By Chris Kardys,
Senior Patrol Leader
Senior Patrol Leader
The canoe outing, put on by Boy Scouts Troop 125, was a great success. The troop explored the Quonochontaug salt pond behind Quonochontaug Beach in Charlestown, R.I. The Scouts launched their canoes at the state boat launch. There were seven canoes and nine scouts and four adults. They paddled out to the flats around the salt marsh and saw bluefish blitzing. The water was boiling with bluefish chasing a school of baitfish. The fish quickly swam under the canoes and around an island. Canoeing continued around rocky islands filled with cormorants, along the shore bursting with jellyfish and horseshoe crabs; and then to the harbor.
Boy Scout Troop 125 on their canoe and camping trip at Quonochontaug Beach, R.I. Photos by Meryl Yoder
On the way back they stopped for lunch on a sandy beach at Quonnie where they enjoyed fishing and exploring. There were native seabirds of all kinds including cormorants, gulls, terns, egrets, and mergansers. It was a great adventure.
The Scouts had originally planned to paddle down the Wood River, but due to the drought, and very low waters went over to the salt ponds. It turned out much better than the river. The troop camped that night.
On Sunday, the troop visited the Kettle Pond Nature Center where they learned about local habitats. After a short hike and lunch at Dunn’s Corners Pizza, the troop headed back to Granby.
Another troop has a backpacking outing scheduled for October on the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut, with a camp out and hike over Bear Mountain, the highest peak in Connecticut.
The Scouts had originally planned to paddle down the Wood River, but due to the drought, and very low waters went over to the salt ponds. It turned out much better than the river. The troop camped that night.
On Sunday, the troop visited the Kettle Pond Nature Center where they learned about local habitats. After a short hike and lunch at Dunn’s Corners Pizza, the troop headed back to Granby.
Another troop has a backpacking outing scheduled for October on the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut, with a camp out and hike over Bear Mountain, the highest peak in Connecticut.
Boy Scout Troop 125 on their canoe and camping trip at Quonochontaug Beach, R.I. Photos by Meryl Yoder
New members are always welcome. The requirements are to be at least 11, or 10 and have completed 5th grade. Scouts age out at age 18. BSA Troop 125 meets at 7 p.m. in the Saint Therese Parish Hall on most Tuesdays during the school year, excluding school holidays. No previous experience is required to join and participate. If you wish to join or have questions, please contact the troop at scoutmastert125@gmail.com.
