From: David Colvin
Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2004 5:17 PM
Subject: COLVIN - AFTER ACTION REPORT, HA WHITE WATER TREK

Troop 159,     Well, let's see what two words best describe the 6 Aug 04, High Adventure (HA) white water rafting trek on the Natahala River in western North Carolina?

TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!!!!!!  

We had the greatest weather, white water, rafts, outfitter, water and raft fights (the Pirate raft boarded and conquered/bombarded the other rafts into submission, okay, so we had to trade to get captured David J. back - but he's really worth it in the rapids), and all that combined with a highly motivated HA Crew resulted in an equally great trek.  I don't think our trek could have been any better than it was and everyone will be talking about this one for a long time.  A few of our younger guys were a bit on the nervous side since this was their first white water trek as we had some pretty serious waves and rocks to maneuver through and around, but they faced their fears and hung in there as each knew he had to stay strong for his Crew (it's the HA creed to think Crew first, self second).  The only thing that "bailed" on this trek was the bailing necessary to get water out of our rafts after some serious rapids.  Even the cold water, though it had James S. and Justin C. turning a "cool" shade of blue, did not keep them and their fellow Crew members from tackling the river both in the morning and again in the afternoon.  The Crew, which was broken down into three raft crews, did a great job and had a seriously awesome time.  If you missed this trek, you missed one of the really good ones, just ask any of the Crew members listed below:      

One of our new members picked up his Trail Name; Chase S. is now known as "Bow Rider" for his exploits of riding up on the bow of his raft (when the white water was not too white of course).  No other trail names popped up for the other new Crew members, which is not unusual, as sometimes it takes a few treks to find just the right Trail Name.  The Trail Name of "Bone Cruncher" is being considered for Mr. Svacha based on his ill fortune to bang up is leg trying to rescue a flipped runaway kayak and also for injuring his hand when he and Mr. Stewart (thanks Mrs. Cianciolo for taking over the stern of that boat) were flipped out into the water while tackling a serious Class III rapid - that's what happens sometimes when you take the "victory wave" before finishing the "rapid wave" - you get bounced!).

Our thanks to Eric C. for serving as our Crew Chief, and all the effort he put into getting the Crew to "Be Prepared" for this trek.  Also thanks to Mr. Sprouse for providing white water training, and to our drivers Mr. Svacha and Mr. Sprouse who were good enough to stay awake on the way home, when most of us had lost that battle.

All in all it was an awesome trek, and one that will need to be repeated next year as well.   We will have a few pictures to share with the Troop this Wed night, and you can see more of our most current "High Adventure," and sadly, what you missed by not joining us.

                                               High Adventure Scouts Face The Challenge Prepared,

                                                DAVID E. COLVIN
                                                ASM, Senior Advisor, High Adventure Program