Thanks to our great guide, Ty, we had a lot of fun and learned what a hand dug coal mine was like.  We looked around the visitor center and historic houses and then hit the road about 11:30.  We are planning to stop for a late lunch and then we should be home.

Sorry for no post yesterday, but I drove and then couldn't get a good connection to the internet last night.  We visited Ft Sumter in the morning and then drove to Beckley, WV.  Out to eat (late) and then to bed.  This morning we are going to a coal mine exhibit, then travling the last leg home.  See you in Wooster!

We arrived at about 2:30 and after orientation were turned loose.  Everyone went different directions as we explored the aircraft carrier where we are sleeping, a submarine, a destroyer, and a coast guard cutter.  We ate dinnner in the mess and have a fire drill at 9:30 tonight.  Check out some of the pictures.

We managed to get everyone up and the trailer packed up and hit the road at 7:05.  We just entered Georgia on our way to Charleston, SC.  Most everyone slept for the first couple of hours (except the drivers of course).  I'll write more after we get settled on the USS Yorktown this evening.

Our tour of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was over 3 hours long and really cool.  We saw all of the launch sites of the early space rockets and toured a blockhouse with a 1960's control room complete with an enormous computer that ran on paper tapes for storage.  Saw lots of different rockets and the space shuttle launch pads (from a distance).  We even saw some solid fuel rockets from the last space shuttle mission.  We at on the base.   We then spent the rest of the day in camp and on the beach.  Now we are getting organized so we can be on the road toward Charleston, SC by 7:00 in the morning.

Now that was a full day.  We left by about 7:30 to drive to Orlando and Universal Studios Florida.  Groups were formed and everyone was off to explore the park in their own way, with assigned meetings at 2:00 and 6:00.  We met again at 7:00 and went to NBA City Restaurant for a basketball themed meal.  The ride home was strangely quiet and everyone went straight to bed.  We have a slow day today as we visit an Air Station and begin to think about packing things up for the return trip.  Once I get some pictures from other people's cameras, I'll post more from Universal.

We are heading to Orlando and Universal Studios theme park.  It will be a long day and I won't get to update until on the way back to the beach or when we get back.  Have a great day!

We went on an airboat ride and looked for alligators.  We saw a bunch and had fun going fast on the boat.  We are having a cookout for dinner.  Yum

We had a huge (heavy rain) storm hit the area just as we were heading out for our deep sea fishing.  Fishing, unfortunately, was a bust as nothing bigger than bait was caught all night.  When we returned to camp after midnight, we found most tents with water on the floor and anything that was on the floor (including sleeping bags) soaked.  Leaders and some scouts spent most of the night at the laudromat drying gear.  Not much sleep for some. More after our surprise trip.....

Woke up to a beautiful, clear morning.  Nothing planned today until deep sea fishing after dinner.  Beach time!!!!!!!!!!

We arrived at Jetty Park at 5:00.  Tents are set up and scouts have started to explore.  Looking into dinner options.

Everyone was up and we hit the free continental breakfast early so we could get on the road.  Heading for the sub base and then lunch on base.  Everyone doing well and the exploding sunscreen container is all cleaned up.

After a long time on the road, we arrived safely at our hotel.  The scouts went swimming while we waited for pizza to be delivered.  More in the morning.

We hit the road at 5:50 AM this morning.  We made good time to Parkersburg, WV by just after 8:00.  Filled up with gas and now we are on the way again.  Only one unscheduled stop for Mr. Tiny Bladder.

Finally, tomorrow is the day.  We are meeting at 5:00 AM (yes, in the morning) to get on the road.  Just crawl out of bed, get to the church, go back to sleep for the first 3 or 4 hours (drivers excluded).  We'll be south of the Mason-Dixon line before you wake up.  Don't forget bag check tonight from 6-8.

Who's ready for sunshine on the beach???  Don't forget the mandatory gear check-in tomorrow (Friday) between 6-8PM.  We will pack your luggage and tents but don't put your 'carry-on' bag with travel games and essentials in the trailer or you won't have them until we reach Florida.

We will be doing final gear check-in a week from today (6-8 PM) and loading the trailer.  In the meantime, please don't forget that Monday is a Court of Honor.  Please wear your class 'A' uniform and bring you parents.  Obviously we will be going over last minute details as well. 

Please be patient as I get this site set up and ready to go.  If you have any suggestions on ways to make it better, email me or leave your suggestion in the guest book.  I need to know if that is working...

Final preparations are under way and everyone is getting really excited.  Don't forget gear check in is on Friday June 20th.