Sub-forum sounds good to me as well...it can include food packing tips as well.

Backpacking Chef: http://www.backpackingchef.com is a great site for menu ideas.

Brownbear has free calendar use: http://www.brownbearsw.com And you can password protect it with a general password like "irforums" or something similar if wanted. Calendars can be listed or unlisted in their directory. My family uses a private calendar on brownbear for our cottage in the ...

Sounds like a great first trip, and moose sightings too!

I see you're from the Dayton area...I liked your "Kings Island" name for IR...this island is MUCH nicer that the Kings Island near us!

-Scoutdad-
Amelia (Cinti.) Ohio

Check out Panasonic Lumix cameras. I have one w/ a 12x optical zoom, and it has a large view screen, but also a viewfinder like a traditional SLR that's a miniature LCD screen. Takes a SD card, and has a flip up flash and a hotshoe for aux flash. It does take a rechargable battery, but spares are re...

3M Ultrathon worked like a charm for me on my previous trips as well.

Thanks guys, it did seem like more of a CYA statement than anything... Well looks like I'm going to order the MSR Sweetwater and Siltstopper combo soon! Our scout troop filtered with a Sweetwater Filter and used the Sweetwater Purifier Solution. It was a little CYA for us scout leaders. We would ha...

I took my daughter's GS troop up to the Eastern U.P. last week. We made a trip to Whitefish Point (Shipwreck Museum). The girls dipped their toes in Superior and were shocked!

Thanks for the report!

Our troop (443 from Amelia, OH) hiked the Island in 2004. One group (mine) did 32 miles, the other did 50 to get the Fifty Miler patch.

The two leaders in the 50 mile group lost their toenails from trecking down the ridges...not worth the patch in my opinion!

I have an UCO candle lantern, and purchased a collapsible metal shade for it that was advertised it could be used as a coffee filter holder on the trail as well as a shade...works ok as a filter, but not worth carrying for the filtering alone.

Ditto...thanks!

A 20 degree bag is the way to go...I tried to lightweight it in July 2004 with a 40 or 50 degree bag and froze my last night on the Island.

I use a single pole (hiking staff) as well. It's handy around camp, adorned with a few stave medalions and other deco items, and a must have when moving my old knees up and down inclines.

I have to go with my Tilley hat; not so much for rain protection, but to keep my bald spot from sun burning!

I use DuPont™ Tyvek® house wrap . Its used to wrap house walls etc. Its strong ,light weight and water proof. I use tyvek too. I cut it to size then run it through the front loading washer (don't use a top loader, it could damage the spindle) with just cold water, no detergent. That softens up the ...

For scout trips with access to a coleman stove/constant flame... What do ya mean "scout trips" :wink: ? All I have is a Coleman! :D (advantage of paddling...) I'm talking with my troop and a campsite with 5 or six sleepy eyed adult leaders clamoring for coffee!. The Coleman (2 or 3 burner...