Simply the best. Unlike the rest.™
Simply the best. Unlike the rest.™
Troop 1377 traveled to Big Bend for their annual mini-high adventure. Scouts explored the wildly varied geology of the Big Bend National Park while hiking, camping, and sightseeing.
The trip to Big Bend, which included the Troop bus and van, started Friday night. The 16 and a half hour venture was bracketed by a number of stops. Scouts socialized, slept, and watched movies on the bus. The Troop arrived at 10:30 on Saturday morning in the Chisos mountain basin in the Big Bend National park.
The Troop set up camp -- multiple patrols shared sites. It was then lunchtime -- some patrols ate a hot lunch. The Troop quickly assembled and hiked toward the "Window". Hiking down a riverbed, some Scouts fell into the water while playing around. Arriving at the "Window", the Troop paused for a while, and then started the return trip.
The trek back to camp took quite a while. Patrols then cooked dinner, some patrols starting after dark. Before sleep, food was stored in "bear boxes" to protect it from the local population of "Ursus" creatures. Scouts retired -- most slept in tents, some in hammocks under small pavilions. The cool night passed.
On Sunday morning, Scouts got up, ate a warm breakfast, and provisioned food and gear for the day's hike. The Troop split into two groups: a fast trek and slow trek. While hiking, some Scouts tried a new treat -- squid jerky -- reported to be great.
The fast trek traveled to Saddle Pass, then on to the South Rim. Some went on to Emory Peak, after which, all headed back to camp. The slow trek arrived in camp some 4 hours later. Dinner was prepared -- some patrols cooking late again. Although most retired, some Scouts stayed up quite late.
Early -- 3:30 AM on Monday morning -- the Troop roused. They packed up quickly. One patrol, not paying heed to proper bear precautions, found their chili from the previous night frozen solid. The Troop boarded the bus and van for the long trip back to the Kingwood area. They traveled home through thick fog and ice.
Breakfast was at McDonalds -- disembarking for food, the Troop found itself in 24 degree temperatures. The Troop traveled on further, stopping several times, through cold rough weather. They finally arrived at KUMC safe and exhausted.
