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.

We have thoroughly enjoyed Neely Henry reservoir and the hospitality that the Wooley’s provided.  Fun was had skiing, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, swimming and playing king of the float.  Beautiful weather and several completed the water sports merit badge. Yummy lunch re-energized those burning up calories in the water.

I can’t believe we will be heading home in the morning, it has been a fantastic week. The weather was ideal with cool nights and beautiful sunny days. The scouts are worn out as each one logged in an average of 5-7 miles of walking per day. Our first year scouts completed their Mountain Man course with a ceremony and new shirts to celebrate (see pic below). After lunch everyone enjoyed their last afternoon of free time and spent every last nickel they had on junk from the Trading Post. After our bbq dinner we attended the closing campfire to conclude the week. Hopefully everyone will shower tonight so we can hit the road first thing in the morning. Be prepared for lots of dirty laundry. Until next year………

Day 5 was a busy one that started with a 5:30am polar bear plunge, we had a few brave scouts who participated. After morning classes and a delicious chicken sandwich lunch we ventured to the climbing tower for bouldering, climbing and rappelling. Then it was our troop’s turn to clean the bathhouse, I was amazed by some of the cleaning skills. Then we wrapped up the day with free time, dinner and a campfire. One more day to go!

We are rocking and rolling as the scouts are knocking out their merit badge requirements and dominating free time with rifle shooting, swimming and hatchet/knife throwing, archery, playing cards and buying junk food at the trading post. Other highlights: we broke out into patrols at each grade level and elected leaders, some of our scouts attended a flag retirement ceremony with 21 shotgun salute. Some cool wildlife has been spotted such as deer, racoon, and bats. We picked up the church bus from the repair shop and it’s ready for our trip back to Birmingham. For the record each scout has showered at least once. Two more days to go!