Epic Trip for Scout BSA Troop 1776

Last month, Joseph, Jacob, Victor, Siddarth, Jiachen, Johnathan, Colin, and Kyle of Troop 1776 Scouts BSA, based in Neshanic, along with adult leaders Mr. Wei Jiang and Mr. John O'Brien, departed on a two week high-adventure trip to Haines, Alaska. It was made possible in part by Alaska Mountain Guides, who provided equipment, food, and local expertise.

The natural diversity of Southeast Alaska means there is a wide variety of activities available in one place. After traveling for a day and a half by plane and ferry, the Scouts first experienced sea kayaking, which involved a 3-day paddle along the Chilkat Inlet and camping on the beaches at a different location each night. There was even time for a short hike to a place where they saw the first of many glaciers during the trip. Around the ocean, they saw plenty of wildlife, including a seal, many bald eagles, and bear tracks directly through one of the campsites.

After sea kayaking, they drove to northwest British Columbia for the most anticipated section of the trip: mountaineering. Instead of simply seeing glaciers, the Scouts would climb directly on them. But first, they had to push through a 5-mile hike to the mountaineering base, which involved navigating unmarked and rugged terrain and crossing a river of ice-cold water while carrying packs weighing up to 50 pounds. After first learning safety and basic knots, the Scouts spent the next 3 days on and around the glacier, engaged in activities such as ice climbing and glacier walks. They were extremely fortunate that the weather stayed clear for the whole time, even though the temperature dropped into the 30s when the sun wasn't around.

They spent their last days in Haines engaged in scenic activities, such as fishing or biking, which allowed them to see beautiful landscapes just a few miles outside of town. Some Scouts chose to go fishing for the chance to catch a tasty salmon dinner, while others biked 10 miles to the Chilkoot Weir to hopefully spot bears. Both groups turned out to be extremely fortunate, as they all saw a mother grizzly bear with her 3 cubs as well as an adolescent. The next day, they drove to the southern border of Yukon, where they participated in a 15 mile whitewater rafting journey down the Blanchard and Tatshenshini Rivers. Here, they saw many of the same types of wildlife, including bald eagles and salmon swimming directly under the rafts.

On the last day, the group roamed around town, collected souvenirs, and drove around looking for wildlife before ultimately boarding their ferry back to Juneau, which would begin the long journey back. Overall, this trip presented a once-in-a-lifetime experience with amazing views, lasting memories, but even more importantly an exceptional strengthening of the bond between every member of the crew. The Scouts would like to thank the adult leaders and Alaska Mountain Guides for their hard work that made this trip possible.