Northern Tier Canoe Base Expedition

July 10 - July 20, 2002

Experiencing the same problems as every other unit that has been trying unsuccessfully to reserve a trek at Philmont, Troop 57 decided that for the Summer of 2002 we would take the advice offered on the form letter and instead plan a high adventure outing through BSA's Northern Tier. We spoke to a few veterans of the Northern Tier experience, did a little of our own research, and chose from which of the available program bases we would begin our trek. BSA's Northern Tier High Adventure program consists of three base facilities. The Charles L. Sommers base in Ely, Minnesota is the largest of the three and the most active, with about 150 staffers on duty during the summer. The next largest is the Donald Rogert base in Atikokan, Ontario. The smallest is the base in Bissett, Manitoba with approximately 15 staffers on duty during the summer season. We learned that of the three bases, Bissett was also the most remote. Getting to Bissett required driving (3) hours northeast from Winnipeg to the termination point of Highway 304, the last 25 miles of which was unpaved. We were also told that the treks based out of Bissett would offer the most spectacular scenery, the most wildlife, and that it was very likely that the only humans we would encounter during our nine days on the water would be members of our crew. All canoe treks out of Bissett begin and end at the cache of canoes on Scout Lake. The only way to reach Scout Lake is via float plane due north from Bissett. There are no roads. We chose Bissett. We were to learn later that of the three bases, Bissett is also the most physically demanding. We were blissful in our ignorance, for awhile.

For some number of weeks prior to departing from our home in Garland, Texas, we met once a week at a local high school's practice stadium for physical training. Our training regimen consisted of climbing and descending the stadium stairs while carrying heavily loaded backpacks and of playing Ultimate Frisbee. Though perhaps better suited to a backpacking expedition than a canoe trek, our training nonetheless did prove useful to us. Besides, opportunities for river canoeing weren't exactly plentiful in the Dallas area at the time. Finally, on July 9 2002 with all of our paperwork, preparation, and payments completed we were ready to depart. It was to be the experience of a lifetime.

Scoutmasters Expedition Diary