Block Island Bike Trip June 20-22, 2008

The Block Island bike trip was an awesome outing to cap off the scout year and kickstart summer. Many scouts just finished their last exam and last day of school. Others got to leave school a little early on their next to last day. The troop started off with a beautiful ferry ride from Point Judith, RI. A few snacks and a couple video games on the boat and the North Lighthouse was in sight. The ferry docked and the scouts backpacked or rode bikes upto the campsite. Tents were up and camp was made in no time. The troop headed down to Aldo's for some delicious pizza and a fun time together. There was excitement and anticipation in the island air. Dave T. won a Nintendo DS system for Conner from the game machine. That was a major surprise which got everyone excited and then everyone had to give it a try. We hit the island candy shop and headed back to camp to start a fire.

Saturday was an excellent day full of activities and fun. We started with bike rentals and set off on the road in search of breakfast. Chris had a small accident coming down the hill from the airport, but was thankfully okay. The island staff was amazing and had paramedics, an ambulance and police on site before he could say, "I'm alright, really".










We all headed to Ernie's for a tasty breakfast, got on our bikes to start our whirlwind tour of the island. First, up to the very top of the island to the North Lighthouse. We walked along the shore and found many interesting rocks and stuff. A few boys took off their shoes and got in the water. Next, on to the Labyrinth, then the gorgeous main beach pavilion. The water was refreshing and much time was spent enjoying the sand, salt water and this special time together. A vicious sand castle challenge sparked and the boys got building. Once a large whole was dug, it only made sense for someone to jump in it. David M. got buried up to his head.

Next, everyone rode through town and headed to the South Lighthouse. The ocean views were spectacular. The huge stairs at the bluffs led us down to the waterfront. This was the favorite stop for many scouts. They enjoyed exploring the tidal pools and finding many sea stars, spider crabs and other sea life. Some boys mixed the natural clay from the bluffs with the water and got creative with clay sculpting. It was a wonderful visit and if it weren't for the notion of going for food, we might not have ever left.

Dinner was right by the beach at the famous Ballard's restaurant. Mmmm... clam chowder, sea food, pasta and more tasted so good after such a busy and full day riding and playing. After a wonderful dinner, some scouts headed for ice cream, others the candy store and all ended back at the campfire for s'mores. Talk around the fire recalled the beautiful places we visited that day.

Sunday morning came quickly and the camp was broken down swiftly. Once packed, the troop rode back down to our new favorite breakfast stop, Ernie's. Afterwards, the local shops were visited and a little more time on the bikes was enjoyed. A small group pushed their legs for a loop around the Southwest part of the island and a short visit to Rodman's Hollow, a large wooded area with the ocean in the background. Everyone enjoyed the ferry back to Point Judith were people took the opportunity to relax, reflect, enjoy the views and spend a little more time together before heading in different directions for summer, or at least until summer camp.