Troop 49 left OLPH at 8:10 Saturday morning for Barryville, NY, arriving there around 10:00, despite the Co-Scoutmasters missing the exit for I-84 (They claimed they were discussing troop strategy).

We suited up, reviewed basic water safety guidelines, and after listening to the river guide's (Who was an Eagle Scout) instructions, hit the water at 11:10. 8 people were in rafts, 5 in single kayaks, and 6 in 2-man canoes.

The water was at a relatively high-level and provided for a lot of fun navigating the rough spots.

After a few river "battles" with water guns, splashing, etc, we stopped for lunch at 12:45. The weather cooperated with us throughout the day and even provided a few brief glimpses of sun. 

A few more river battles ensued before we arrived at the Indian Head Canoe base camp and disembarked about 2:30.  We also provided them with a fully inflated spare tire, found by one of the scouts on the river.

Afterwards, we got into dry clothes and set up camp. Prior to dinner some of the younger scouts worked on their requirements for Tenderfoot with the older scouts.

Dinner - young scouts had homemade beefaroni prepared by Lucas Dishian and assisted by William Fern, which was sampled by the adults.  The senior scouts all worked together to peel potatoes and prepare dinner which they cooked in foil packets.  The adults were treated to sumptious chicken chili and salad from the kitchen of Dan "Emeril" Fern, making his cooking debut for Troop 49. This was after some excellent appetizers and was followed by homemade chocolate chip cookies. The troop was served in the morning with Kona coffee, Dan's own personal blend.

Some of the scouts did a little shopping in the camp store. The scouts all played manhunt together after dinner, and hung around the fire when it got dark. They entertained themselves with color flame "pellets" purchased in the store. 

Rain started around 8:30, and got heavier as the night wore on, accompanied by sporadic thunder and lightning. Luckily the scouts set up a tarp which they hung out under before retiring to bed.  Most went in early due to the rain.  A few scouts in Troop 49 tents got pretty soaked and ended up in one of the trucks to warm up.

The Troop awoke around 7:00 and departed approximately 9:30. Breakfast was followed by cleaning up the campsite, and packing up soggy tents.  

Respectively submitted, May 17, 2009

Jim Folkerts

Paul Zakzrewski