In the map room was a large map assembled from individual topo maps. The composite map showed the entire area canoed by crews from the base. It was job of the Scouts to plan the route and the adults to sit back, hold their tongues and think "what are they getting us into?"
This was the first day of the season most trail staff were on base. We had a senior, experienced crew and some of the trail staff joined us to see what our trip would be. The discussion went something like this:
- Scouts: We want to go up here (pointing to the northeast section of the map)
- Chris (our Interpreter): If you go up there, you will have to come back by the same route you paddled in.
- Scouts: We want to do a circle route.
- Chris: Then you will have to pick another route.
- Scouts: No, we want to do a circle route in this area.
- Chris and experienced staff: You cannot do a circle route. There are no portage trails in that area.
- Scouts: We should be able to portage between these lakes. It doesn't look that bad. (Remember this statement! See logs for June 20 and 21st)
- Adults: Scouts, this is your trip just be sure you know what you are getting into. Translation: I'm not sure we adults want to do that.
- Scouts (after a very brief discussion amongst themselves): We want to do that circle route.
