Troop 712 Sea Base Adventure

2011-02-13T16:44:00.001-05:00

Test

Welcoming Committee

2009-07-16T16:07:00.001-04:00

We were met at the church by long lost relatives and a MD luau

Heading to the church

2009-07-16T15:39:00.001-04:00

Baggage Check

2009-07-16T15:30:00.002-04:00

We had check all of the scouts so the adults could fly First Class!

The End...Until Next Time

2009-07-16T15:27:00.001-04:00

We will be back!!!!
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The End

2009-07-16T15:25:00.002-04:00

So ends our adventure to Sea Base, the Florida Keys and Dry Tortuga National State Park. We've survived amazing adventures and sometimes harsh conditions completely intact and without any incidents (besides sunburn, insect bites and the dreaded crotch rot). So many people have been involved in this that it would be impossible to thank everyone. Special thanks to the Scouts and their families as well as the top notch leaders who participated: Mr. Tom, Mr. Dave, Mr. Irving, Mr. John and none other than the one and only "Biggie".
ASM Brian aka Mr. B
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Thank You Mr Irving and Mr Brian

2009-07-16T15:04:00.002-04:00

Thanks to both of you for all of your efforts in planning and organizing our Adventure

Thank you

2009-07-16T15:04:00.001-04:00

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone that went on the Seabase Adventure. I got to see firsthand a group of fine men that came together to overcome any challenge thrown their way. Besides the adventures described in this blog over the last eight days, the group was faced with hot temperatures, high humidity, very little droplets of rain, and many no see-ums in the evening. While I was praying for lots of rain or some cool hurricane, their was never a moment that this group of fine men were not working together, or enjoying themselves.

I also wish to express a very special Thank You to the Island Mates Justin, Josh, and Devin that made our Adventure one that we will never forget.

The Eagle has landed (or flight 151)

2009-07-16T14:55:00.003-04:00

The flight home

2009-07-16T14:55:00.001-04:00

Some read.....

Ready to return home

2009-07-16T12:28:00.001-04:00

Mr Irving has been on tje island too long. He looks like he his enjoying his pop tarts

Airport Arrival

2009-07-16T11:01:00.000-04:00

We are at the airport and preparing for check-in.
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Pitch Fork Pit Stop

2009-07-16T07:25:00.000-04:00

We just made a quick stop at Sea Base to donate three pitch forks. It turns out that Captain Marshall was in the office when we arrived. He was the Bilge Rat's Captain for fishing day. Not only a heck of a Captain, but a great guy just like everyone we met at Sea Base. We decided to donate the pitch forks after our service project that involved moving Sargasm (sea weed) to build up a path. The only pitch fork they had was broken and the Sargasm was not easily moved by shovel and rake. Thanks again to everyone at Sea Base. Again the Boy Scouts have demonstrated the value of the program and effectiveness at turning boys into outstanding men.
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On The Road

2009-07-16T06:53:00.000-04:00

As the sun rises over this tropical paradise, Troop 712 has just left Key West on our way to MIA.
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Its 5:00 somewhere

2009-07-16T05:56:00.001-04:00

except in Key West when you have to leave at 5:00am

2009-07-15T20:50:00.001-04:00

As the sun sets on key west so does it on our excellent adventure.

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Farthest point South in the continental US

2009-07-15T18:20:00.001-04:00

Brooke the shipmate issues challenge (Video uploaded)

2009-07-15T18:17:00.003-04:00

Can you make a flying bowling quicker than me.

Ft. Jefferson - top level view

2009-07-15T16:56:00.001-04:00

Where's Waldo ..... I mean TJ

Inside the Fort

2009-07-15T16:55:00.001-04:00

Park employees quarters

Dry Tortugas

2009-07-15T16:54:00.001-04:00

After traveling 70 miles and out running several pirate ships we have arrived.

Getting underway

2009-07-15T08:05:00.001-04:00

The raft is roomier than it looks

Blind Man's Bluff Poker

2009-07-15T07:32:00.003-04:00

Our island mate Justin is teaching us how to play Blind Man's Bluff Poker while waiting for the ferry to Dry Tortugas.
Note: This game was for entertainment only. No consideration exchanged hands.

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Our Ride (Corrected)

2009-07-15T07:27:00.001-04:00

Sorry our tickets were only good for this ship. All scouts had to fit into one. Mr Irving took good care of us.

Our ride to the Dry Tortugas

2009-07-15T07:11:00.001-04:00

Sunset at Key West

2009-07-14T22:44:00.003-04:00

All You Can Eat

2009-07-14T21:08:00.000-04:00

Everyone is enjoying the buffet at some buffet place on Duval Street.
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Show Time

2009-07-14T19:34:00.001-04:00

Taking in a show at Mallory Square. This lady is going to walk on a pile of glass.
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Dom's new car (corrected)

2009-07-14T19:20:00.001-04:00

Start saving Mr and Mrs Sullivan

Shops at Key West

2009-07-14T19:16:00.001-04:00

Some scouts went to the shops while others enjoyed an aquarium show

Troop 712 Conch Fritter Eaters

2009-07-14T19:01:00.001-04:00

We braved a brand new treat

A New Friend

2009-07-14T17:31:00.000-04:00

A few Scouts have found a new friend!
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Key West Aquarium

2009-07-14T17:00:00.000-04:00

Some of the scouts have taken a few minutes to get out of the heat and visit the Key West Aquarium. Here they are watching turtles being fed after just watching sharks eating.
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Pizza Time!

2009-07-14T14:13:00.000-04:00

We are at the Navel Base town house and about to chow down on pizza. Afterwards we are heading to downtown Key West.
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Our home

2009-07-14T13:20:00.003-04:00

We arrived at our nice big lodge for the next two days. Getting ready for pizza!!!!!!!

2009-07-14T11:56:00.001-04:00

We have arrived in Key West

Preparing For Key West

2009-07-14T10:26:00.000-04:00

We are packed and ready for the next leg of our adventure. Key West awaits! There was one small problem this morning. The Hertz Rental facility closed in May! Fortunately they were able to make arrangements this morning at two other facilities. Unfortunately this sets us back a couple hours on our departure. Everyone is just chilling here at base enjoying the island breeze.
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Luau

2009-07-13T23:43:00.001-04:00

Wow, what a week. We arrived back at base late this morning. After showers, A/C, and relaxing, a Luai was held in our honor. We started at 7pm with Peloponnesian Tug of War, Limbo, and Cuban Chair Game. The Luai consisted of magots, Mahi Mahi, Dolphin, Voccocoon, Key Deer Quarters, and Keylime pie. Afterwards, the closing ceremony skits from the different crews.

Poison wood tree

2009-07-13T22:37:00.000-04:00

Forgot to mention the day of the night snorkeling we also took a walk around the island to learn about the plantlife and how they use the salt water to grow. We forgot to mention the day of the night snorkeling we also took a walk around the island to learn about the plantlife and how they use the salt water to grow. We saw a poison wood tree, you can be affected by touching any part of it, standing under it when raining, or burning it. We also tasted a plant that reminded us of a salty pickle.

2009-07-13T17:00:00.001-04:00

The afternoon was ours to relax a little. In the evening we canoed back to do night snorkeling. While it was fun the water was not clear. After we hung out in the canoes for a gorgeous view of the stars. They have a lot more here at Seabase.

Boy Scout Survival Island Day Three

2009-07-13T16:52:00.001-04:00

Our first adventure of the day was fishing from boats by Look Key. While we were hoping to do Deep Sea fishing, the water was too rough to go so far out in the size of the boats.

Our island mate Justin can be seen in the background helping the scouts .

Dom is Done

2009-07-13T15:06:00.000-04:00

The fearless leader of the Bilge Rats is out. His outstanding effort was obviously exhausting.
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Shark hunting

2009-07-13T14:51:00.001-04:00

We walked out to the floating dock. Something about chumming the water.

First catch

2009-07-13T14:49:00.001-04:00

And the winner is.........
Andrew H

The other dock will have better pictures when we get back.

BSA Survival Island day two

2009-07-13T14:48:00.002-04:00

All three crews survived the first night on the island After a hearty breakfast of pancakes. An exploration of the back side of the island was our first stop. We traveled in kayaks via the mangroves. We had to search for an entrance to the ocean.

We're Back

2009-07-13T11:52:00.001-04:00

Cold water, Air Conditioning, Ice Cream...We're Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More Later.
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News Flash: Crew Bilge Rats Win Race

2009-07-12T23:39:00.001-04:00

Crew Bilge Rats Hermit Crab "Damsel" took 1st place in the Island race! Pictures and interviews tomorrow at 11.
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Crew C

2009-07-12T20:41:00.000-04:00

Crew C is ready to win the Hermit Crab race. I missed a couple kids because it got to dark. Tomorrow we will have lots of updates when we return to base camp.
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Pic

2009-07-12T20:33:00.000-04:00

Here's a pic of some island mates.
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Priceless

2009-07-12T20:28:00.000-04:00

Airfare - $200
Sea Base - $600
Gold Bond and Skin So Soft - Priceless!!!
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Crew "A"wesome Wins 1st Place

2009-07-12T20:26:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Crew A (Henkel, Biggie) for taking 1st place in the Dutch Oven Cobbler cook-off. 6 crews competed. Crew See (Quiles, Taylor) took 3rd. Crew "B"ilge Rats (Seymour, Forsyth) came in dead last with their under cooked hot soupy fruit cocktail creation. Just one more night on this bug infested hot box. No See-Ums are the devil's scourge!
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Today

2009-07-12T13:31:00.000-04:00

Hello. All is well. Fishing yesterday was good but very choppy. We caught lots of fresh fresh including five big Bonito. Nothing like fresh fish over a fire! Only a handful of Scouts got sea-sick. Because of the waves we didn't go deep sea fishing but it was fun nonetheless. We went night snorkeling. Saw spiny lobster and shrimp the had bio-illuminesence. The stars were awesome. No rain yet. Today was snorkeling at Loo Key reef. What a blast. Lots of fish and some sharks as well.
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Quick Update

2009-07-12T08:26:00.001-04:00

Cell phones are fading. Great time yesterday. Snorkeling today. More later I hope.
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Quick Update

2009-07-10T23:30:00.000-04:00

ASM T's phone ran out of juice so no pics 2day. Try tomorrow. Much fun. We sea kayaked thru the mangrove maze, shark fished, climbed trees and took an island tour. Andrew caught a Nurse Shark and ASM B caught two; both early released. The 2nd was about 5' and we had it up to the dock before it spit the hook. Luis had a Vaca-coon steal his flip flop (it was retrieved). Biggie and Chris C. were the only ones to flip a kayak. The Bilge Rats all did the trust fall including ASM B and ASM T. We are going deep sea fishing and night snorkeling tomorrow.
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Today's Agenda

2009-07-10T08:59:00.001-04:00

Today we're going kayaking thru the Mangrove Maze, shark fishing and taking an island tour. Should be a blast. We'll report back later.
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Sunrise Earth

2009-07-10T07:16:00.000-04:00

It's a nice breezy morning after a sticky still night.
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First day on Munson

2009-07-09T22:32:00.001-04:00

Wow what a day!!! we started our 5.5 war canoe ride after lunch. about a third of the way we got out to snorklein or wade in the water. After about 90 min. we started the last leg to our home for the next four days. We got to the island several hours later. Crew B had to stop and pick up some for our fishing on friday at a floating pier when we spotted nose sharks. Our island guy let the boys swim with them. He also tried to capture a small one for us to see but lost it. We are ready for our next adventure tomorrow. Everyone is fine and no sunburn.

We Have Arrived on Big Munson!

2009-07-09T18:09:00.000-04:00

We are not allowed to have phones so not many messages will be sent. Great time heading out. Snorkled and saw many cool and colorful fish. The Bilge Rats swam with Nurse Sharks!
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Half way to the island

2009-07-09T13:25:00.000-04:00

And the leaders are tired.
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2009-07-09T11:35:00.001-04:00

We just finished lunch. We will try to update each nite. We are getting ready to canoe to the island

swim test

2009-07-09T09:40:00.001-04:00

crew c

Swim test

2009-07-09T09:36:00.001-04:00

crew b bilge rats

morning flag ceremony

2009-07-09T08:06:00.001-04:00

ready to eat

Missing In Action Found

2009-07-09T07:35:00.000-04:00

MIA should stand for Miami International Airport. In the case of the Forsyth's luggage it meant Missing In Action! That is no longer the case as it showed up at 6:15AM. They had told Mr. T that it would be here between 3-5am. So, in addition to not sleeping because of a snoring assertion, he was awake waiting for the call. Guess who will sleep like a bear tonight?
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What NOT To Bring

2009-07-09T07:23:00.000-04:00

Note to future Sea Base participants: The list of what not to bring is longer than the list of what to bring. Our instructions were simple, bring a hat, one wet set of clothes, one dry, a toothbrush, toothpaste, bug spray, a sleeping sheet and a camera. Everything else is either unnecessary or forbidden (such as electronics). This picture is a sample of things left behind.
We had a good night's rest; although some may try to say a certain leader kept everyone up with his snoring. But they'd be telling lies :-)! Off to breakfast.
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Campfire

2009-07-08T20:06:00.000-04:00

Nothing like a campfire in the tropical heat!
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We have arrived at Seabase

2009-07-08T17:36:00.001-04:00

Our quarters for the nite

We Have Arrived!

2009-07-08T17:31:00.000-04:00

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"K" Stands for "K"uality

2009-07-08T16:45:00.000-04:00

An unexpected detour to pick some important items just in case someone's luggage doesn't make it. The A/C was a nice break from the 97 degree heat.
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Over Half Way There

2009-07-08T15:48:00.000-04:00

What a view!
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Lunch

2009-07-08T15:06:00.000-04:00

Our first lunch. No fresh fish yet!
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Bags

2009-07-08T12:28:00.000-04:00

Please proceed to carousel 10!
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We've Landed!

2009-07-08T12:04:00.001-04:00

We've made it to Miami. Now to get our luggage, rental vans and a quick lunch.
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The plane ride

2009-07-08T12:03:00.001-04:00

The leaders making sure they doub,e check their note. we have arrived to Miami

Interesting article in airline magazine

2009-07-08T12:02:00.001-04:00

Now we feel prepared

ready for takeoff

2009-07-08T09:32:00.001-04:00

Here we go

Prepared For Boarding

2009-07-08T08:54:00.000-04:00

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the waiting game

2009-07-08T08:25:00.001-04:00

Departing Motley Crew

2009-07-08T08:20:00.001-04:00

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We Made It To The Airport

2009-07-08T07:19:00.000-04:00

One more step down.
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Send Off

2009-07-08T06:43:00.000-04:00

We're almost ready to go!
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Welcome

2009-07-06T14:21:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Troop 712's Sea Base Adventure blog. Depending on cellphone signal availability we will post updates to this site periodically so parent's, spouses and friends can track our progress. We leave bright and early this Wednesday, 7/8 so check back soon for updates!

YIS