In a prior
post (ScoutHOOD #1 -- Dec 2012) I chronicled a scouting adventure when our troop attended the wake of a
scout master from another troop who had been killed in an automobile accident.
Further
scouting adventures that same year would see me at Camp Istrouma in the summer
of 1948. Our troop would join many
other troops for a one week camp-out whereupon our objectives included survival
training and the pursuit of merit badges.
Nighttime campfire activities always involved the telling of ghosts
stories and a review of that day’s activities.
Then we’d all retire to our assigned cabins and cots often continuing
the ghost tales into the wee hours.
The Comite
River ran through Camp Istrouma* and was our official swim test venue. At a specific point in the river we each had
to swim across to the other side, thus winning another event toward achieving
the coveted “Scout First Class” badge.
On our last
day that year I was determined to pass the swim test. Having always suffered a fear of water, I had
managed to fail 3 prior attempts. This
day would be my last chance. Elvin
McGuire, our troop master, agreed to witness my fourth attempt. The designated crossing point was in a
section of the Comite River that posed the least danger (soft even currents and
a minimum of floating hazards). I was to
dive in and simply swim to the other side, a seemingly straightforward and
benign task.
I dove in
and began a very smooth and satisfying American crawl toward the other side of
the river. Wow! This was going to be a piece of cake. Then suddenly I heard Elvin’s voice: “Jerry, watch out to your left!” I looked left and saw a piece of a tree trunk
floating toward me. At this point I was
half-way across. Fearing the log would
hit me, I grabbed it and started floating with it toward a bend in the river
some 100 yards further to my right.
Elvin was now running on the bank, keeping up with me saying “Jerry, let go of the log. It is taking you into a pile of limbs and
logs just ahead of you.” I did let
go, but rather than swim to the other side I swam back to the side from which I
started. Elvin held out a branch for me
to grab before the current took me into the debris field. Not wanting to miss my opportunity to pass the swim test, I chose not to grab the branch, but instead
continued my strokes until I was safely back on shore. Out of breath at this point I said to Elvin “Since I was half-way across can you give me
credit? I made it back without any help? The log
wasn’t my fault.” He contemplated
that suggestion for a few seconds, then agreed that I had essentially met the
test. Thank God!
There was
ample daylight left that day and because we were to re-board our buses in about
2 hours, I decided that there was still time to do some bird-watching. I was an amateur ornithologist and was
recognized by Dr Lowry of LSU’s Life Science department as a qualified “Bird Study” merit badge counselor.
None of my
buddies were willing to join me on this bird-watching jaunt, so I went alone,
carrying my notebook and trusty Wollensack 10-power telescope. After about an hour and spotting and recording some 7 or 8
species, I was ready to return to base camp.
But which way?? Should I go THIS
way? Or should I go …. Crap!
I was lost and the bus would be leaving soon. Panic!
I took a wild guess and proceeded in the direction of the sun. I had no idea if this was the right way. I simply felt that I had to get moving. Panic!
More panic!
I was now
realizing that I probably should have gone the other way. But as I turned to go back the other way, I
suddenly heard voices. Another troop was
returning to their base camp along this same trail. As they passed, I joined ranks with them. I didn't know any of these guys, but that didn't matter to me. At least I was
among humanity once again.
When asked by that troop’s scout master what I was doing, I admitted that I had gotten lost while bird watching. I told him I was with troop 78. When we got back to their base camp, this scout master was able to make contact with my scout master, Elvin, and after some series of communications between both troops I was re-united with my troop 78.
When asked by that troop’s scout master what I was doing, I admitted that I had gotten lost while bird watching. I told him I was with troop 78. When we got back to their base camp, this scout master was able to make contact with my scout master, Elvin, and after some series of communications between both troops I was re-united with my troop 78.
Elvin said ”Jerry, you’ve been a genuine pain in the ass
this trip.” To which I replied: “But Elvin look (showing him my notebook)
I spotted these 2 bird species which I
had never seen before.”
*For whatever it is worth my statement regarding the Comite was challenged on Facebook. Here is that exchange:
*For whatever it is worth my statement regarding the Comite was challenged on Facebook. Here is that exchange:
