The boys got up unusually early. They had decided to do the unthinkable, a polar bear swim at Vogelsang. Everyone got up and went to the lake, even those not swimming (mostly adults). We needed pictures of this after all. Luckily I think all the ASMs wanted pictures, so they could not go in. Â
We all have great admiration of the Polar Bears at Lost Valley, but doing it here, this early, with the wind and water temperature, was just crazy. The actual swim was more like a dunking and did not last long, but I doubt any of them will forget going in. After the swim, the Polar Bears, scurried back to camp to get into warm clothes and dry off. We got picked up and ready for the trail.Â
The hike back down to Tuolumne seemed to go very fast. Before we knew it, we were back. We stopped for snacks at the High Sierra Camp, then went back to the meadows camp ground. Mr Stachwick, went back to his truck, then drove down to the Sunrise trail head to pick up the gear we stashed there. He met everyone just as they were hiking back into camp. We did the car shuffle thing, set up camp for the last night, went to the grill for that long anticipated cheese burger and visit to the store. The burgers were great once again. Then it was back to camp to hang out for a bit. Â
The week was capped off by going to the Ranger program at Lembert Dome. After that, all that remained was a drive home the next day. Â
Thanks to Dr Bryon for being such a great Scoutmaster and all the things that got with that on a trip like this.and to the ASMs that went and helped out and to the boys themselves for making it so memorable and special.