12 26 July 2014 Troop 746 Pacific Northwest Trip

Out West 2014

            When we chose our location for the Out West trip, I was so excited to find out that we would be going to the Pacific Northwest for two weeks. We got to chose what sights we wanted to see and what activities we wanted to do like whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River, zip lining at the Mt. Hood ski bowl, and hiking at Mt. Rainer. Then we began planning our trip. We had to pack our bags two weeks before our flight so they could be shipped out in a pod. We met that night and packed up the pod with all the troop equipment and personal bags.

Two weeks later we boarded our flight to SEA-TAC for the six-hour flight. We landed, got our rental cars, and drove to our first campsite and set up camp. The next morning, we headed out to Seattle and began sightseeing. We went up the Space Needle, toured the Boeing factory, and the Seattle Underground. On Monday, we packed up camp and headed to the Olympic National Park and the hot springs at Sol Duc. On Tuesday we explored the second half of the park and camped at a different site and visited Ocean City, the West’s Ocean City that is. On Wednesday, we drove to Mt. Rainer and hiked some of the trails in the park. Thursday, we did some more hiking and camped in Rainer for a second night. Friday morning, we packed up camp and began the journey to the desert u- pick and the Maupin Whitewater rafting.

We boarded the bus to head to the launch on the Deschutes River. We were given rafts and guides and began our adventure. I was in a boat with Mrs. Laura and Mr. Dave, Mrs. Kathy, Mr. Jack, and my dad. We paddled well and I got to ride the bull. I sat on the bow of the raft and held a strap and got all the splashing of the rapids. Our guide deemed us worthy of being able to handle the most technical route of the one class IV rapid on the river, otherwise know as “Hard Right”. Our guide tucked his hat into his PFD and gave a short prayer, a sign of what was ahead. We pushed off and headed in. Our entry was spot on and we dropped well. We were told to come out of hiding and begin paddling. We paddled hard but were sucked into the rapid in a rare phenomenon known as a resurf. We were sucked back and instantly lost Mrs. Laura. We pushed out and began spinning, and lost Mr. Dave followed by my dad and Mr. Jack. We resurfed a third and final time and escaped finally. Only Mrs. Kathy, Fredo our guide, and myself remained. We pulled Mr. Jack and Mrs. Laura in and began to paddle downstream to recover the last two crew members. We all survived without any major injury and a great story to tell at home.

We camped in Maupin and headed out early the next morning to the Mt. Hood Ski Bowl for lots of summer fun. We go karted, zip lined, bungee bounced, and mini golfed. At that time, half of the adult leaders left to fly home after the first week. We bid farewell and headed to the Astoria KOA to be greeted by 11 dry cabins and washing machines awaiting the scouts of troop 746. We did laundry and went to bed late. The next morning, we packed up and headed to Camp Meriwether. Named after the famous Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition, they have a full-scale replica of the Fort Clatsop, black powder rifles, and many more fun activities. We immensely enjoyed out stay there.

Early Saturday morning, we headed to Mt. St. Helens and the Airport for our red eye flight home. We rode to the parking lot and were welcomed back home by our families. It was a great trip and a memorable experience for years to come. Thanks to Mr. Erik, Mrs. Laura, and all of the adults who helped plan the great trip!

James

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