Pine Butte Backpacking Trip

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!

Hiking in to Pine Butte

L to R: Garett and Carson S., Samuel H. & Jacob W.

Carson, Garret (behind) Jacob, Samuel

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 - 08

Samuel and Garett

Sunset from the Pine Butte Caldera - 09

Breakfast in the Caldera

Eric, Troy & Samuel.

Departure (Almost)

Our Troop guide Matthew, ready to go

Departure

Boys and Leaders on the way out

Departing

Oliver, Jacob, Samuel and Carson

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.