Beach Trip 2011

Hunting Island, September 3-5, 2011

Labor Day Beach Trip to Hunting Island, S.C.
Photos - - - - Trip Report

In preparation for our early departure for the beach, we picked up the trailer on Friday afternoon, so as not to wake up the folks at Butterfly of Dreams on Saturday morning.

At 6am (0'dark) Saturday, we met at BBC to pack the trailer. The chuck "boxen" were ready to go, so Nick soon had the trailer packed, and we were able to depart at 7 am. The maps led us to Augusta and then south past the A-bomb plant in Ellington, SC. The police in Allendale helped complete their quota for the long holiday weekend by issuing a speeding ticket to the Scoutmaster, in uniform, trailer in tow. After that, we saw several police cars. We took a very complex detour to avoid a parade route, and drove on to Beaufort, SC. The swing bridge downtown slowed us down a bit, but it was neat to watch.

We arrived at Hunting Island campground in time to set up camp and eat lunch. Thanks to reservations made early in the year, the troop enjoyed the 6 campsites nearest the beach. The breeze felt great and helped keep bugs and heat at bay. The patrols pulled together and got everyone on the beach in no time.

Charles and I surveyed the waterfront and quickly established a swim area. The guys buddy-paired off and hit the surf. Several kites appeared for test flights, and shovels and buckets came out for fun in the sand. We ate dinner at 5pm and then returned to the beach, walking south to check out the island. Everyone returned to camp for taps at 11pm.

On Sunday, a handful of adults, and Harry, Ryan, and Chris arose early and set up chairs in the sand to watch the sunrise. While adults enjoyed coffee on the beach, patrols made breakfast, KP and returned to the beach to get in another swim. At about 9am a storm blew in and we heard a single lightning strike. We took a 30 minute break and upon returning, the rain had set in. Adults Dave, Randy, Bob, and Ron took turns in the cold rain observing scouts, who enjoyed the warm surf. While the boys were swimming, Steve M. was catching skates (fish). And several scouts struck up a card game in the trailer. It was an extremely enjoyable morning, despite the rain.

Swimming wrapped up in time to eat lunch and the rain came to an end. We piled into cars and headed to Hunting Island state park to see the lighthouse and the fishing pier for die-hard anglers (Matthew, Steve, Randy, Michael, and Jared). Scouts and adults braved the climb to the top of the 140 foot lighthouse tower. We enjoyed snow cones and ice cream sandwiches, exploring the beach near the lighthouse until 3:30pm. On our way out of the park, we stopped in the visitor center and museum, where we spotted a gator in a creek. We got a glimpse of Hunting Island's long history watching the museum video and hung out in rocking chairs on the porch.

A few more folks went to check out the fishing pier. Although fishing conditions were a bit of a challenge, a few skates, blue crab, and rock fish were biting.

We gathered back at the camp for dinner and ate, cleaned up, and headed for the surf once again. Kites flew high above the beach (our thanks to Lisa, Robert, Ron, and Julie for kites). The boys put the kites together and took turns flying, using fishing poles to let some fly very high. We stayed on the beach and in the water until the sun went down, and then returned to camp to clean up for the campfire. Tommy and Jared extended their beach stay, looking for crabs. And a few cute girls lured some of our scouts to the campground ice cream social... yep, we noticed! All were back in camp in time for the campfire.

Jonathan offered his services as MC for the campfire. Patrols each conducted entertaining skits or songs. Daniel closed the campfire with chapel services. Afterwards, Daniel passed his 1st Class BOR, congratulations! Chris went on a late night crab hunt, returned with a bounty from the sea, and boiled up a treat. Rain returned during the night, but it was gone and sunny and breezy by morning.

Early Monday morning several adults, along with Charles, gathered to watch another beautiful sunrise. We made breakfast, struck the camp, cleaned up, and departed at 9:30am. Each car stopped along the way for lunch, and we arrived within 20 minutes of each other at ~3pm at BBC. The trailer was quickly unloaded and returned to Butterfly Dreams.

This was a great trip. Watch for photos to be posted on the Website! Thanks to the adults who joined us, helping with the long drive and logistics, all while pretending to be on vacation. The Scouts conducted themselves like true gentlemen for the whole weekend... Thank you.

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