Troop 55 has done a lot of different High Adventures over the years. Philmont, Seabase, OKPIK and even a week at Rocky Mountain, but we had not been to the Boundary Waters. We decided that we would correct that for 2015. Originally, we were planning on 2 crews. One would do an island adventure with a base camp and do day trips. The other would do a more traditional trip moving camp daily and covering 50 plus miles and many portages. Unfortunately, jobs got in the way and the second crew had to cancel. However, the first crew was still a go.

 

The crew all ready to go. Don’t they look awake and clean?


It was about a 10 plus hour drive up to the Outfitters. There were several stops along the way. Lunch was in Duluth.

 

What did they find parked on the street? A Ferrari? Scouts love Ferraris!

 

The owner even let the scouts sit in the car! Yes, I’m jealous.


They drove up to Seagull Outfitters. They stayed the night in the bunkhouse, got the rest of their gear and finalized their plans. The next morning they had breakfast, got their gear packed up and put in canoes.

It was only a few miles paddling to get to the island they were going to stay. Not a bad morning to canoe. They are close to their island now and heading to shore.



Once in camp, it was time to set up the kitchen area. Did I mention, the coffee pot was mandatory to get ready?



Cal and Matthew start building a sculpture. More to come . . .



Two options for water. You can get water from further out in the lake, its generally clean. Or you can use a filter for water close to shore. If you boil the water, you don’t have to filter.

 

What do you do in the evenings? Games!

 

 

 

 

 

Several sunrise shots.

 

 

 

Cal and Matthew ready for the day

 

 

 

 

Calvin is off for another adventure for the day.

1 1/2 mile canoeing, and a 1/2 mile portage to reach the waterfall. It was worth it!

 

 

Steve and Carter fishing.

 

 

 

 

selfies on an island?

 

Matthew and Carter work on the rock sculpture.


The finished sculpture.


Ron got some beautiful shots with his equipment.


After supper, there is always room for pudding!


Near dusk, a beautiful sunset.


Yea, it rained at times. A scout is prepared.


Tim catches a female Merganser taking off.


There were lots of loons in the area.





Ron took a few photos that he converted to HDR. Beautiful.

It was a trip that the scouts and adults will always remember. Can you ask for anything more?

I have added the files we used for planning our Boundary Waters trip.
I hope you find them useful.
You can find our planning files here .

We’re starting to get ready for next years High Adventure. The Troop has decided to go to the Boundary Waters. This should be a great trip.
Currently our plan is:
2 crews. One composed of older boys that want a more strenuous trip with portaging, and moving camp daily. The other crew will be for younger scouts and those who do not want to move. This will have a base camp and allow them to do day trips.

Our rules:
Every scout must have:
First Aid, Swimming and canoeing merit badges before the trip. All of these will be offered through the troop in the spring.

We are lucky to have friends from other troops to help and guide our decisions along the way.
A big thanks to Gary for talking to the scouts last week.