This May, Troop 581 returned to the Shenandoah River for a 20 mile canoeing excursion. After checking in with the Shenandoah River Outfitters Friday night, we staked our claim in their campsite and readied ourselves for a weekend adventure. Originally, our plan was to paddle the first 12 miles on Saturday with all our gear, camp overnight in one of the open campsites along the river and then paddle the remaining distance on Sunday. However an initial check determined that there was no space available along the way. So, the plan changed to paddling the entire trip on Saturday with a bus ride back to our campsite for the night.
After a quick breakfast Saturday morning, we collected our gear and got fitted for personal flotation devices, paddles and helmets. The outfitters then bused us to our launch site. Two by two the Scouts and leaders took to their canoes and headed down river.
We had great weather for the day. All along the river, there was plenty of scenery to take in. There was also lots of wild life to see including turtles, snakes and assorted birds. A bald eagle even soared overhead for part of our trip! There was also a stop along the river for a lunch break. The Shenandoah River is not particularly fast but there are a series of class 1 rapids and one class 2 rapid that, in past trips, has caused us to capsize several canoes. But this year, the Scouts of Troop 581 showed their skills on the water and we had no problems.
The 20-mile trip took all day but we were able to get to the end of the trip to catch the last bus back to the campsite. A long day of paddling leaves you hungry so back in camp, the patrols got busy making dinner. After settling down, we all got a good night’s sleep.
On Sunday morning, all that was left to do was to eat a quick breakfast, pack up and check out. Once again, Troop 581 had a great time on the Shenandoah River!
Submitted by Erik Weaver, Assistant Scoutmaster
Post Script. After leaving the campsite, most Scouts had an uneventful trip home. However, even the best plans can go bad. Upon leaving, the truck pulling the troop trailer took a wrong turn and very quickly found itself on a one lane dirt path through the wilderness of Virginia. What the GPS showed as a road that led home was in actuality, a very narrow dirt path blocked by many downed trees. Luckily, with Mr. Khalamayzer’s driving skills and the help of several Scouts, we were able to back the trailer up to a place where we could turn it around and head home. Never give up. A Scout is Cheerful and with smiles on our faces, we finally made our way home. Great job Troop 581!
