Shot in the Dark

Ok. Sorry for the lack of updates lately. I should have posted something about Cantigny. That will be forthcoming

However, here’s a little info about the latest camping trip

A shot in the dark…….(pictures forthcoming)

Note to self (and all the other scouts and parents) – not matter where or what the trip ALWAYS BRING A FLASH LIGHT!! (Oh and see if you can book your campsites a little earlier!)

Here’s the deal, we booked the site so late – parents get your permission slips back sooner – that we could only get 2 “walk in sites”. We weren’t quite sure what that meant, but we didn’t expect what we got.

Now, even though we left at a reasonable hour, we literally SAT on 294 for a good 1 1/2 hours before it cleared up. This meant that once we got to the site, we would once again be setting up in the dark. I think that the only time we are not setting up in the dark (of course I am in the dark most of the time mentally, but that’s a different story), is White Pines and Napowan. UGH – Thus the need for flashlights…..BE PREPARED!! Last yera we did get to use the lights from our cars and that made things MUCH easier. No such luck this year.

“Walk in Site” means just that..a LONG walk to your campsite. AND since we only had a few flashlights, we had to walk in groups. Ok, I’m all for camaraderie, but the trail was about a block long and was loaded with big rocks and ruts. Oh did I mention mosquitos, chipmonks and other varmints? OH and one last thing, it was hunting season. Guess when they hunt for Raccoon? Yep, at night. Ok Mom’s your kids weren’t in danger from hunters ( no hunting allowed in the camping areas), but we would hear the occasional shot way off in the distance – when we weren’t huffing and puffing from all the gear we had to lug. One more thing, since we had too many boys, they could not accommodate us in one site. We had to get 2 smaller ones and we could only setup up 3 tents at each site. OH – hey weren’t right next to each other either.

To make a long story short, we did not get done setting up and unloaded until almost 11 pm. Nice huh? AND right as we were unloading, several other campers showed up and took up all the parking spaces that were left. “So what” you might ask? Well, I thought we would treat the boys to some fun on the water and brought my boat. This worked well, because we were able to put almost all the supplies in the boat and cover it up. Except, where were we going to leave it? Since the other cars kinds of blocked us in, it looked to be a fun morning trying to get out.

Heard enough bad stuff? (No good deed goes unpunished). Day/Night 1 was not turning out well. (NOTE: One of the reasons I love camping so much is that I sleep so well at night – not sure about everyone else, but you ALL should join us if for no reason other than this). This, by the way, was some of the best sleeping weather we have had camping all year.

Ok, we awoke to a glorious morning in a the middle of a wonderful pine forest. The boys all chipped in to help make a great breakfast – thanks to Mr. Wiechec for the shopping. Sausage, eggs, and hash browns. Delicious. I think most of the boys have now completed the cooking requirements all the way up to first class. So mom and dad, when your scout says he does not know how to cook, don’t believe a word of it. They all do a great job.

Plans for the day were set – hike in the morning, then on the boat tubing. We did about 5 miles on the ice age trail, which is quite hilly at parts. The weather was perfect – not to hot, no need for a coat. About the only threat we encountered was a nasty hive of Yellow Jackets, who seemed not to like a few of our scouts. We did come across a hunter, and I don’t think he wasn’t aware we were coming – Adam was near the front and talking as always. I think he forewarned the entire county!

Lunch was awesome – sandwiches etc – and off to the lake. John K. helped me put it in the water, but for the 2nd time in 10 years, I forgot to put the plug in. We didn’t sink, but the pump to get rid of the excess water was attached to the other battery, which is dead. OK after a little work, we dried out and went to get our first tubing victim – ooops, I mean participant. All the boys at first we a little cautious, but they soon started signaling “faster” which we of course obliged. I even went for a tube – thanks Mr. Mazur. It was loads of fun. Whitewater lake is a nice little hideaway if you ever want to go boating. The boys all thought they could hang on, but I managed to dunk em all – Justin was tough to knock off, and Evan and the most spectacular wipe out of all. He looked like he did a complete 360 into the lake. They all came up smiling and most wanted to keep going. If anyone has water ski’s I would be happy to bring them and let the boys try that next year.

There was a little beach there as well. And a fishing dock. Sorry I don’t think any were caught, but they had a great time at the lake nonetheless.

After all this activity, we went back to camp for dinner – tacos were the main course. Great meal once again – although we had a little accident where someone managed to knock over an entire pan of meat!! We had PLENTY LEFT.

Since there were 2 sites and not enough room for everyone around the one campfire, we kind of split up. It didn’t really matter this time, since most of the boys were so exhausted that some were sleeping after 8:30.

While the clean up was quick and easy, the boy’s still had to lug all their stuff back to the car’s (UPHILL NOW) the next morning. Everything went well on the way back and we were back before noon. I hope we were able to deliver a very well exercised boy back to you – I heard they all had loads of homework, so I m sure they wanted to do nothing but study, right?

Our next camping trip will be the over night in the PMC sometime in October. Then the next event will be Eagle Cave. Your scout will not want to miss this one. It will be loads of fun. Exploring a cave is an experience I have never forgotten. This is a really cool place. And the food is included!!! Look for your permission slips on this one and send it in asap.

Don’t forget to join us on Facebook – Go to “Troop 175 Niles”.

Upcoming events

Just a quick note for all the scouts and scout parents – coming up the weekend of August 21st we will be camping out at Cantigny in Wheaton Il. Along with camping we will have an opportunity to work on the fly fishing merit badge. Make sure you bring in your completed permission slips this Monday.

Also one “kind of” big event coming in January – I know its far off. We are planning on camp IN Eagle Cave Wisconsin which is about 1 hour west of Madison. You will not be disappointed with this place. I was there as a scout and I still remember great times we had there. The cost is $50 per person and we will need confirmation and payment by November. This includes all meals! You can get more info on Eagle Cave here http://www.eaglecave.net/

Lastly, if you would like pictures of any of our campouts this year, email me at greg.cieply@gmail.com and I would be happy to share them with you.

Splork

 

We made pretty good time starting this year, so good that when we arrived we were surprised to see that the gate to the parking lot was closed. (Since Mr. Mazur was not joining us, I suspect that the absence of his Scout Master “send off” talk had something to do with our speedy departure). But did we get there too early this year? Well it turns out we kind of did. The counselors start their weeks on Sunday at noon with a meeting that can last 45 minutes. They were just breaking up and we had to have one of them quickly come and open the gate…..This was great because it meant that we wouldn’t have to wait in the long health inspection line again this year……except ….since they did the inspections at the new dining pavilion, we would have to walk over there and lo and behold, we were far from first!! Seems we didn’t get that memo.

However, the new dining hall looks very nice,

 

 

but we weren’t looking forward to another 2 hour wait to check in like last year. Someone must have heard the complaints and they seem to have made some changes. This year only took about 30 minutes.

In all my years of camping at Napowan – 3 as a scout and now 2 as a leader – I can’t say that I EVER remember it being COLD there! Global warming, El Nino, or whatever, this was definitely not a normal year. Although I might not have been the only one shivering on Sunday night, overall I think the boys were happy that they didn’t have to trek all over camp dripping in sweat like years past. One drawback was the swim test. Even though the water was warmer than the outside air, the line to get our buddy tags was COOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLDDD. Anyone who didn’t pass can simply blame the weather – the wind was blowing rather good, making for some chop in the swim area.

All was not lost as we got back to camp early and were able to set up and relax before dinner and the fire bowl.

 
TENT ROW

Still, quite a long day nonetheless. We were once again in Souix A. While in years past this was an excellent location due to its proximity to the dining tent, we now have to walk up the road to get to the hall for meals. Compared to other locations, I think we are still in a good place. We also noted that they have removed a couple of the large pine trees in our site ( must have been termites ). This allowed us to put up the other fly in “leader land” and this came in quite handy.

 

 

Leader Land fly

 

 

Our first fire of the week was a roaring success – thanks Mr. B.

We were also reminded of how clear the skies are up here in the evenings. Great place for all future astronomer!

 

 

Some of the boys didn’t really care about the stars – the chess set was a huge success this year and there always seemed to be a wait to get a turn

As we awoke the next morning, we heard reports that we had some visitors in the night. Apparently some raccoons decided to join us and see why we didn’t invite them to our cracker barrel. That explained the strange noises in the night!

Monday saw the boys off to start on all their merit badges and the weather was great

Ok, Verona had a really lame cheer this year – probably because Little John was no longer there : Verona – “Anchor Everything” ( because it’s windy there). I pointed this out to a few of the counselors there and they said they might change it to: “Verona We’re Artsy Fartsy”.

Mark N, doing his play for theater!

 

Basketry, always a favorite.

Look who joined in this year.

Someone really likes Basketry:

Jimmy Connelly went for the Horseman Ship badge this year, which required him to go offsite to the LuWisMo camp next door. He had loads of fun and he earned the badge.

 

 

I’m having SOOO much fun at NAPOWAN.I want to live there!!

Rocket man

 

Our Chain Gang (Service project- Sorry Mr. Mazur, no tornado chasing this year)

We had a new friend join us this year, her name was “Susie”. Susie was a little token that when given to a leader or counselor, required them to sing a song at lunch time to the entire camp. Mr. B was a very excited recipient of the token one day and treated us to the “Worm Eating” song.

 

We think he might be considering giving this as his next sermon.

He was a big hit.

That evening we saw our little furry neighbors return for a quick bite to eat BEFORE we turned in for the night. Not to fear, Guitar man came to the rescue – Andrew Cichon chased them away with his guitar.

Many scouts signed up for the fishing merit badge this year which required them to catch and release 1 fish and catch, clean and eat one other one. And once again we had the spectacle of “fish surgery” at the camp site, complete with loads of EEEEWWWWW’s and “look his head is still moving after you cut it off!!” Who doesn’t love scout camp?

Wednesday saw a repeat of the five mile hike with the promise of “steak and eggs” at the halfway point. Three new scouts and a few old leaders joined in. Troop 175 made it back first, but was exhausted to boot!

Many of the boys did aquatic merit badges, including swimming, lifesaving and water sports. I heard that one of our boys tried water skiing for the first time ever – all I heard was “It was a blast”!!

The nature area was once again very popular – Nature Rules. Nature so rules!

 

Ask your scout if he hugged any trees!

One of our camp site requirements was to create a camp gadget, little did we know that a clothes line qualified – yes Mom they did practice a little hygiene ( over 100 showers this year)

Another Great Year at Napowan with a great bunch of scouts!!!

Are We There Yet?

Are We There Yet ??

It never ceases to amaze me how bad traffic is leaving Chicago on a Friday. No matter the time of year, it always seems like even if we get an early start, we spend at least 1 hour in traffic. Well, at least the boys get a chance to eat and we don’t have to stop

….NOT…Although this time we did make it all the way to Belvedere. Parents, you should all be proud of your son’s bladder control (is there a merit badge for that? If so, I would like my son to earn that one for the next road trip!!)

 Nice thing about camping at this time of year, we don’t have to keep the campsite illuminated with our car headlights. Tents were up before dark this time. Drawback – Friday night, sugary snacks, none of the boy’s wanted to go to sleep before 11. Note to parents, in addition to sending them with a snack dinner, a strong bladder,  consider relieving your volunteer leaders by making your son take a long hike the day of the trip….

 

Waking up the next morning we found a bunch of scouts raring to go – some as early as 530 am because of a ring tone alarm from their phone!!! (no electronics boys!!!)

 

For any of you parents who have never been to White Pines before, the neat thing about getting to our camp site is that you have to cross a creek in your car. Unfortunately, the creeks were so high that we had to use the back entrance

  

 Here you can get a good look at the creek. Which was right behind our campsite – below: 

  

Luckily we were the only ones in the whole Youth Campsite area.

 

Nice little foot bridge – not sure who made it…..?????? hehehehe

 

Our plans for a hike were almost quashed as well because of the high water levels. The trail we wanted to take crossed the river 3 times without a bridge, but we found another one to traverse.

 

On this hike we were fortunate to have come upon a spot in the park where they had planted a multitude of trees and lo and behold, the boys who needed to identify the 10 native plants for rank advancement got it done!

 Later in the day we drove to Dixon Illinois to see Ronald Reagan’s boyhood home.

  

This seems to be a regular trip for the troop. I had never been there, and it was really neat to see it.  

Ok I got to meet him. We had a nice chat!

 

The boys had to settle for a statue!!

Believe it or not, the former Prez was a little smart alec as a teen and we even arrested once for a comment he made to a policeman. 

 

As always, on most of our camp outs, the food is awesome and overflowing (From the looks of the boys below, they act like this is the last supper!!)

 

Later that night……….What would a campout be without fire? 

 

 What gives? Where’s the fire???

 

 

 Here we go. Lets roast some hot dogs!!!

 

 Don’t mess with my hot dog!!

 

Yum!!!!!

 

 

“Can I have another???”

Well, another thing that most of our camp outs seem to NEVER do with out is a storm! And true to form we got a good one. Not to long after the picture above, the temperature dropped about 15 degrees, the sky darkened, and we high tailed it to the cars right behind us. Normally we would just ask the boys to stay in their tents, however there were reports that 60 mph gusts were on the way. All we ended up with was LOTS a rain, a few scared scouts and some concerned parents calling various cell phones. (note AT&T doesn’t seem to work there)

The worst part of it all was that the rain lasted just long enough to put out most of our fires – we had 2. We were able to re-light one of the fires, but the charcoal was a tough nut to crack.

  

One for the peach cobbler – perfection.

 We did come up with an interesting way to stoke a fire though (thanks Matt S.) – the fan you use to blow up your air mattress. Sounds like cheating, but guess what, we were PREPARED – and now dry!

 

Well after a day like that, it wasn’t too hard to get them to sleep by 9:30 – thank God!! And they needed all the rest they could get for Sunday. Horseback riding is always a big hit.

 

 

Get along little doggies

 

 

We have lots more pictures if you wish to see them, email me and I will share them with you from my web album

 We leave for Napowan July 12^th. I’m sure we all cant wait!!!

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I would not read them on a Mac

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I doubt I‘ll win the lottery

Or  want to eat any berry

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I ’m so very glad I can help.

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Suuuuueey, Here Piggy Piggy Piggy

SUUUUEEEY SUUUUUEEEY, Here Piggy, Piggy , Piggy……………………..
Maybe the reason the low turnout to Baraboo was that no one knew what they were really missing? Parents, for those boys who didn’t go, ask them if they knew that they might have a chance to wrestle a REAL pig? How could any kid from an urban area like Niles pass on a chance like this HUH? I know some of you had events you had to attend – prom, graduation, etc, but come on!! How many times in your life will you ever get to wrestle a pig? DUH!!!

Look at the smiles on their faces. And imagine the stories they will have to tell their Grandkids one day –
“back in recession of 2009 we had to battle a ferocious wild boar just to get a meal!!! Loads of people were clamoring to catch the same thing we were. Oh what a SWINE time we had trying to get some bacon…… If only our beloved Scoutmaster could have seen us. We know he would have been so proud! And he would finally know that we don’t even come close to resembling pigs, or eating like them!!

MMMMMMMMM!!!!! Breakfast………………

Ok. So maybe your kids did know what they were missing, but I’ll bet that they didn’t have any idea that they would be getting an excuse for the rest of their lives for goofing off. Yes you heard that right, an EXCUSE for goofing off. If your scout is reading this, let them know what they missed. You see, the boys that attended were given permanent “Clown Status” which is kind of like a get out of jail free card. See below:

See any of your boys on the wall? – with Matt Swaner waiting to be transformed! Next time the “signs up” admonition rears its head, the boys only need to show this picture and they will have an excuse for their loud misbehaving antics! (ok not really but you get the point).

Even some of the leaders tried to get in the game. Check out this Clown – .Look at the attention to detail on the red nose and cheeks. He’s a true professional.

Check some other clowns below:

I even see a retired one in the background. It was so much fun that they keep coming back years later!!

Just waiting for some greasepaint………..

This clown we called HAPPY: ( funny but he doesn’t look happy)

OK. It was actually not all fun and games. However, the weather wasn’t too bad. I understood that almost every year it rains on this weekend and surprisingly we got very little of that. BUT as always with, camping in May, its hit or miss. So if it wasn’t rain, it had to be…………..
A. Cold
B. Heat
C. Fog
D. Wind
E. A and D
Correct answer E! Add some noise – if you have been there before you will know that we sleep in the fairgrounds, which is smack dab in the middle to town. For some reason – I just don’t know why – but the people in that part of the country seem to enjoy staying up late and driving around at all hours. Must be something in the water. Some are even prone to honking their horns all up and down the roads in the middle of the night. Must be something in the water They sure seem to be happy for some reason. Must be something in the water ( hops and ale?).
Well I had fun and I’m sure all the boys did too. Chances like this only come around once. Don’t miss the next one! White Pines is just around the corner.

Greg Cieply

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