gib and Tom C. Lincoln, Bob Finch, Rick Marvin, Mike and Steve Garvin, Ann Jewett, Jim Lathrop, and Copey Coppedge, who once again motor-launched a large contingent over to his place on the outer beach, not far from the old Viking cabin.

 Jack Grant

2003 Reunion Photos

2002

Viking Reunion II was a week-long gathering in Orleans, from August 10 to 17. Pam Adler (Quanset) found us a well-appointed, rambling house on Barley Neck Road, which served as a reunion central and provided lodging for eight attendees. Saturday afternoon, as the guys struggled to recognize each other after 40 years (see photos below), Pam, Betsy See, and Mary Lee Esty put together food for an evening bash hosted by Copey and Susan Coppedge at their spread on the west shore of Big Pleasant Bay. There were speeches to listen to, old photos and other memorabilia to pore over, and we even sang "The Mermaid." Among those who showed up (in addition to the names mentioned above): Nick and Kathy Sheperd, Lodge and Mia McKee, Ed Esty, Al See, Rick Marvin, Jean Mason, Mike Garvan, John (Steve) Garvan, Gil Lincoln, Alden Spilman, Jack Grant, and Bob Finch.

Sunday morning blew up extra breezy. While Buck and Gil braved the elements in their kayaks, and while Lodge, Allen, and Jack set out in Lodge's O'Day, Copey and son ferried two launch loads of bright-eyed beach goers over to Nauset, where the Coppedges and another family share a cabin not far from the old Viking site. The new Pleasant Bay opening, created opposite the CBI a decade ago, has doubled the tidal rise and fall, and the outer beach has been eroded away to less than half its former width. Beach buggies still parade up and down. But the sun was warm, the water crisp, the picnic plentiful, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

The next several days saw get-togethers at various restaurants, more beach outings, brainstorming for the website and the book-in-progress, and an excursion by land from Pawwaw Pond to the former Viking property, now overgrown but still unspoiled. On Friday evening, Ann Jewett, having just driven up from Connecticut, joined Bonnie Lincoln, P. J. Alder, and Lodge and Mia McKee at the band concert in Chatham.

We're already looking forward to next year's reunion. Plans include the possibility of renting two houses, to accommodate additional guests. Second week in August is the likely date. We'll keep you posted.

 Lodge McKee

2002 Reunion Photos

If you’re interested in house rentals, see www.chathamvacationrentals.com where we’ve been working with Ann Murphy: ann@chathamvacationrentals.com

Here are a few choice accommodations in the Orleans/Chatham area:

Some suggested activities:

 Little Pleasant Bay Walk - 3mi. Easy terrain.

Park in lot end of Namequoit Rd., just past old Viking entrance. Bring a lunch and enjoy the best picnic table on the Cape. Explore the shore of Little Pleasant Bay out to Nanequoit Pt. then along to Viking beach. Camp property is posted No Trespassing but intrepid souls have been known to plead illiteracy.

A Day At The Beach

http://www.town.orleans.ma.us

 You can’t beat Nauset, Coast Guard or Marconi for sand and surf. Philbrick’s snack shack at Nauset looks the same as when we walked there from Viking overnights.

 Island Trip

www.steamshipauthority.com

www.hy-linecruises.com

 Slow and fast ferries depart hourly from Hyannis and one from Harwich to points on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. You can also take to the air and be there in a matter of minutes. Shops and restaurants abound, plus beaches, golf and bike trails. We might not see you ‘til October!

Kayaking on Pleasant Bay

www.goose.com

 Bring your own or rent in Orleans or Chatham. Numerous launch sites dot the bay. Anyone interested in leading a group?

Golf

www.capecodtravel.com/attractions/golf.shtml

 The Cape has nearly 50 courses. Decisions, decisions!

Cape Cod Rail Trail

www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/ccrt.htm

 Not exactly a water sport unless you’re prone to dipping in any of the numerous ponds that dot the trail from Dennis to P-Town. Dozens of lunch spots and bike rental sites along the route.

Shopping

 Chatham and Orleans centers feature eclectic shops, galleries and sidewalk eateries.

Monomoy Boat Trips

www.monomoyislandferry.com

www.sealwatch.com

 Excursions leave from Stage Harbor in Chatham to visit Monomoy and watch the seals bask in the sun.

Whale Watch

www.whalewatch.com

 Not exactly what Captain Ahab had in mind, but a chance to be on the water with sightings virtually guaranteed. (You might even meet someone named Ishmael.)

Cape League Baseball

http://www.capecodbaseball.org/

 Batter Up! Take in a game in Orleans, Chatham, Brewster or Harwich under the lights.  Great family fun.