I was up at 6:30 AM to get a shower and finish packing. We had breakfast and boarded the “Cadillac Jack” bus at 9:30 AM, saying good bye to our island mates and to Sea Base.

The ride up through the keys was pretty uneventful. The bus had a VCR, so the boys watched a movie to pass the time. We stopped along the way for lunch. At the airport, we said good bye to Mr. Brauneller and Derek B., as they were headed back to Ohio. Mr. Carlson and Andrew C. also stayed behind, they were driving to Orlando to meet up with the rest of their family.

Our flight was on time, and it was a smooth ride up to Philadelphia. Our bus driver from Delaware Express Shuttle Service did a great job getting back to Newark. As we pulled up to the church, our families were all there waiting for us. It was great to see everyone! Even better, from the Scoutmaster’s perspective was seeing each member of the crew stand just a little bit taller. They had worked hard with fund raising, they played had along the way and they stuck together throughout…

We had a cold breakfast this morning and started packing. Everything that we brought to the island, plus everything that we used on the island, had to go back to the Brinton Center. Fortunately, everything other than our personal gear went back on a Dusky. Our personal gear went into the kayaks with us. We launched the kayaks around 10:00 AM. Our crews were ready to go earlier, but we had to wait for the other crews to get ready. Once we launched the kayaks, it became clear that we were in for a ling paddle. The water was flat, but it was hot. We had 5 ½ miles ahead of us! Our island mates, Jim and Journey, set the pace for the group. Mr. Carlson and I were right behind them, the whole way. We took three breaks along the way. It was amazing how spread out the group got…

As we were approaching the Brinton Center, I had to stand up in the kayak to get some relief for my back. I suggested to Mr. Carlson that he keep paddling and look straight ahead, while I quietly tried to stand up in the kayak. I’m sure it was quite a sight! We finally made it back to the Brinton Center around 12:30 PM. I was able to help Mr. Carlson get the kayak out of the water and onto the dock, but that was it. My back was shot!

It was a proud moment when I realized that all of our guys were in long before the other crews. We had to rinse our life jackets before going any further. I think it was the most pleasurable job that I had done all week. I told Mr. Carlson to keep his PFD on and then proceeded to squirt him down with a hose. It was the first time in five days that our bodies had felt fresh water, and it was cold water too! We then proceeded to empty the Dusky of the empty water jugs, Jerry cnas, trash cans, bait coolers and trash. We started cleaning and putting everything away when Jim stopped us. We had finished with our gear and Jim told us that the other crews would take care of their stuff. Another proud Scoutmaster moment happened as I watched our Scouts stay on task cleaning and storing equipment. They did this while watching the other crews return and run to the soda machines.

After everything was cleaned, we sent the boys off to shower. The adults ran for their cell phones to call home. I can’t wait to see the rest of my family! Mr. Carlson and I purchased razors and shaved before hitting the showers. Obviously, the shower felt great! I headed to the ship’s store to pick up some souvenirs for my children at home, and I order the crew photos. Most of the boys crashed on their bunks in the air conditioned dorm room.

We put on our Hawaiian shirts for the flag ceremony and then headed to our Luau. Everyone did the limbo and played other games. Our dinner was served at 7:00 PM, coconut rice, mahi-mahi, salad and key lime pie. A delicious feast! After dinner, we all attended the chapel service. The pastor had a good message, but he was a little long winded. I called Mr. Hidinger’s cell phone about half way through the service, to hear his ringtone. Mr. Carlson cracked up at that one!

After the chapel service, all five crews that were on the island assembled for some skits and songs. Erik P. came in second place for the most bug bites. We also received our patches for completing the experience. Each crew then went to a separate area with their island mates to do a thorns and roses session, and to complete a participant survey. It was getting late, so all of the crews headed off for bead. Our guys packed up our gear before going to sleep.

We woke up around 7:00 AM this morning and had corned beef for breakfast. We waded out to the floating dock at 9:00 AM to get on the “Dusky”. A Dusky is a motor boat, with a 250 HP motor. It’s a center console. Our captain today is Captain Josh. He took us out to Looe Key for snorkeling. Absolutely amazing! Visibility was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I didn’t snorkel very long, my mask did not fit well. I did, however, enjoy sitting on my buoyancy vest in the water.

Everyone likes the boat rides because air is moving. This island, while beautiful, is quite hot. Any breeze is welcome relief. The No-See-Ums are unbearable. Erik P. is bitten from head to toe. My neck is full of bumps. Tonight, before bed, we’re going to rub Erik down with some hydro-cortisone cream.

After snorkeling, we came back for lunch. After lunch we did our service project. We moved some sargassum from the beach up to the berm in front of the campsites. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing. Mr. Carlson and I fell asleep in our hammocks.

We had a potluck dinner with the other crews on the island. I was a little disappointed that the staff did not do anything as far as introductions. Everyone said the Sea Base Blessing, ate and went back to their campsites.

It’s about 8:00 PM as I write tonight. The sun is setting, the bugs are coming back out, and it is still hot. Billy D. just sat down next to me, he looks almost as bad as Erik P. does with the bug bites. This island is beautiful and the water is crystal clear. It is definitely peaceful. The boys are finishing up the dishes and working on their skit for the closing campfire.

The campfire was very creative. They had a hermit crab race to determine who was going to clean the CTS’ (Latrines). Our crew’s crab, named “I Don’t Know”, lost the race. They opened the campfire with the “Crabmaster” emerging from the sand. The Crabmaster, Island Mate Hoover, was completely buried in the sand. The campfire was opened by calling for the Crabmaster. When the cheers were loud enough, the Crabmaster’s arm appeared, followed by the rest of him. The Island Mates did a few repeat after me songs and Island Mate Jim told a story. After the fire, everyone went back to their campsites. Our boys all headed for bed. The adults from our two crews sat out on the beach, enjoying the cool breeze and each other ‘s company.

We were up early today for our fishing trip. The boats came to the floating docks and, after unloading supplies, we climbed aboard. We had a fantastic ride as we headed offshore, the water was smooth and a great breeze was created by the boat. We caught 7 Dolphin Fish, 1 Cero Mackeral and 1 Yellowjack. The Yellowjack was big enough to make “The Board”. The board is back at the Brinton Center and is used to keep track of the biggest fish caught. Chris B. caught the Yellowjack and it put up a heck of a fight. Needless to say, we had a great dinner! We had enough fish to share with the rest of the island.

Tonight, we are going nigh snorkeling. I’m not looking forward to changing back into my bathing suit. The “No-See-Ums” here make last year at Henson Scout Reservation look like a walk in the park.

It was a beautiful sunset and everyone enjoyed snorkeling with flashlights. After everyone got back into the war canoes, we did a Thorns & Roses, but only talked about roses. Surprisingly, there have been no arguments, all of the boys are getting along and working together.

Mr. Carlson and I both started stirring around 6:00 AM, but stayed in bed until 8:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, we had had breakfast and were cleaned up, ready to go. Chris B. cooked pancakes, it was nice to see him pitching in. The first Iguana has been captured, they are an invasive exotic animal. I’m sitting at the Island Commissioner’s house and just heard that they were going to take a boy off the island due to sunburn blisters. Need to remind Josh S. to keep covered up!

We soon headed out for a nature hike, which was interesting. Our island mates, Jim & Journey, are both very knowledgeable regarding the flora and fauna of the island. Our hike lasted about an hour. After the hike, we paddled out to Munson Rocks for some more snorkeling.

We had lunch around 2:00 PM and then went through the mangrove maze in kayaks. A lot of ducking under tree limbs! Reminded me of the Mullica River back home. Just in case I haven’t mentioned it yet, IT IS HOT HERE!!!

I had a hard time getting out of the kayak, my back is really hurting. Mr. Sharkey is fighting a sinus infection. Otherwise, everyone is doing well and having fun.

After the mangrove maze, we did the “Munson Shuffle” out to the floating docks for some shark fishing. The adults found it interesting that we were walking through the water where the sharks were located. Matt O. hooked a nurse shark that broke the line as were trying to get it on the dock. A couple of us were fishing for snapper, but had no luck.

We had a very late dinner, with clean up lasting past dark.

After a good night’s sleep, we took our final showers and had breakfast. After breakfast, I took a hike to the store. None of the adults were ready to give up the smokes. We were issued our dry bags and sent off to pack for the island. We didn’t really take much. I took 2 towels, 2 bathing suits, Scout pants, long sleeve shirt, short sleeve shirt, bug spray, toothbrush, toothpaste, my new fan, and my POWDER.

We loaded our gear into the war canoes and started the long paddle after lunch. We took two breaks along the way for everyone to get out and swim. The second break was at “Munson Rocks”, a small reef. Clear water and lots of cool fish to be seen. Our boats were the last to leave, the boys really enjoyed the snorkeling.

When we arrived at the island, we left the boats out at the “Parking Lot”. Everything had to be carried ashore. From the looks of things, we got the tightest two campsites on the island. Plus, we had to do some tent repair! The rest of the day was spent cooking and eating dinner (Dinty Moore Beef Stew) and the opening campfire.

I found it disappointing that the staff spent considerable time encouraging pranks during your time on the island. After what our troop has gone through in the past, it was very upsetting to think that we would have to deal with pranks again. We gathered our crews together and explained, in very clear terms, that we would not be participating in pranks.

We were all in bed by 10:00 PM. Mr. Carlson and I ran the fan for a few minutes and then passed out.

By 7:30 AM, a couple of us were hitting the showers. Mr. Carlson and I went on a coffee run. When we got back, all of the tents were down and the boys were packing their bags. Mr. Carlson got a couple of the boys started on breakfast, while the rest got showers. We said grace at 9:40 AM and had breakfast, french toast and sausage. After breakfast, we re-packed the vans for the last time and headed to Sea Base. We had pizza for lunch at “A Slice Of Paradise” and arrived at Sea Base at 1:50 PM.

After unloading our vans, we met Jim & Journey, our island mates. They showed us to our dorm room, where we changed into swimsuits for the swim test. Mr. Carlson and I were first in the water and completed the test with no problem, other than a jellyfish sting for Mr. Carlson. Just as we were finishing up the swim test, a storm rolled in, so the snorkel check will have to wait until tomorrow. Mr. Sharkey and I returned the rental vans and got back just in time for dinner.

After dinner, we attended the opening campfire and saw a slide show about the island. It was the same slide show that was sent in the Leader’s Guide.

Alarm clock went off at 5:30, but Mr. Carlson, Mr. Sharkey and I were already up. We went to Burger King for breakfast, after packing up the vans. We were on the road by 9:00 AM. A quick stop at K-Mart for a battery operated fan for Mr. Carlson and myself, can’t wait to try it out! We stopped at Robbie’s Marina in Marathon, Fl to feed the tarpon. Turned out to be a very cool thing to do. Most of the guys were throwing the bait into the water. Sean H. was lying down on the dock, hand feeding the fish, that is until a tarpon came half way up his arm. We got back on the road and continued our journey to Key West.

We checked in to Sigsbee RV Park and changed into bathing suits. Next stop, Burger King for lunch. After lunch, we searched for boats to rent, but had no luck. Next, we went to the beach. They don’t have a nice beach in Key West. The water was full of flotsam, Jetsam and Sea Grass. I don’t think we were on the beach for an hour.

We went back to the campground to get showers for our big night out on the town. While waiting for everyone to finish showering, Mr. Carlson took our van to the car wash and vacuumed the interior. We got to the Sunset Festival on Mallory Square around 6:30 PM. What a neat experience! Performers were juggling fire sticks, doing magic, walking on tightropes, etc. Musicians performed in a variety of formats. We stayed until dark, the boys occupying themselves by playing hacky-sack. They even made a friend, a young man with dred locks joined their circle. Unfortunately, the sunset was obscured by clouds.

After we left the Sunset Festival, we headed to the Hogsbreath Saloon for dinner. Since it was a 30 minute wait and lobster was not on the menu, we left. We ended up having dinner at a place called “Red Fish, Blue Fish”. The meal was expensive and just “okay”. As we were leaving the restaurant, Alex S. realized that he was missing his glasses. The adults searched the streets and Mr. O’Sullivan and I took the boys to search Mallory Square. Funny sight, seeing a “police line” walking through Mallory Square searching for the glasses. Unfortunately, we were not able to find the glasses.

We got back to the campground at 11:45 PM and got the boys to bed. Earlier in the day, we had collected everyone’s dirty clothes. After getting the boys settled, the adults started doing the laundry. When we got the first loads started, Mr. Carlson, Mr. Sharkey and I went on a coffee run. Finally, around 3:00 AM, with all of the laundry finished, we went to bed.

We got the boys up at 6:00 AM and were on the road by 7:00 AM. Had breakfast at Waffle House, on our way to Miami. Forgot tomention, we took pictures outside of the Navy Seal Museum and decided not to stick around. We drove to Miami Beach and found a spot on the sand. I have never seen such clear water! In 15 feet of water, I was able to see the bottom. The boys were disappointed at the lack of waves. I think the topless women sunbathers made up for it, at least for the adults. After a late lunch, we headed for Bill Baggs State Park. Very nice campsite, except for the bugs.

We then decided to find a place for dinner. Along the way, a decision was made to head farther south. Mr. Carlson called a friend in the area and the next thing I knew, we were in Key Largo. We had a fantastic dinner at Hobo’s Café and then went searching for somewhere to sleep. We found a security guard sitting at Key Largo Kampground and after some discussion he agreed to let us set up on two very small sites. Fortunately, there was a pool that were were all in by 9:00 PM. Swam until 10:00 PM and then hit bed. Another hot night. I woke up covered in sweat around midnight. I went outside and found Mr. Sharkey sitting on a picnic table, with the same problem. We finally decided that it would be easier to deal with the bugs and slept behind the vans. I think that we got one hour of sleep, between the two of us.

Andrew C. and Matt O. are doing a great job preparing breakfast. The rest of the guys are packing up our gear. Billy is motivated this morning. He’s excited to get to our next campground. But first, Kennedy Space Center awaits us! Just found out that everyone is wearing our red shirts except Chris B.. He forgot to pack it. There’s one in every crowd!!!

We arrived at Kennedy Space Center at 8:45 AM and purchased our tickets. They did not give a Scout discount. Big disappointment, especially since I called three times to ask in advance. We had a great day and saw a lot of cool stuff. The simulator was great, made even better by the fact that I sat next to Mr. Hidinger. After the visitor center, we rode in a bus over to the Titan / Saturn Rocket area. Wow, those things are huge! Next, we saw the space station area. It was close to 5:30 PM when we left Kennedy and headed south. Fort Pierce State Park was buggy! We had pizza for dinner, except Mr. Carlson and I. We stuck to our diets and had salad. Everyone jumped into their tents as soon as they were set up to escape the bugs.