By Dave Burfeind
November 17th was a fine day to show off the progress on the exquisite new dining hall at Lazy F Camp & Retreat Center. This time of the year you really don’t know what you will get with weather, but Mother Nature cooperated and people flocked to the event. We had over 200 in attendance! While this was about 50 more than we expected 3 days before the event, you could tell we had divine help. Like the fishes and the loaves, there was more than enough food.
It was wonderful to hear the comments from friends of the camp as they explored the building. First to greet them was the Mack Cross View Courtyard. This expansive, two level outdoor gathering area featured four substantial benches milled from trees removed for the building. There was also a fire to warm folks and materials to make smore’s. Next to the building were the 280 engraved bricks. Lots of pictures of folks showing off their connection to Lazy F!
As they turned toward the registration table, guests gazed across the beautifully decorated room (with new tables and chairs) toward the massive rock fireplace. Even though it was about 90 feet away, the fireplace seemed to fill the room! The Searls’ Dining Room was filled with 22 tables and 176 chairs, but there was still room to navigate and several people mentioned that they could actually hear the conversation at their table during the meal.
Continuing through the large opening that separates the dining room from the Linda Toycen Lounge, guests examined the four huge barn doors made by volunteers that will separate the lounge from the dining room. Three couches were filled with guests who were sipping hot chocolate and enjoying conversations by the fire. The delicious buffet was served from this area.
The last place guests visited was the kitchen. Guests examined the walk in fridge and freezer, dish room, various stainless steel components, and Katelyn’s office.
It was a wonderful day. A great way to inaugurate this new facility that will allow Lazy F to successfully serve our campers and guests for decades to come. There is still work to be completed, our goal is to be moved in before Christmas.
Dave Burfeind has served for over 20 years as the director of Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center outside of Ellensburg, Washington.
