Scouting 101: Troop Continues Tour of Naval Ships in Buffalo

Bob Granchie

Day Two: After a rather listless night on the ship (naval pun there), sleeping on the rack is a lot like sleeping in an open-air mummy bag. Not a whole lot of room side to side nor top to bottom. And if you’re on the top bunk, whatever you do, don’t sit up fast. The ceiling is very metallic and doesn’t move at all. You’re very apt to see stars … and you’re two flights below the top deck!

Anyway, we made it through the night even with the two lumberjacks cutting wood in the far corner and two little ones competing in a dueling coughing spell contest. It could have been far worse. (And it probably was after I nodded off and added to the nocturnal orchestra.) When we woke up, we were treated to a great breakfast and, once again, had the run of the ships. Basically nothing was off limits and the three naval vessels still had a lot of areas to venture through. Each ship’s deck offered something new and interesting. We saw where the officers slept (no racks for them by the way), we saw where the bad boys stayed in the brig, (Talk about cramped quarters. I think there was more room in the heads than in that cell.) and we even saw where the Shops in the Hull were. That’s the places where the sailors picked up life’s necessities, i.e. smokes, snuff, gum and candy.

After about another two hours of checking everything out, we started to pack up in order to get ready to hit the mainland again. Once we got the van reloaded, we decided to take a little side trip before heading home. Since we were so close to one of the Seven Forgotten Wonders of the World, we made a quick pit stop at Niagara Falls. As usual, it was breathtaking. It just never gets old.

Bobby and I donned a couple of very snazzy blue “Maid of the Mist” rain ponchos and headed down to the rocks alongside the falls. Those ponchos need to be about another two feet longer though. They really keep your body dry but from your knee caps down to your toes, forget it, man. You’re a walking squeegee. But I suppose that’s half the fun.

While we were there we stopped along the viewing center overlooking the Falls, and for whatever the reason, Bobby and I kept getting asked to have our picture taken with visiting Asian vacationers. This had to happen maybe eight times. We don’t know if they thought because we were in our Scout uniforms we were Niagara Falls Park rangers or if they actually knew that we were Boy Scouts. But for whatever reason, they wanted us to be in their photos.

After the photo shoot, Bobby and I were able to get away and make a quick stop over at the gift shop. I picked up my commemorative souvenir magnet and we headed on home. All in all it was probably one of the most enjoyable 24 hours I’ve spent in a long while. A lot was condensed in that time period and all of it was most interesting. We even had a chance to watch an elderly gentleman feed the birds and squirrels out of his hand up at the Falls. To him, I would imagine, this was a perfect day and life was good. And he’s probably right … the simple things usually are. I thought this was a very fitting way to end the trip. Lots of hustling and bustling, but when it’s all over you need to take time to relax and enjoy your surroundings – to stop and smell the roses, as they say.

Okay, how about some other Scouting news? Don’t forget, this Saturday the crew will be out and about collecting cans for the food bank. If you see any of our members in uniform canvassing the area, consider donating a can of corn or peas or beans to their collection. They’re hoping to collect 300 cans to be used for the upcoming holiday. If they succeed, I understand there’s an ice-cream party in their future. (I got that information from viewing into my crystal can of cream corn.) You didn’t know I was a medium did you? (Actually, to be honest, I’m closer to an XL.)

How about some accolades? It’s with great honor and distinction that I can congratulate the following Scouts on their personal advancements: Nick Mozingo and John Locke attained their Tenderfoot ranks, and Aiden Frith not only successfully completed his requirements for Tenderfoot, but also for his second class rank as well. Awesome job! But wait, I’m not done. A Scout salute to Bryan Higgins and Cole Baird for becoming Star Scouts, which is only two steps away from becoming an Eagle. Congrats to all these fine young men for a job well done. The Troop is very proud of your accomplishments and wishes you continued success in your future advancements. Soar to Eagle, guys!

That about wraps up this week’s edition. I’ll have some more for you next time. In the meantime, I hope you all have a great seven days and I’ll see you soon. As always, take care and God bless.