Natural Bridges, August 9th, 2014

A nice hike to a local wonder that cooled us off on a hot day. We didn't expect any water, but to our surprise, the entire cave system was full of cool, refreshing water. We spent a few hours swimming around and observing all of the calcite formations on the cave walls. We will definitely have to return to this place soon.

TROOP 505 LAKE TRIP #1 (AKA B****** LAKE), July 25th-27th, 2014

The original plan to go to Sword Lake was changed due to reports that it was crowded this time of year. An alternative lake nearby was chosen as the destination for the weekend. Four Scouts and two Leaders left from the trail head at 7:15 pm. We stopped at sunset about a mile in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness to set up for the night. About 9:30 pm, a group with headlamps heading up the trail was spotted, so we covertly watched as they went by. They stopped for a bit as they waited for the rear to catch up. By listening, we guessed that they may be a Scout Troop. Saturday morning we got moving at 8:45 am, and reached the lake about 10:30 am. In the trees near the lake was a group of adults with red class Bs on from Troop 505 out of Tracy. The Scouts were already in the lake. We found out that this was their last of many annual trips to this lake, and that the Troop is disbanding at the end of this year. The Leaders spend a while talking. Meanwhile, the Scouts found a great camp site on the opposite side of the lake. Then the fun began. There were many logs floating in the not too cold water to play with. One was named the USS Hope It Sinks (Troop 505 had another called the Hope It Floats). Later in the day the Scouts went tree, shrub, and flower identifying. Also another Scout arrived with his family to join in on the fun. The Scouts want to return to this great spot and want to call it Troop 505 Lake in honor of the Troop that had used it for many years and kept it spotless.

Camp John Mensinger, June 29th-July 5th, 2014

As in previous years, it was an honor to lead our troop to CJM and watch them work and play. Eight Scouts earned 45 merit badges in total and had fun with their fellow scouts in the warm Sierra forest near Beardsley Reservoir. From swimming to archery they worked and played together. Hard work by the Troop also earned 3rd place in the Camp Wide Games on Friday. Many thanks to Leaders Tim, John, and Vince for helping. Roll the pictures!

Emigrant Wilderness Loop Backpacking Trip, June 20-24 2014

We stayed Friday night at the Crabtree Trailhead near Dodge Ridge.


Saturday morning we packed out east to Chewing Gum Lake for a break. Then, we continued on and stayed above the Y Meadow Dam Saturday night.

On Sunday, the Scouts practiced map and compass skills to find Granite Lake, where we stayed until Monday morning. We had the lake to ourselves with some swimming, fishing and fun.

Monday, map and compass skills lead us cross country to Bear Lake. Lots of swimming to the island and fishing, but no catches. There were only 3 other people at the whole lake.

Tuesday we followed the west trail back to Crabtree.

In total, we covered about 14 miles through wonderful country and lakes.

Red Rock Canyon..., March 22-27, 2014

This year's desert trip was to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located just outside of the Las Vegas suburbs. Just like the Joshua Tree trip two years ago, we hiked in a mile from the trail head and wilderness camped for four days with spectacular scenery all around us. The business of each day was hiking or rock climbing. Half of the Troop jumped into a pool at the end of Icebox Canyon. (brrr!). The daytime weather was perfect at 65-70 and cold 33-35 nights. The last night in the canyon was an all night wind storm that let us hear nature's strength, and although we were mostly sheltered in our camp by a Juniper and Pinion Pine forest, we still lost a lot of sleep. Wednesday morning's side trip to Hoover Dam was voted down in favor to take “early” advantage of the (secret until that point) two and three bedroom suites at Wyndham Grand Desert Resort, where swimming, game room and pizzas where waiting thanks to Shaan and his family's time share. With a drive down The Strip and a shower, they were all in the pool by 4. Another great trip with our Troop that will not be forgotten. SEE THE GALLERY FOR MORE PICTURES!