Boy Scout Troop 648 Scottsdale, Arizona

Six scouts and their adult leaders set out to backpack into the Fossil Springs Wilderness area at the confluence of the Tonto and Coconino National Forests. The trailhead starts out on Deadman Mesa west of Strawberry, and drops steeply down 1,500 feet into the Fossil Creek Canyon below over 4 miles of exposed switchbacks. Once in the canyon, however, the reward is access to another of Arizona’s spectacular riparian areas.

Seven T648 hikers headed out for a weekend camping in one of the most spectacular riparian wildernesses in Arizona smack dab during peak fall color season. A thrilling 4 mile one-way hike was highlighted by seven challenging boulder-hopping crossings of Parson Creek before reaching the headwaters shaded by brilliant sycamores and a large wild black walnut tree.

T648’s scouts left our hot Valley on Labor Day weekend, extending a base camp into a very cool 4 day outing to Jacob’s Lake on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah. Spending time at 8,000+ feet is exactly where a boy scout wants to be at the end of a scorching Arizona summer!

Eight scouts and 3 1/2 adults (an 18 year old Eagle spent 4 days with us) enjoyed a glorious week at BSA Camp Fiesta Island, which sits on beautiful Enchanted Cove in temperate San Diego. The T648 desert dwellers spent most of the week in the water, whether swimming or utilizing every boat and board imaginable. A wonderful respite from the heat, excellent food and fellowship, and an unparalleled haul of merit badges and experiences to show for it!

Rub-a-dub-dub, 5 big bubba scouts in a motorized raft ride low in the water

Who’s your buddy? We all are! Almost expecting a chorus line kick to break out during flag practice.

Everybody landed multiple Rockfish – to the tune of 36 caught by T648 with 22 keepers!

Five scouts and three adults braved forecasted wind, rain and chilly conditions for an early spring trip to Sedona red rock country.  Due to changes in Coconino Forest dispersed camping policy (Sedona has been discovered by the world and overrun) we found dispersed camping outside of Cottonwood instead with a beautiful view of Jerome on Mingus Mountain, and then shuttled bikes and vehicles the next day to get an awesome 4+ mile mountain bike ride safely completed within the shadows of Bell Rock.  We hadn’t noticed much wind on the trails, but when we returned late afternoon to camp, the tents had either blown down or taken on buckets of sand.  The evening meals were as spectacular as breakfasts had been, and with tired legs and behinds (and a winter storm threat looming), it was soon to bed after dusk.  The fireworks began after midnight with 70 mph winds rattling tents, a drop in temp to the mid 30’s, and driving rain.  Morning dawned cloudy and calm, with powdered sugar covering the surrounding mountains, and wet red clay clinging to everything in camp.  A quick pack-up had us all very satisfied with yet another excellent T648 adventure, and heading home to try and launder / dry out messy Sedona-red gear and bodies.  We’re looking forward to going underground next month.  Peppersauce Caves are calling!   

T648’s conquering bike heroes take a bow!