Hiking the Butte! 9-8-07

Today's hike went off spectacularly!
The weather was perfect and our timing couldn't have been better. Not a mosquito in sight and plenty of cool shade all the way to the Garden.

Today was also the first day for some new members. Specifically, the Den is eager to welcome a new scout to the fold along with L.W. (J.W.'s dad) as the new Assistant Den Leader.

Take a look!
Up bright and early for an opening prayer, a safety briefing and a picture at the trailhead. The boys were eager to get on the road.







The first stretch of the hike took us up Red Butte Canyon Road. Here's the ever-diligent A.H., toting the Den Colors and keeping up the Cub Scout Spirit!






At the end of the gravel road, the group took a short break to prepare for their ascent up Red Butte. We talked about how the canyon was formed along with the types of critters that might live there.

Here's S.W. and Mama S.W. getting ready for the big climb.



The new Assistant Den Leader really took well to his new position. Here he is with his boy, J.W., ready to continue the hike.








After the break, the boys tackled the long climb up the butte. Thar' she blows in the background.

This was the hardest part of the hike. The Cubs hunkered down and climbed...







...and climbed...











...and climbed some more...








...until we finally got to "Lunch Rock" where we stopped for the meal break!

The Cubs were relieved and triumphant at their accomplishment !





Even the Cubmaster was ready for a break!








Spirits were high after the boys had some food in their bellies. Once they had time to let their feet recuperate, it was on to the Garden!






We entered the Garden through a deer gate in the back-country fence. Getting past it was easy 'cause we worked together!







The trail inside the Garden was thicker and bushier than hike up the Butte.

Watch out for those jutting roots, guys!








The trail wound down the hill like a snake, switching back and forth.

It made for some really tricky terrain, but it also gave us great opportunities for pictures like this one!




All of the sudden, the trail cleared up and spanned the steep incline along the hill.

Oh yeah, that's our new scout keeping terrific pace with the Den vets!




I know I don't have to say it, but the view was awesome!








We took our last break at a lonely little park bench with a beautiful overlook.






Here we are on the home stretch. From here the path brought us to the arboretum proper, where we planned to splash around the Children's Garden and wash off the trail dust.







Sadly, the fountains were all off. :-(
But that didn't stop us from enjoying the Garden's beauty.







Among other things.

S.W. sure got a kick out of the play area.









While V.Z. enjoyed the lush greenery.











L.W. and J.W. really dug the snake maze.








And what about the Chief?
Well, the Chief enjoyed the cool shade after a job well done.










Everyone was glad to be at the Garden. It served as the finish line for a really great adventure.

From here it was back to the trailhead and onward home.





What about me?

My favorite part of the hike was watching the group mesh together before my eyes and seeing the boys take care of each other. We've got a really great vibe going between the Cubs, the Parents and the Leaders. It's sure to carry us far and help the Den Family teach our guys how to live, learn and grow.

I want to thank everyone who helped plan and execute this hike. I could never have done this without your help. Thanks to all the parents who attended even though we met the adult minimum requirement.
And as always... Great job, Cubs.