Troop 79 had a memorable campout and backpacking trip to the Pinhoti Trail system near Cheaha State Park and the Cheaha Wilderness of the Talladega National Forest. We were fortunate enough to have 7 adults accompany the 17 Scouts so we split up into some different trails based on experience and time available during the weekend. One group began at Lake Chinabee and followed the Chinabee Silent Trail for 6 miles uphill to join the Pinhoti and then followed the Pinhoti for 3 miles to camp at McDill Point. A second group of scouts started at the Cheaha Park trailhead followed the ridge line across Hernandez peak and went directly to McDill Point. Our first time backpackers traversed the Cave Creek trail system and covered between 5 and 50 miles (depending on the accounts!) and camped along the trail. Conditions at McDill point were very windy and cool which made for some memorable hammock and tent camping and meal preparations. The Cave Creek crew found their campsite provided a bit of shelter from the wind and had a campfire. Everyone enjoyed their freeze dried Beef Stroganoff for dinner. Scouts logged between 5 and 10 miles and emerged with a few memories that they will hopefully carry with them as they Follow the Trail.

Day three included classes on reptile study, woodcarving, environmental science and emergency preparedness. Everyone had a blast during afternoon free time. Swimming, Archery and rifle shooting were the most popular activites and of course Ga-Ga ball. Dinner was red beans and rice with sausage, pretty tasty.  The church bus was hauled off to get new tires for us to break in on the drive home Saturday.  

Day 2 was a success.  The first half of the day was spent in classes. The younger scouts worked on their swimming merit badge and mountain man requirements. The older scouts went to classes on chess, cooking, communications and citizenship plus about a dozen more.  By one o’clock we were heading by bus to one of the nearby scenic rivers for rafting.  Five of the older scouts went to the Ocoee River in Tennessee and the other 18 scouts went to the Nantahala River in North Carolina.    Rafting is more than refreshing thrills and spills. We started off with learning the importance of teamwork by carrying the raft to the launch sites and then learn the importance of communication and coordination as we follow instructions from our guide so that we safely navigate the best and biggest white water the river could throw at us.  Boatloads of fun were had with the blue skies, sunshine cool water and rapids. No complaints about summer heat with waves crashing down on us. Those who chose to  voluntarily swim in the Nantahala speculated that the water might have sourced from an Antarctic ice berg about the size of Delaware.

The temps around camp have been delightful with lows in the upper 50s and highs in the 80’s- which makes for great sleeping and socializing around the campsite.  The boys are eating well and plowing through the snacks between meals.

 Sunday began with rain as we loaded the van.  We had clear skies  and sunshine as we drove on the interstate. We put the pressure on a Subway staff for 25 sandwiches and  salads at our lunch stop. Smooth sailing from there was interrupted with minor delay. Two miles from our destination part of our tire came apart on the van but since it wasn’t flat we slowed down and limped into camp. As soon  as we arrived at camp we were greeted by the friendly staff and  a downpour of rain.  After the rain passed we unloaded our gear and were off to take our swim test. Swimming was followed by dinner and a camp fire, fireworks, skits, songs and introductions.  All is well as  we listen to crickets and katidids through the canvas tents. Whew!    Bear with us as we post a few pictures during the week.