S11 Team Camp 22

We had done camp on 2nd December 2022. It is located in Pocahontas State Park.

Camp Location:

Name: Pocahontas Campground, Pocahontas State Park.

Distance: 30 miles from Henrico, Richmond (approx.)

Site type: Electric

Camp Team: Chetan, Karan, Keyur, Naman, Niraj, Ritesh, Suraj, Vamshi, Varun and me

Experience:

On our last match of the last tournament for the 2022 season, after losing the match we have decided to do a team get together and came up with camping plan. So seems like we started celebrating after our losses, but do not remember having get together when we won the tournaments. So we finalized to go for camping and to do at a near by place Pocahontas and many seem interested. We have booked two campsites and took the count of people coming in  one month in advance. This was a first time winter camping for most of us. So everyone made sure to bring necessary gear (comforters, jackets, sleeping bags). Niraj, who is an expert in finding deals or reducing expenses to buy homes, came up with a Walmart link to find a cheaper effective sleeping bag. As S11 has history of people following others to buy things, soon Naman and Keyur also got the similar big yellow sleeping bags. Just a week before the camping date, we came up with list of things we need to bring. We were total 10 members. Chetan said Sachin, who always needs push from Chetan to confirm, is also coming. Naman who is very particular about each and every detail initiated a call on Wednesday (30th November) to take notes of who goes in which car, what to order for food and drinks, what to play, what to prepare at campsite. As usual when discussion was about food, Sachin jumped in came up with brilliant plan about whom to give the order and how to get it. Then when we were about to wrap-up the call, Sachin said his brilliant plan wont work out. We came up with alternate plan. Naman, like a regular project meeting assignment was writing the MOM of meeting and reading each line carefully multiple lines to make sure everything is covered and sent it to the group. He missed the date for the camping though ;). Being cold, we made plan to bring heaters, extension cords. Finally we have decided to meet at Wegmans at 3:30 pm on the camping day.

I went to the campsite around 1:30 to set some clues for treasure hunt and reached back around 3:20 pm. Niraj and Karan already reached the Wegman's parking. Chetan came to pick me up and that is when I realized Wegman's means Wawa gas station (at least for Chetan). So we went to Wawa gas station and by the time we reached Naman and Suraj, Niraj and Karan were already there. Oh forgot to mention, While I was at campsite, spoke to Sachin, who always has some last minute issues, said he would come late and asked us to carry on with the plan. Vamshi, who never spoke much after saying yes for camping, informed Naman he would would come after 4pm. Ritesh, Keyur and Varun joined us at the gas station after 10 minutes. We had the car passes already(checked in when I went earlier on the day. Around 4:30 pm we reached (all the 4 cars) the campsite. It was not a very cold weather that day and we still had sunlight. Started pitching up the tents(Chetan, Ritesh and mine). Chetan's and mine we pitched on campsite 81. Ritesh bhai on campsite 80. Chetan's and mine we pitched up in 5 - 10 mins. While Ritesh, Keyur, Naman still trying to pitch Ritesh's tent. Then we all except Niraj and Chetan started helping to pitch up Ritesh's new tent. Everyone was using their engineering mind to come up with their own ideas or interpretations of the user manual. We tried various combinations of the poles that were given to setup none of them were working. We were looking for our construction expert Varun to help us, but being the supervisor/manager he wanted us to pitch the tent then he would inspect. Finally with some luck we figured out and pitched up at least the basic structure of the tent and now struggling to fit the tent cover on the top. Then comes Niraj bhai who by that time had setup all the chairs at the other campsite, arranged the drinks and kept ready. Niraj is expert in making things work somehow, and he fitted the cover on one side and then we were able to do it on other side and finally tent was pitched up. Even though it was not the way we planned but it was great to see everyone trying their best to help each other to get the tent standing on the ground. Hope next season we all try our best in every match to win the tournaments.

The sense of satisfaction once we pitched up the tent was amazing. By the time we are done with the tent, Chetan who is our hardworking sincere boy has setup all the lights, audio speaker, put all the bedding in the tents, brought out all the items necessary for food and drinks. Naman who was worrying from the beginning about the cold was happy to see Suraj, who has brought all the items as we have planned, though very silent, has got a great heater. He setup the heater at the vegetarian tent (Ritesh's). It was round 5:30 everyone gathered at the non vegetarian campsite and slowly settling in for a wonderful evening at the base. Ritesh and Niraj were eager to start the drinks, we were waiting for Sachin and Vamshi who were supposed to start at 4:00 pm. Then we came to know Sachin is not coming, which was not surprising and Vamshi is coming and will reach in 15 minutes. Later on we came to know it was 15 minutes after 6:00 Vamshi would be reaching. After directions from Suraj, Naman, Chetan finally Vamshi arrived. We got the firewood and started campfire and started adjusting the chairs so that everyone gets the warmth of the fire. Boys started to have drink already and Ritesh has brought excellent Gobi Manchurian for veg starters. Niraj has brought boiled eggs and Naman opened non veg starters. Vamshi arrived by the time we are done with our starters. Ritesh bhai ("BOSS, Unbelievable") has taken the lead to engage the group in conversations and started with topic that every one should speak about the crush since childhood. We had interesting conversations especially from Karan and Chetan. Then we had many great conversations. While many of us are sitting, relaxing, enjoying the conversations, Niraj and Chetan were unstable, something bothering them and kept on trying to adjust the firewood on the campfire. Ritesh who was also watching them finally couldn't stop but to ask "Problem Kya hein?" . Niraj who was sitting on other side of the campfire, was not getting the heat and wanted 360 heat for which he decided to burn whatever it takes. He kept on adding firewood until he was satisfied. He did a great job and we had an excellent camp fire. 

Vamshi was the only bachelor in the group, so naturally most of boys were interested in his future plans and marriage. Boys were curious about his bride selection, so far his luck and if using any apps to search and even they came up with their friend's success stories through these apps. Keyur ("basically, what I am trying to say is") has given his expert advice on to go for love or arranged marriage. Since we sat for quite sometime, we decided to play(or rather people obliged as they felt me took effort in setting it up) treasure hunt. Initially boys were struggling to get to the next level clues but once they got the hang of it (not sure if it is the game or the drink) they were very quick in finding the rest of the clues. Every one played great and nice participation. Winners are Team B (Chetan, Varun, Vamshi) and next Team A(Keyur, Naman, Karan) and then came Team C(Ritesh, Niraj, Suraj). Since I did not participate, I hope others enjoyed the hunt. This called for another round of drinks and everyone again gathered at the camp fire. Soon we were deep in conversations and obviously Elon Musk is one of it. Naman ("but again, you know") was very concerned about current team strength and was giving his ideas how to come back strong next year. It was around 8:15 pm we started to have food. Ritesh has brought Pav Bhaji with Bhaji in an instapot to keep it hot. The non-veg was made warm at the campfire. While having dinner, Ritesh bhai started the topic of ghosts and some of the boys felt uncomfortable. Ritesh bhai shared couple of excellent ghost stories from his personal experiences and these topics lead to many conversations with Naman and Varun discussing how Varun would advise his clients if he believes there can be ghost(or negative energy) in the buildings. Karan bhai, who we came to know was a great sport person, singer and crush for many girls during his school and college, was not comfortable with the discussions and changed the topic to favourite song. So everyone started to sing old 70s and 80 songs of Kishore Kumar. Suraj and Vamshi were silent, but were enjoying the lyrics while checking weather app on the phone.

It was around 11:15 pm, our Chetan, the sincere guy, started removing the trash, keeping the place clean. Then everyone chimed in and soon we all decided to go to sleep. Vegetarian tent - Ritesh, Keyur, Varun. Chetan's - Chetan, Naman, Niraj. Mine - Karan, Suraj, Vamshi and me. Naman who as usual worries made sure everyone has the necessary bedding to keep themselves warm. Actually we thought of playing cards, but with the effects of drinking some of the boys just settled with talking (for them it is) for others laughing at higher decibels. Around 1:30 am or so every one retired to their respective tents. We could hear the noises in the jungle along with human snores. It started raining from around 3:00 am. Around 6 am Niraj and me got up and taken bath as well. The restrooms were very clean and the water in the shower was very hot. By the time we were back Chetan was already outside and it was just drizzling. We decided to prepare soup as Others were still sleeping we don't have all the necessary gear for preparing tea. Niraj, Chetan, Suraj and me were the first batch to have the soup. Then Keyur, Karan, Ritesh everyone started coming in. It stopped raining but there was prediction that it will rain soon again. Niraj bhai started preparing tea. Boys were eagerly waiting to have it but Niraj took his own time to make sure everything was right and great. Finally everyone had their chance of having this wonderful tea. Meanwhile I was trying to prepare veg omelette, as obsessed with preparing something at campsite, but it turned out to be a disaster. We then decided to pack the tents and if have time before the rain comes will prepare Maggi (to please Naman who joined late to the tea party). Everyone started helping each other in packing the tents and soon we cleaned the area. This is one great thing about the team. At least apart from on the ground, every one be like part of one family and help each other out. After packing, we decided to go on a trail as the weather still seemed great and we had a great lake view. It started raining heavily and we went back to cars and started our way home. Around 10:20 am reached home. We had a great time and was a memorable experience. Hoping to keep this trend going on to get together once in a year. All is Well.

👉Click here to see more Photos👈

Read More

S11 Team camp

we had done camp on 21st August 2021. It is located in Shenandoah National Park.

Camp Location:

Name: Loft Mountain, Shenandoah National Park.

Distance: 100 miles from Henrico, Richmond (approx.)

Site type: Non-Electric

Camp Team: Chetan, Jigar, Keyur, Naman, Niraj, Sachin, Vishal and me

Experience:

It all started on one fine evening(two months before) after our evening practice. It had been a long time we had no team party or get-together. So one of our team member said about camping and couple of us showed interest and decided to go for camping. Chetan, our team's punctual and first responder booked the campground. Also created a separate group with all the enthusiasts. Not sure how much serious all are, just had the site ready and since two months to go, ignored it for the time. Just a week before the camping day, we started talking about it like do we want to go for it, how many are interested, timing of our next match, what all things are needed and so on. Six members were ready(all the initial interested ones) and we decided to go on with the plan. Sachin, as usual one of the most eager person to join any team event to help team bonding, invited couple of future s11 members to come along for the camp. We now have 8 members and planned who is going to get what and what we are going to do on the camping day. On 19th after our practice session, Sachin announced he would not be joining us due to some personal work. By now we got used to this sudden surprises from him, as he generally does these last minute changes after initially showing lot of interest and encouraging others to join. We are now back to 7. On 20th, a day before the D-day, Chetan and me got the necessary items for the camp. Next post our match we were about to start within 2 hours for the campsite, came to know that the two future S11 members are unable to join and we were only 5. Oh forgot to mention, Jigar called us on 20th asking about the camp plan and was looking for personal invitation, unfortunately we have not printed any invitation cards, but he being kind hearted agreed to join us. we are now 6 again. Chetan and Naman being very persuasive were after Sachin and Vishal to join us at any cost. Sachin mentioned his personal work got cancelled and thanks to efforts of Chetan and Naman, Vishal and Sachin agreed to join us. So we are now 8 again. This is not unusual for us , as it is exactly how we persuade to get 11 players for a match. Naman being our nutritionist (food expert) and caretaker to ensure everyone has got something to eat of their own choice, took the order from each one of us and got the food items from various restaurants. Me being picky and orthodox, he took extra care to ensure I eat something. So we decided to go in two cars, one Chetan's 4Runner and other Naman's Highlander. we left to our homes to rendezvous at my place at 2pm. 

Chetan, our most punctual guy was ready and picked Sachin, Vishal, Jigar along with their belongings and instead of coming to my place waited for us at Rest Area(still unclear why they missed the exit, may be easy for nature call). Naman, our other driver along with conductor Niraj picked the food, then Keyur and came to my place around 2:10 pm. The car is already full with all the belongings and almost little space left to fit in mine. Keyur felt he and me need to sit on roof of the car so that the luggage can fit in. But Niraj, our jugaad expert somehow adjusted all the luggage and me and Keyur able to seat in the back seats of the car. Around 2:30pm we started from my place and went to Kroger to take beverages, ice bags. Keyur and me being kids(or treated like) driver and conductor went to get the beverages and got chocolate milk for us. we then met our other group at the Rest Area who by now are skeptical if we are going to make it. We then set out for the campsite. As there is literally no space in our car, Chetan and co took the next exit on I-64 to get firewood and additional ice-bags. On our way we had good debate on hindi vs gujarati songs. Keyur insisted on one gujarati song which Naman refused, but upon Niraj's additional support for Keyur, Naman put the song. Keyur was fully into the song while Naman waited for the chance to change it, but believe it or not, luck is with Naman, due to bad network in Keyur's mobile could not continue the song. Then Naman played some patriotic songs and topic moved to patriotism and one of the great warrior of India, Vikram Batra and movie released on him. By the time we realized we were in traffic jam and again we were discussing which vehicles would we allow to pass us and which we should not. Naman, kind-hearted allowed a big truck to cross us and gave him way in the jam. we waited for our other group to join us at exit 99 near the popcorn shop. This time it was our turn to wait. The other group arrived and we entered the skyline drive and went towards the campsite. It was Single lane and even though Naman was driving good, due to sensors in his car we came to know that he was crossing the line(it beeps whenever lane is crossed). We saw a deer on the way, standing on the side of the road, lucky enough, thanks to sensors Naman was within the lane. Soon we reached the campsite at 5:23 pm. We booked two campsites, expecting both to be on opposite side but to our surprise they are not and they were one behind the other with a road in between.

We pitched our tents, unloaded the luggage from the cars. Chetan being an expert camper, had set everything ready to eat, for sitting around the campsite. Everyone being hungry readily sat with their drink and plates to eat. Me being like a touch-me-not for the non-vegetarian food, Keyur did the serving for us(Vishal, Jigar, Keyur, me) and Sachin and Chetan for others. Naman felt happy that everyone got their share and liked the food. Somehow the conversation went onto ships and Naman being a ex Merchant Ship Engineer got reminded of his old days. He was so passionate to explain his experiences and how the life of an Ship Engineer would be. Everyone were asking rapid fire questions about the job(only what they want to know) but Naman being so excited about people asking him about Ship, went on to tell what he wanted to say mostly technical, which went over our head for most part except for Keyur who seems to be knowledgeable of it. Naman was so involved in explaining he lost control of bottle in his hand. since then everyone was more keen on making sure he does not hold anything or anything near him than listening to what he is saying. Overall it was very informative session. Niraj was quiet throughout the session, as though like a parent observing the kids talk and play. we are done with one round of dinner. Chetan, Niraj started to setup the campfire. Jigar, the Uno expert giving KT to Sachin about the game. we were playing Uno while Niraj gathering all the dried sticks and chetan arranging the firewood. with lot of effort, oil they succeeded in setting up the campfire and it was dark already. Since they were only three chairs others waited for their turn in someone got up for nature or personal phone call. We had good fruitful discussions about the future strategies for Suprising 11, while Chetan is busy cleaning the area for fear of bears might join us. The restrooms are very close to the campsite so it made life easy for many of us to walk in the night. Around 8:45 pm we had our final round of dinner. Food was good and as we were making lot of noise discussing about our strategies we decided to go to amphitheater where there is no sound restriction. It was a long adventurous walk through the woods with plants and trees on both sides. For Keyur every plant seemed like poison-ivy. Sachin the brave person always in the middle of the group so that if anything attacks he would not be the first one. we reached the amphitheater around 10:00 pm. We were the only ones there. Started conversations on various topics about Shenandoah, valleys, Chetan's new dog, Sachin's analysis (he wants people to listen to his pre and post match analysis), my night vision binoculars, everyone's struggle to convince their life partner to join this trip. Being tired we decided to go back to our tent.

we reached our tent, Vishal wanted all of us to stay near the campfire but, people decided to hit the tent for sleep. Keyur, Niraj, Naman, Jigar and me in one tent and Chetan, Sachin and Vishal in another. Keyur actually had brought two comforters for extra cushion for comfort but unfortunately we distributed all the comforters across the tent base. Soon we five hit our sacks and Naman our Dj put some light music which was on and off due to network issue kept us awake instead of sleep. Soon some of us went to sleep and now we could hear all the sounds of woods(insects, flies) along with ours(snoring). it was like a sound competition among the insects, flies and us. I guess we all know the winner. There was heavy wind flowing and it felt little cold to some of us. With some difficulty we all were able to sleep except for few times need to wake up for nature call. Around 6:30 am except Niraj we all got up and got freshened. Naman and Keyur still want to sleep andso decided to stay in the tent. By this time Chetan as usual our first responder was ready and then Jigar , Vishal Sachin and me we all went in car to shelter where we can take shower. unfortunately none of us had coins to turn on the shower. Sachin, who was half sleepy got freshened there along with Vishal. Jigar and me came back to tent walking. On our way we went to amphitheater again to enjoy the spectacular view of the Shenandoah valley. Finally Niraj also got up. we all were ready for our morning chai. Chetan again has set everything ready for preparing chai and Maggie for breakfast. Jigar our chai chef, started preparing the tea with ginger. Naman wanted less sugar and Jigar wanted more sugar. the debate seemed like not going to end. Keyur came to our rescue and settled it. Finally chai was ready and everyone enjoyed it. On the other hand, me persistent with the small stove(though not necessary) had prepared soup. Since we have firewood left from the previous night, decided to put the campfire again. Niraj, once again the wildlife wanderer brought the dried sticks and Chetan set the campfire. The only missing person was Sachin who was on phone for a long time. Initially we thought it was his life partner as he was talking for hours, later we came to know it was one of our other team member. Meanwhile Keyur being a responsible person went and handed over his Chai as others were trying to drink it. Unfortunately Sachin do not drink Chai and Keyur felt disappointed. Naman then prepared Maggie with great effort as though he was preparing biryani. It was very good. We all had Maggie and some of us had tea once again, this time with less ginger. Keyur was not satisfied though. I went to bring corn and Keyur was coming from the restroom. we were talking about how to roast them and all of a sudden he shouted Snake. we both were about to step on a small rattle snake. It was not perturbed by us and was moving slowly towards the bushes. Keyur started calling others. Soon everyone gathered and started analyzing about the snake. There were so many snake experts amongst us. It slowly went to the bushes. Chetan, Sachin and Vishal were there until the last sight of it and bid farewell to it. we then roasted corn on the campfire grill. Niraj and keyur took all the efforts in make it a fine roast. It was delicious. Naman added lemon to it for extra flavour. Meanwhile conversation started about cars and everyone turned towards Chetan's 4runner as it was completely customized. Niraj and Chetan went for a test drive. We started playing Uno again. By this time Sachin also became a pro in that. As usual Vishal always won the game. we completed couple of games but Niraj and Chetan had not returned. Felt like Niraj has went to car shop to purchase a new car. They were back and wrapped up our luggage and tent. We throwed away the trash in the allotted bear proof trash cans and left for home in the same cars as we started. Reached home around 1:45 pm. It was an amazing and wonderful trip with all the team members. All is well.

👉Click here to see more Photos👈

Read More