Wow, what a great canoe / camping trip we had!

We went to Blake Island State Park which is an island in the Puget Sound. We launched from a beach next to the Southworth ferry dock. We arrived there around 5:30pm and launched a little after 6pm. It was windy and there were waves against us so the trip over was challenging. The boys did a great job! I was really proud of them. I didn't hear any complaining from the kids at all.
After we arrived at the proposed campsite we decided to continue around the island another mile or so, to the camp on the northwest corner of the island. We were glad we did as the camp was right on the beach and was comfortable and nice.

We enjoyed a campfire that night with lots of visiting and story telling. We were visited by deer, racoons, eagles and even a banana slug! (see the pictures)

Aaron Stamps and son were the first out fishing in the am. Jashon and I joined them about 6:30 am. Unfortunately no one caught any fish.

Many of the boys and leaders did a geo cache adventure and hiked over much of the island. they found the cache and enjoyed the adventure.

Later in the morning we went clamming at low tide. Jake Nelson and Jashon Newlun discovered that the huge Gooey Duck clams could be grabbed if you stuck you hand quickly down their hole in the sand. This brought the adults and soon an epic struggle was on. One adult holding desperately to the neck of the clam with his fingertips (Jared Newlun) and one adult (Me) digging around the area to loosen up the sand and allow us to get under the clam. After digging almost 2 feet deep we won the contest!

We headed back for the Southworth beach after the tide turned and we didn't have to fight the current.

The day was completely gorgeous with warm temperatures.

I was very proud of each scout that joined us on this trip. They behaved very responsibly and helped with all the loading, cooking, and camping chores that were needed.

Great Job Everyone!

Scott Smith