We had a great trip to Pine Butte, and with the help of leaders, were able to get nearly the whole troop there for some of the time. After a ride north up the Red Road, we turned east along a bumpy track and eventually arrived at the rim of the northwest butte. Rather than a distinctive cone, these buttes open like holes in the desert floor. There was still snow along the southern rims, so we hiked from the northwest to the southeast butte and around to the northeast side. Eventually all made it down into the butte to setup camp. Several made fires, while the rest pitched tents. The hungry scouts devoured dinner and then were on to a game of capture the flag with a blazing sunset as backdrop. Though cloudy most of the trip, we only felt a few drops of rain during our time out.
We then gathered around the campfire for the Scoutmaster's Minute. We recalled that John the Baptist was raised in the wilderness as a part of the preparation for his unique mission. We also recalled that it was in the woods that Joseph and Oliver retired to ask about baptism. It was in the wild that John the Baptist appeared to them and gave them the Aaronic Priesthood. We challenged the boys to make the most of their time in the outdoors, so that it too would be a preparation to fulfill their priesthood duties. All then retired to their beds.
In the morning nearly everyone slept to a decent hour. We arose, struck our tents and ate a breakfast - most of hot oatmeal. Once all the cleared and fires we confirmed to be "dead out", we started the trek up out of the caldera. It was a short hike up and out to the cars, and then a bumpy ride home. Everyone had a great time, and a wonderful opportunity to learn what did and didn't work on a packing trip. We look forward to many more in the future!
John Kelly dropped off Jonathan, and is now walking out with Austin and Mike. Eric Cameron joins them for the walk.
Sunset from the Pine Butte Caldera - 06
Sunset from the Pine Butte Caldera - 09
