Sea Base Troop 71

Twelve Troop 71 Scouts spent the first week of August on an outstanding adventure in the U.S. Virgin Islands through “Sea Base St. Thomas,” a Boy Scout High Adventure program.
Two crews of six Scouts and two adults each lived, cooked and learned to sail and navigate aboard 40-foot sailboats, while otherwise enjoying endless snorkeling, refreshing swims, rowing, exploring beaches, hiking, visiting ruins and taking in nature throughout the shores of St. John in the Caribbean. Setting sail from Sapphire Beach Resort, one crew made its home on the sailing vessel Boldly Go with Captain James T. and the other on Adastra (meaning “to the stars”) with Captains Bob and Judy—and their dog Leo.
Among the highlights were challenging hikes along the Lameshur Bay Trail to the petroglyphs and along the Johnny Horn Trail at Waterlemon Cay to the quaint town in Coral Bay, where Scouts recharged with delicious local pizza. Another was a climb to the top of the Ram’s Head Trail off Saltpond Bay to view the beautiful vista showing the islands of Tortola and St. Thomas. The Scouts also enjoyed an interesting stop at the Salt Pond to observe the solemn collection of handmade coral creations and art left by visitors and exploring the Sugar Mill ruins along the Annaberg Historic Trail at Leinster Bay. To rest their sea legs midweek, Scouts hiked to a local eco-lodge to enjoy an outdoor movie (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) and cold refreshments before an eerie night swim back to their boats. They also sampled local root beer floats near the St. Thomas visitor center and grilled hot dogs on the beach, before impromptu water games to cool off in the bay. Other highlights included Boat Bumper Rodeo and Commando Drop, the famous tire swing over Gibney Beach at Hawksnest Bay, hermit crab races, snagging tarpon and shark, and, of course, observing the colorful and beautiful coral and sea life throughout the waters. On their last night, Scouts were treated to a delicious BBQ dinner back at the marina, where they cleaned their vessels, refreshed with a “normal” shower, packed up, combed the beach and socialized with the locals before a final sleep aboard ship and flight home. An awesome time was enjoyed by all. To learn more, visit www.plandometroop71.com.