Inter-base rivalry

Some rangers decided to take a canoe and packs up the Tooth of Time at Philmont.

Balancing the canoe like (particularly with the packs in it) makes me cringe, but having climbed the Tooth of Time myself, I've got to say that managing to get a canoe up there is impressive.

Source: Philmont Scout Ranch Facebook - October 2014

Missing Up North

Despite having the time of my life studying abroad this summer, a part of me can't help but wish I was back Up North. I'll see friend's pictures or look up at the Quetico Map hanging on my wall and wish I could just take one more trip up Agnes or down the Basswood River.

For some fantastic pictures from other interpreters, go to the Northern Tier Facebook Page

Northern Tier Memes

Courtesy of Spencer M, Bay Post Staff 2011

This one is a big pet peeve of most interpreters. Yes, Philmont can be intense.
But it's not the true wild. You can shower. You can have meals made for you.
You can have be taken off the trail pretty quickly if there's an emergency.

I did also go to Philmont, and I do love it; it was the best backpacking of my life. But I think that on average Northern Tier is more intense. It certainly has the potential to be more intense.

Sandy Bridges Program Center (part II)

One of the things I never got around to was showing off a little bit more of the Sandy Bridges Program Center. So in a fit of nostalgia for Up North, here's some more information about it (at least as it was at the end of the summer).

The front of SBPC

Out front is really nice (at least in the summer). I personally think that the large stones give a nice touch. Scouts could probably throw around a ball or Frisbee on the lawn after getting off water too. "The Boy Scout" statue also gives the area a nice little touch.

"The Boy Scout"

"The Boy Scout" (click to enlarge)

Main entrance

The main entrance leads directly to the mess hall. Interpreters and leaders do official check-in (getting permits, checking paperwork, etc.) in an office directly by the entrance too.

All the goodies are upstairs. There is the porch, which is absolutely great for sitting with a Dorthy Malter's Root Beer, hanging out with a crew after a trip, or just relaxing anytime. The trading post and snack stand both see a lot of business.

The new trading post

I love the new trading post. It is so much more spacious and could almost completely outfit a scout who wasn't prepared. There's not EVERYTHING (I don't think they have sleeping bags or pads), but there's certainly a lot. Need an Otterbox for your camera? Got it. Want a fashionable Northern Tier belt? Sure! Loved Hudson Bay Bread so much you want to make it at home? We've got mix. Want to read up on all the best fishing techniques? There are guide books. Loved your trip so much that you want start planning your own back home? You can even buy the the same (but new) packs you used on trail.

For a more complete list of what is offered at the Trading Post, go to their website: http://northerntiertradingpost.org/

I didn't spend nearly as much time in the snack shop, though it has some good stuff too (the root beer floats are great). Ice cream, candy, root beer, and slushies are some of the things they offer.

For most visitors, that's all there is upstairs. There's a sink and place to make coffee and a couple of conference rooms, but when I was there they weren't for crew use. I would guess that they'll be used more for training and official conferences.

All and all, having the new Sandy Bridges Program Center this last summer was fantastic. It's a great addition to the base.