05/15/2001 - Positive response from the boys and adults makes the decision to go easy. Two adults and six boys (with one alternate) are compiled into a crew roster which is distributed by email.
05/21/2001 - The reservation is made by phone for the crew.
05/22/2001 - The tour is officially announced at the troop Court of Honor.
05/2002 - One boy and the alternate are unable to go on the trip. The trek contingent ends being Mr. Tom Hock, Mr. George Painter, Jesse, Greg, Philip, Alexander, Courtney and Austin.
06/12,19/2002 - Canoe skills training is held at Lake Crabtree.
07/02/2002 - Trek preparation and portaging practice is held at the pond at Heartwood.
07/05/2002 - The crew of six boys and the two adults leave at 1:30 pm on a Northwest flight for Minneapolis. There, the adults rent two cars, drive to Duluth, where they have dinner and spend the night in Aurora, Minnesota, near Grand Marais.
07/06/2002 - The crew drives to the base in Ely and checks in.
Outfitting
- Swim Tests - The boys and adults needed to pass the BSA swimmer test and be signed off by an a life guard or instructor. This took more trouble than expected. Mr. Hock and three of the boys had their tests at Camp Durant. Mr. Painter and Austin had their test at one pool, while the other two boys had their tests at the Sportsplex two days before the trip.
Jungle Boots - A supply of reasonably priced new USA made jungle boots were found at Bob's Surplus on South Saunders street in Raleigh.
Sleeping Bags - The sleeping bag for the trek needed to be a warm weather (40 degree) and light. The normal backpacking sleeping bag is too warm. Normal warm weather bags are too heavy. A good ( and cheap ) lightweight summer weight bag was found in the Quest Helix line of bags at Dick's.
