On September 21-22, our troop spent the night in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest around Swift Reservoir, North of Cougar Washington. We launched our canoes at the Swift Forest camp ground, and paddled about 2 miles across the lake and set camp in a primitive area.

The boy's spent a lot of time playing in the water, canoeing, and running around on the floating log pile near our camp. Joe Head brought two of his Sea Kayaks along and let the boy's paddled them around. This was a big hit with everyone. We had a nice campfire Saturday evening, telling stories and just visiting. We were also entertained by Levi, heating up a piece of scrap iron in the fire, then sizzling it out in the lake. When we first arrived, the mosquitoes were terrible, but as evening came and the next day, they weren't bad at all. Bob Vore and Peter Blundell brought their motor boats and let many of the boy's drive, lots of fun. The food was good, and so was the company.

The canoe outings are a favorite with all the boy's and adults, we had 27 folks, a nice turn out. If you didn't make this outing, be sure to try to make our next one.

                                            In Scouting,

                                                     Vince