Fire Mountain Fishing - Day 3

The troop woke up bright and early to eat our last breakfast here at Fire Mountain.  Luckily the weather held out for our entire trip.  We broke down our camp and got in one last game of "blob ball" before we got ready to hit the road for home.  Our plans are to stop at the Tulalip Outlet Mall food court for lunch then head home to meet our families at our regular time.  See you back in North Bend!

Fire Mountain Fishing – Day 2

After a good night’s rest the boys woke up bright and early to start their day of fishing. The patrols began to prepare their meals they planned as a group prior to the troop.  It felt a bit like we had a bit of everything: cinnamon rolls, breakfast casserole, bacon, eggs, pancakes.

 

Even…Pop Tarts…

After a quick cleanup, the boys grabbed their fishing polls and set out on getting prepared to head to the docks and start their day of fishing.

 

Once ready we hiked to Kelcema Beach and began our day of fishing off of the docks and beaches here at Fire Mountain.  While there were several groups around, it still feels like we have a private run of the camp.  Mr. Haycock jumped in and took the first round of managing the technical aspects of the fishing trip, ensuring each boy had their lures tied up properly and ensuring their equipment operated properly.

 

After a bit of a refresher lesson on cinch knots and casting, the boys were off to their places, fishing amongst one another hoping to catch their fish for the day.

…and then it happened…  Our first fish of the day!  This puppy came in at 2 pounds.  What a catch!

What happened next could only be described as…fish fever!

 

Around 40 fish were caught before noon and a total of 83 were caught for the day.  Many folks volunteered to catch a fish for our vegetarian Assistant Scoutmaster, of which he is reported to have caught 6 fish in total (by proxy).

There’s really only one thing you can do with all of that fish – have a fish fry of course!  The troop headed back to camp and had fish several ways, including battered veggies and fish for all.

As the day ends, we head back to the campfire and reflect upon a great day of sportsmanship and scouting.  Stay tuned for more news from camp!

Fire Mountain Fishing – Day 1

Wow, what a wonderful weekend of weather ahead of us!  After a short haul through Friday evening traffic, we finally made it to the Fire Mountain campsite outside of Mt. Vernon.

Although it was a short hike in, we found a sympathetic camp host which allowed our drivers to bring our gear closer to our camp.  Unfortunately for the boys and some of the Scoutmasters, we had to hike. The setting here is beautiful – warm winds, still waters and epic landscapes.

 

Luckily our campsite was named “War Eagle”, which made us feel even more manly as we set our for our grand fishing weekend.  Although there were several groups at the camp, we felt like we were all alone in the back end of the camp.  The boys grouped as patrols and started to set up camp.  After a short while, camp was set up and we gathered firewood for a grand campfire.


While some of the Venture Crew started working on the fire, we started a few rounds of midnight mafia. With such a large group, we had a large population of mafia in the crowd.  The first group was able to seek out and identify the mafia, however in the second round the citizens weren’t as lucky.  After that, we headed to our tents, hammocks and tarps and to get ready for a great day of fishing.  Stay tuned for updates from the dock!

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