More than a year in planning, the 2003 high adventure trip to Alaska was by far the most ambitious expedition ever undertaken by Troop 520. For previous treks (to Philmont and the Boundary Waters), much of the needed gear and food were provided by our supplier/outfitter. This trip, however, was completely orchestrated by members of the 'Alaska Committee', who pulled together the necessary crew gear, arranged for shipping and food pickups, organized the meals and transportation necessary to feed and transport this huge group through the vast wilderness, which is Alaska. Consequently, we must say the trip really began in June, 2002 with the first announcement to our members.
From the get-go, a high adventure in Alaska proved to be a most popular activity. Within a month, of the first announcement, all available space had been sold (despite the rather 'hefty' $1000 price tag), and we were building a waiting list. Through the full cycle of planning and the trip itself, we maintained a full enrollment of 64 members.Organizing and planning of this adventure was carried out by a committee of adult members, registered for the trip. They met almost monthly, to hash out logistic details, determine appropriate levels of bear protection, tweak the mix of activities, and more.
Throughout the planning process, and into the trip itself, Troop 520 charted new territory. The kayaking outfitter had never before dealt with a group of 64. The US Forest Service had not previously had to deal with a group this large, and they were the ones who restricted us to four crews of 16 members each. Similarly, the Alaska Railroad had never dropped such a large group into the wilderness on it's Hurricane Turn train, which normally handles small groups of homesteaders, heading to their back woods property for a weekend visit. Word spread quickly among our service providers, and everywhere we went folks were aware of the invasion from Texas.
Participants began preparing for the trip as early as February. Individuals and crews held regular practice hikes at the Dallas Nature Center, to Lorch Park, and in the hills surrounding Old Beltline Road. A shakedown at Camp Constantin, in May put a lot of folks on notice that this trip might not be as easy as first surmised. As we reached the end of the school year, purchasing and organizing personal gear took a high priority for most participants. Extra troop gatherings were held to pack/ship ahead the necessary gear, to review each member's backpack for the proper items, and to equitably distribute crew gear among all trek members. Our final 'shakedown' was held on Tuesday night, July 8th, at which time a formal photo of the entire contingent was taken.
While the trip officially got under way on Friday, in point of fact it began with a small 'advance' team of five (1 Scout and 4 Adults), who left Cedar Hill on Thursday. This team left a day early so that they could: get the first rental vehicles; make the first food pickup; retrieve and unpack the backpack stoves and cooking gear (shipped ahead); acquire new Coleman stoves and fuel to use for group cooking; and touch base with the folks who would be serving as hosts and/or suppliers during the trip.
