Heise Hot Springs

Despite predictions of cold, the troop had a great night out at Heise Hot Springs. We camped right next to a swollen South Fork of the Snake River at the Heise Campground. After the tents were pitched, the scouts decided it was time for a dip. We played in the warm waters, and especially had fun with our own version of water polo "keep away".

After a soak in the hot pool everyone was ready for dinner. On the menu: Hobo Soup. Everyone brought something to add and the secret combination of bacon, onions, celery, carrots, corn, green beans, pinto beans, chicken, chili, chicken soup, ramen noodles and taco seasoning ended up tasting vaguely Mexican, but was enjoyed by all. (The whole pot was downed!). A special "saltine toss" encore by our SPL, Carson, added to the ambiance. Before bed everyone enjoyed a few minutes of "Steal the Flag/Jacob's Boots" and marshmallow roasting topped of by Br. King's kettle cooked popcorn.

Everyone slept warmly, and were up to enjoy the sunshine, make a quick breakfast and strike camp early so that various troop members could return for their Saturday commitments.

Bear Gulch Ski Trip

A great evening for a cross-country ski trip! We arrived at around 6 PM, set up camp and had a snack before orienting our maps and clipping the skis on for a trip to the Lower Mesa Falls Overlook. You'll see a map our our actual travel route above.

Daylight savings time worked in our favor, as we had plenty of light to see us up to the first trail marker at the Bear Gulch overlook. From there we followed the Henry's Fork canyon overlook trail to Trail Marker 2. Along the way dusk turned to dark - but we found our way by headlamp and a cloud-shrouded full moon. The dips and turns of the trail claimed their fair share of skiing scouts. One deep hole even swallowed one of Br. Kelly's poles, spitting it out in two pieces! We opted for a straight shot to the overlook from there and in no time were at the Grandview Overlook squinting to make out which patch of white at the bottom of the canyon was snow and which was Lower Mesa Falls. Then it was back to camp along the rutted snowmobile trail. Though it was all downhill, the lack of a groomed trail made it slower going than we would have wished. Our Senior Patrol Leader led us down the hill on the home stretch.

All arrived back safely, and tired enough that everyone was ready to hit the sack after a quick meal of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Br. Smith's cobbler had to wait until morning to be consumed - it made a great breakfast! Several early risers had to make it back home for other activities so the rest slept in and packed up as the daylight brightened our surroundings. The verdict from our SPL was this was a successful trip, and to paraphrase "Almost thou persuadest me to be a [winter camper]" :)

Henry's Lake Fish Hatchery

A beautiful day at the Idaho Fish and Game Fish Hatchery at Henry's Lake. The boys got to identify and sort the fish, as well as learn some of the finer points of fisheries management. A special thanks to Br. Sorenson for arranging this outing!

Shaved ice skating

Tonight we finished most of the ice skating merit badge despite having
a rink full of ice the consistency of a good old fashioned sno-cone.
We'll finish up the requirements as we finish the Winter Sports badge
as well.

X-Country Ski Night

A wonderful night of skiing at the Teton Lakes Golf Course. Everyone got to see their moonshadow, find the North Star, Orion, and make a one mile loop around the north end of the course. A nice night for a swan song for Brother Dean Cloward - our great Scoutmaster who'll be moving on soon.

Please remember that we're going to have to reschedule the campout at the end of the month due to a conflict with a ballroom dance competition.

Cross Country Ski Fitting

Despite time constraints we were able to get everyone fitted into skis and took a little loop before coming home for the night.

January Campout

Here are just a few photos of the camp setup from our recent campout. The night quickly turned cold and the Scouts learned the value of having dry firestarter to get the campfire going. Everyone slept warm and we returned in good time to attend the "Vocal Point" morningside.