Mid-winter in New Hampshire, on an island in the middle of a frozen lake and a group of Boy Scouts – can you say fun?

From Saturday, Feb. 21, to Monday Feb. 23, 13 Scouts and seven adults from Troop 414 braved the elements and ventured out on the troop’s 31st annual trip to Bear Island on Lake Winnipesaukee. The weather cooperated in that it was not bone-chilling cold and a nor’easter did not come through, but winter weather was definitely part of the expedition.

Scouts who attended were Tom Brigham, Mike Brown, Mack Cate, Ben Degler, Max Gagnon, Korey Joback, Jon Kirsch, Matt Moore, Liam Ouellette, Max Parsons, Matt Silvia, Stephen Walsh and Casey Winterson. The adults included Dave Brigham, Jeff Degler, Ralph Dieter, Larry Gagnon, Kevin Joback, Rich Moore and Brenda Parsons.

Departing from Bedford Presbyterian Church on Saturday morning, the train of cars with Scouts and equipment made it to the marina parking lot. After loading up all the sleds, the Scouts took hold of ropes and began their trek across the frozen “pond.”

The hearty group made great time and was soon on the other side and ready to hike the short uphill distance to the camp area, but first some lunch.

After lunch, once again taking hold of ropes, the troop marched their way into camp.

Once there, everyone pitched in to establish cooking, common (fire) and sleeping. Speaking of sleeping, the buzzword this year was “quinzee” and everyone wanted one. By the end of the day, three quinzees were built, but the real excitement was the “Quinzee Castle!” Imagine a snow shelter capable of accommodating 10 to 11 Boy Scouts!

Members of Troop 414 did just that in building a structure that would fit all those wanting to be under one domed roof.

The Bear Island trip is a great event for Scouts because it involves adventure – crossing the ice and camping in winter conditions, having fun (sliding, star gazing, fire building, laughter, Frisbee and more) and having adults doing the cooking.

This trip included some or most of all of these and the cooking wasn’t bad either. Wait! Let’s take that back. The cooking was great!

On Sunday, Ralph Dieter led the effort to continue the tradition of a full turkey dinner.

This outstanding meal included turkey, potatoes, cranberry, stuffing, salad, gravy and baked apples. Later that night, those who were still hungry or wanted a little more had the opportunity to experience the “historic Bear Island Stew.”

This is winter camping after all, so we need to talk about weather. Overall, the weather was fine, not too cold and the winds were acceptable. But for a little excitement, late on Sunday, some heavy wet stuff (sometimes a mix, sometimes wet heavy snow) began to fall. Even standing by a nice fire did not keep us dry. Given our full bellies and the desire to get out of the wetness, many turned in early.

The wind and snow howled most of Sunday night into Monday morning, when we saw Mother Nature’s gift as approximately 4 to 5 inches of snow covered quinzees, tents and tarps.

The snow that fell was very heavy and bent the trees holding the tarps over the cook area, down to the ground. Thanks to the early risers, quick adjustments and modifications were made to make the area usable again.

On Monday, after a good breakfast of sausage and pancakes (told you everyone eats well), the decision was made to break camp and pack up for the return trip. Everyone pitched in to make this as efficient as possible. Sleds were loaded and tied down and the march began down the slope to the lake. The scene was beautiful as the surrounding trees were covered in white. Out onto the ice the new snow and 20 mph wind gusts in our faces made the march a little more challenging, but all were patient and worked well together. Great teamwork!

There is much more that can be said about this trip and there are only two ways to hear about it. Ask someone who went or better yet, come join Troop 414 for next year’s winter expedition!

To view more photos, visit picasaweb.google.com/T414k1rd/2009_02_21BearIslandAdventure.