Isle Royale 1999
Troop 820
Day 1
Friday August 13 1999
Left Sheboygan 9:24am
79 F overcast
Excitement is at a high level as we are just realizing this trip is a reality. A storm that hasn't materialized is supposed to pass us tonight. We should have good weather. Jeremy's mom called just as we started the vehicles. Pack weights - Keith 45lbs, Ben 35lbs, Ryan 34lbs, Jeremy 32lbs, Lalasa 39lbs, Arius 41lbs.
10:30am Green Bay 68 F cloudy
Feels like fall
3:00pm 60 F
Time change to eastern time zone as we enter the upper peninsula of Michigan. The sun is out with beautiful cumulus clouds and a strong west wind. Trees trees and more trees. We've spotted wild turkey and great blue heron.
6:00pm
Arrived at Fort Wilkins state park 'organizational' campground. Our site is on Lake Fanny Hooe. Beautiful area. Dinner of tinfoil wrapped veggies and meat. Ben and Lalasa also had mud wrapped potatoes. Fresh salad with dressing and smores rounded out the meal. Bed at 10:00pm
Day 1 Dave Kuckuk
Going for Eagle
Some of my best life memories have come from Scouting. My first introduction to Boy Scouts was while I was still in Cub Scouts and I was invited to go with my older brother on a Boy Scout campout. In those days trenching was still a commonly employed practice to keep rain out from our floorless, canvas pup tents. The tents, also without doors, seemed to be a regular thoroughfare for June Beetles as they weaved their way under our sleeping bags. Although the trenching technique kept streams of water from rushing into the tent, it did nothing to prevent the steady drop, drop, drip through our roof.
While camping that weekend a number of scouts were working on their Cooking Merit Badge. The scout leaders required the boys to fry a pancake and with a spatula, flip it up and over a clothesline and catch the pancake back in the pan. One young scout gave his a flip and the pancake got caught on the line. The pancake began to stretch until it was about two feet long on both sides of the line. The scout began to cry because he wouldn't get his merit badge. However, the scout leader informed him that, "Anybody that can make a pancake that will stick to your ribs like that one stretched has got to be a good cook."
On a long winter hike one day, the troop discovered that one of its scouts was developing what seemed to be frost bite. As it turned out the scout had opted to wear football shoes thinking that the cleats would provide much better traction in the snow. Not only did they not provide traction they also provided no insulation value either. Another valuable lesson learned by our troop that day.
As I progressed in scouting I realized the Eagle award was attainable. I did work hard to get it which my family and I were proud of, but I learned that the work was not finished by earning the award. The real challenge has been living up to the Scout Oath and Scout Law on a daily basis. I expect that those of you who pursue the rank of Eagle will find as I have that living up to your award may be as challenging as is getting it in the first place.
With all these challenges you may be wondering if it is worth attempting. A sapling can not be a strong and healthy tree unless if is struggles against high wings, pelting rain, and freezing winter. A youth can not grow to be a valuable, productive citizen unless challenged with high standards and morals. The Eagle award gives you a standard by which to live the remainder of your life. The rewards you will receive for maintaining these high standards are priceless.
