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June 0, 1971 - June 0, 1971 1971 Third machias lake region, Maine. While on this a trip a dam broke which caused a very low water situation, giving us a problem crossing the last lake to complete our return . We had several short portages and one that was 3 miles long. Since this was our first high adventure experience we lacked proper equipment and gear . Our tents consisted of 10 x 10 squares of plastic. For those who couldn’t afford sleeping bags they pined blankets together . In some cases garbage bags were used for rain gear. The fishing was super . One of the more adventurous scouts found and cooked turtle eggs for breakfast .This was also the end of an era of logging by floating the logs on the rivers . Since the logging companies were not allowed to use the rivers the dam was never replaced and this trip is no longer doable. Cost of trip $35.00 1972 Algonquin national park , Canada . On this trip we were on the outskirts of a hurricane , and 35 miles from the nearest town. We were stranded on an island for 6 days . We dawned rain gear, fished and battled the weather. Because of our lack of equipment we used an outfitter. He gave us heavy canvas tents and tarps. The rangers had a truck in the area and suggested that we send out some of our gear. We gave up the canvas tents, 2 canoes, every other pack and our fishing gear. Then the rangers gave us a 24 hour window of calm weather to get back to civilization, We lashed 2 canoes together and paddled and sailed through 5 foot waves to get off of the island and get to the ranger’s cabin for the night. The next morning we were on the water at daylight. We made a critical mistake, missing a connection between lakes that kept us on the water after dark and beyond the 24-hour window. Luck and some one above guided us to the safety and indoor facilities at 12 o’clock at night. We learned very quickly the importance of knowing where the rangers were, training and preparation. The lack of proper training, forced us to send out 2 adults. One with a heart attack and one with pulled chest muscles (resembling a heart attack). It taught us how to deal with adverse weather conditions, the need for proper gear and clothing. The ranger told me that they took out 800 lbs. of gear. Cost of trip $50.00. 1973 Yellowstone-grand Tetons-snake River-Salt lake city. This was a trip for scouts that had completed there Eagle requirements. Led by Greg Bird. 12 scouts in the group. Drove across country, stooping at various military and scout organizations along the way. One month in duration. Did hiking, rafting, climbed an ice field in the Teatons, and visiting the national parks. 1974 Pleasant lake region, Maine. After the problems we had with the first two trips, no adult wanted the responsibility of being in charge . The older scouts pleaded with us for another trip. I was young and foolish at the time and agreed to do it. That is when the ground rules were established for training requirements (and proper gear)for all who were going on the trip. Pleasant lake was a fun trip. There was a short portage, small lakes, large lakes, fishing, sailing, beautiful weather and unbelievable camp sites We also had our first exposure to moose and other large animals and birds. Cost of the trip $60.00. 1975 Our first trip to the Allagash wilderness waterway. This was our first experience with white water and white water training. We were fortunate enough to find 2 experienced people to work with us. Mr. Paul Otten ran our first class room seminars, pool sessions, and guided us down the Delaware river. A very frightening experience for a first time run. We encountered several 5 to 10 ft. haystacks bunched together over a 100 yard stretch of water. We went into them with 14 canoes upright and came out the other end with 5 steal in the upright position, but full of water. Every one else was tipped over, spilling gear and people all over the river. With this under our belt we went with eager anticipation and confidence to the Allagash River wilderness area. This trip exposes you to everything you can possible want in a high adventure canoe trip. It starts from the time you turn off the black top onto the dirt and gravel logging roads ,need to watch for logging trucks that have the right of way, and moose crossings. That takes 4 hours of driving time to get to the first camp site (on beautiful Indian pond)and usually includes fabricating a bridge over a small stream at the end. The following morning the outfitter comes in with the canoes and takes out our vehicles . Leaving us with our only way back to civilization is paddling for 80 miles. The 80 miles include lakes, river, white water ,unlimited wild life, established camp sites, a 1/4 mile portage around a water fall and breath taking views of the wilderness that you will never forget. This was our first experience with dehydrated food. It left a lot to the imagination. Cost of trip $60.00 1977 Allagash wilderness waterway . This high adventure trip is destined to be repeated many times . 1978 Lindsy Brook-baskahegan stream-mattawamkeag river. This was a different experience. Through our communications before the trip and on our arrival at the starting point, there was little or no knowledge of the area that we were going through other than that yes it should be navigable by canoe. We encountered narrow streams that we had to work our way through under brush. A water fall that we didn’t know about, that could have been a disaster if the water had been high. But was really a fun place because the water had carved out a perfectly smooth shoot for about 40 ft. that we spent about an hour sliding down. Again the fishing was good. Then we encountered a very flat slow running river that required a lot of paddling. No formal campsites, which needed a lot of ingenuity. But the last section had a lot of white water that picked up our sprites and gave us a perfect ending. Cost of the trip $95.00 1979 Saint John River. This is our most ambitious white water trip to this point. It is remote, little or no help available, and very dangerous white water. The reasoning for doing the trip was the age and experience of the scouts and adults that were going. To shorten the trip we went into Canada through Quebec province. We camped at the border in Canada before crossing back in to Maine. At breakfast the next morning we ate at a restaurant. We were ordering eggs, pancakes and various other items. When they brought the food the scouts became exceptionally quiet. We found that the waitress only spoke French and every one got toast and scrambled eggs. After breakfast we crossed the boarder, having a little trouble convincing the border guards what we were doing. The only reason we got across was the outfitter we was using (Mr. Pelletier) is very well known and has a very respectable reputation. We meet Mr. Pelletier with our canoes right on schedule. We are challenged immediately by the river. The place we chose to enter the water is moving fast and the water is rough. We review the proper procedure of paddling up stream into the currant and turning down stream when calmer water is available. We are fully loaded with all of the provisions for the week and cannot afford a mishap at this point. We all made it onto the river with one stern man breaking a paddle because of the force needed to get through the current. Fortunately his canoe was equipped with an extra paddle on top of the gear that he was able to grab and put to use. We run rapids with the names like priestly, black, long, castonia, big, poplar and schoolhouse. Big rapids and black rapids were the most dangerous because you are in them for over a mile and there is a tremendous drop and also turns to negotiate. Training and experience paid off and we enjoyed some of the toughest white water there is. This is not a trip for an inexperienced troop. We were all exhausted at the end of this trip. You will see the biggest moose on this trip. Cost of trip $110.00 1980 Allagash wilderness waterway. 1981 Baxter state park-kennebeck river. This is our first hiking and rafting high adventure. Training switches to hiking, backpacking, survival in extreme weather conditions and dehydrated food . We have found dehydrated brand names that are actually very good and accepted by every one. Required reading for this trip (don’t die on the mountain). After arriving and setting up base camp at the foot of Katahdin Mountain, we have what has become our traditional dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. Our first day we hike to the top of Mt Katahdin, which is also the northern end of the Appalachian trail. Climbing up and over huge boulders was not part of our training and I pay the price, with cramps in my leg muscles .Temperature at the base of the mountain is 78 degrees, at the top it is in the low 40’s with a wind chill factor bringing it to 0. We had day packs filled with extra clothing, food and water. At the top of the mountain all the clothing was being worn. There is a choice we need to make for our descent. Knifes edge (the more difficult as you can tell by the name). The advise in the trail book is not to use this trail if the wind is blowing. Other troops and individuals have not headed this advice and have paid dearly for it. This time we choose the safer. We continue on the trails of Baxter Park going from southern to the northern end, carrying everything needed in our backpacks for 6 days. Each night is spent at different camp sites by beautiful ponds and lakes where there are canoes available. The second part of the trip is rafting the Kennebeck River. Our research tells us to use head gear for protection. It also tells us that this is a risky thing to do. One of the requirements of the outfitter is a release form for everyone, releasing them from any responsibility if any thing happens. The river is controlled by a dam. The rafts are lined up on a bank that is 30 feet above the water. A siren goes off and the water level rises to our level in less than a minute. Our guide asks us what kind of a ride we want; the unanimous answer is the best. We go over, under and through 5 to 12 ft. waves. Around huge boulders. We go to flat water, stop and have a 5 course meal. At the end of the trip we are given a preview of pictures of each raft as they go through the various parts of the trip. We purchased several pictures. This is considered the best white water in the north east. It was a thrilling trip, one that should be repeated. cost of trip $180.00 1982 Requite River & lake. This trip starts with a night at Mr. R’s cabin on Schroon Lake in the Adirondacks. We spent the second day visiting the 1980 Olympic sites at Lake Placid. The third day we are on our way to Camp Russell. On the way we spend 3 hours at the Adirondack Museum. Museum depicts the history of the area, an excellent stop. Arriving at the camp we immediately sense that the people running this scout organization are really dedicated to the scouting program, something we are not used to back home. Our contacts are Carl Sahre and Allen Woodruff. The next morning we are bussed to Raquette Lake Village. Canoes were packed and securely wrapped in plastic and tied in and we are on our way on an adventure that will cover 80 miles through Raquette Lake, Forked Lake, Long Lake, Raquette river, Simon Pond and Tupper Lake. After about an hour there was some discussion about our location and it turned out our guide (Beaver)was correct . We reached our first camp site Beacher Island. Set up camp, did some fishing and soaked up some sun. The next day started with a 3/4-mile carry into Forked Lake. No carry is easy but this was on a road and fairly flat. Our campsite is on the east end of the lake. Scouts try their hand at sailing. In the evening a birthday cake is baked in a dutch oven for Mr. Raccone. 1983 White mountain hiking trip. 1984 Saint John River. using a float plain to get to beginning. 1985 Cape Code Bicycle Tour. 1986 Yellowstone-Tetons 1989 Allagash Wilderness Waterway. 1991 Virgin Islands. 1992 Summer camp and Raquette River trip.                                               |
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