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!

20 Miler March 8, 2014

Due to the Rim Fire last year, the normal route was still closed, so an alternate route with low traffic on Cottonwood Rd. outside Tuolumne City was used with success. A little less grueling since the last 2/3 was all down hill, but that was OK. Nine Scouts and three Leaders walked, with the support help from one Scout and two Leaders. Thank you all.

Red Hills Day Hike February 22, 2014

Warm up hike through the south area. Perfect day for a hike.
No photos avalible yet!

Yosemite Bike Trip February 1, 2014

Trailer-ed bikes to Curry Village, which was very cold. It warmed up when we headed for the north side of the valley. We made stops at the Merced River for lunch, Yosemite Village store, and toured through Ahwahnee Hotel.