Boy Scout Troop 228 in Somers recently returned from a week long sailing, snorkeling and fishing expedition in the Florida Keys. The group participated in the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base program located in Islamorada, Florida. Since 1980, this premiere scouting facility has offered troops the opportunity to experience a variety of tropical adventures through its unique aquatics program.

Troop 228 lived aboard two sailing vessels, the 45 foot “Gypsy Wind” and the 65 foot “Yankee”. The young men learned about sailing terminology, navigation techniques, gauging wind direction and rigging. Their sailing routes tacked between the bright, crystal waters in the Gulf of Mexico and deeper, indigo waters in the Atlantic Ocean. Daily onboard responsibilities included hoisting sails, tending anchor, handling dive flags and managing safety buoys. Evenings were filled with picturesque sunsets and deckside sleeping beneath the stars.

The Florida Keys are an archipelago that sustains North America’s only living coral reef. This unique ecosystem affords some of the best natural habitats for diving. The boys snorkeled daily and observed a multitude of marine species, including dolphins, nurse sharks, stingray, barracuda and various schools of multi-colored fish.

The offshore areas are also known to be one of the best sport fishing locations in the world and the crews certainly experienced this. Fresh catches included a lemon shark, blackfin tuna, puffer fish and grouper. The boys learned to handle these species and prepare them in the galley for evening meals. The trip was organized by Troop 228’s Commander Chris Hanson and led by Scoutmaster Pete MacDonald. The week included many lifetime memories in one of the world’s most pristine environments.