Juniper Dunes - heading home

The warmth of the sunshine woke us today with birds chirping and we all slept in. Breakfast of pop tarts was topped off with little smokies. Sweet.

The hike out was wonderful. Took a easier route. Was like the were alive with the sound of music. The sun over our left shoulder and the glint of the dunes and our vehicles in the distance.

After making it out of the dunes the drive on the sand roads was great! What a ride up that first hill. We all made it. A few needing more than one try. Ask your son.

At the yellow mailbox crop duster port we all met up and split to a variety of places to eat. Costco, Kiko's tacos and more. When you have 51 logistics are interesting. My favorite was Kiko's.

We are all headed on the road now back to the YAC. Probably will be home between 6-7pm. As usual expect a call from your son at the Pass. Pickup at the YAC 30 minutes thereafter.

What a weekend of sand, sunshine and fun!

Juniper Dunes - heading to bed

We just finished four games of capture the flag under a almost full moon and stars. No wind. The families of coyotes are singing us to sleep.

Dinner was fabulous. Yakosoba noodles with fresh stir fry asparagrass and brocholi. Chicken and sause with chocolate cookies for dessert.

Before dinner we hiked 3 miles to some huge dunes near the Venture crew.

All are in bed. It's so quiet and peaceful here. A special place indeed.

Your sons and family of Troop 466 send you a warm good night from beautiful Juniper Dunes.

Juniper Dunes - getting water

We are having a little trouble getting pictures to post on the blog but that's okay. Things are going great. We left Windust and now we're headed to Pasco. To loadup with water with a caravan of 12 vehicles, yes, 12 vehicles, areheading to Juniper dunes. All is well. We're ready to pack we divided up the food and the tents and the tarps and the first aid kits and the all-important toilet and shovels and toilet paper and shovels and were ready to head into the woods. We may send you a message if we have service but if not we'll talk to you tomorrow take care bye

Juniper Dunes - on the road

We are on the road. 36 scouts and 15 adults. The biggest backpacking trip ever! Just crossed the Columbia. We are headed to Windust Park to stage and prepare for the dunes.

Follow us on SPOT which is on the troop website.
You should be able to see us drive, hike and camp. We will send OK messages from our basecamps.

Kelly, Leo, Calvin and JP say hi from Eastern WA. Were driving highway 26 east to Kahlotus. Find that town on the map. We will camp just south on the Snake River. No cell service at Windust so we will talk to you tomorrow. Your boys, dads and moms of Troop 466 -- OBMSYM

New Scout Final Day

What a beautiful Sunday. Sun is shining, we survived the wind and rain at night and were on a last hike.

We really want to stay but have loaded the cars and it's time to head home.


What a great group of kids and parents. We stopped at a bunker and used our Philmont training for Roses, Thorns and Buds.


Capture the flag, mafia and friends topped the list. Bacon and pop tarts a strong second. Honorable mention was 10 mammals.


We are on the road now. Heading to the ferry. See you soon. What's our next trip?

New Scout Trip Night 2

Team photo at the bunkers. Let's play one more game. We will get that flag for sure this time!



We are heading back to the bunkers after dark. This bunker is smaller with deep interior tunnels and connecting soundproof rooms. We had our filling of dinner and dessert. Hope to get in one last round of midnight mafia by the fire then it's hit the tents. Wind is picking up but ready if it rains. We sure are having fun tonight. Mom's have the ibuprofen ready for the dad's who played a little too hard. Boys are fine.

New Scout Trip Day 2

What a day! The boys woke up at 7AM after finishing three games of mafia till 11:45 last night. Mafia wins again. Sure can't wait till they are 14 and sleep in. Breakfast was done and bacon, pop tarts, eggs and Costco cinnamon rolls were fantastic.

Then it was time for a few hours of rank advancement. Almost all of the tenderfoot requirements finished. The adults and older scouts were great teachers. Wow can Scott fold a flag. We finally have a certified honor guard instructor.


Lunch was complete and we headed to the bunkers for capture the flag. Only injuries were old timers who need to run more. Scouts win again.


We spent an hour at the beach learning how to just relax, build forts, throw rocks and prepare for longer hikes on the Olympic Coast in June.


What a motley crew! Thanks Colter for leading the troop. Our 6'4" Senior Patrol Leader.



I think the boys are ready for more beach time. Don't you?



It's burgers on the grill for the Trailblazer Patrol. Spagetti for the Burritto Boys. Then we will try some after dark capture the flag and midnight mafia. Sweet. The new scouts and parents are a great addition to our troop. Better get to the food before it's all done.



Salad, spegetti and Dutch oven desserts for all!