Troop traipses on traditional trip

La Jolla Boy Scout Troop 506, led by Scout Master Clark Smith, recently completed its annual canoe trip down the Colorado River. It’s a troop tradition that has lasted more than 25 years. In four days, the 20 Scouts and participating parents covered 35 miles along the river, setting up camp along the way and hiking throughout the historic Picacho Mills gold mining camp and the Eureka silver mine.

Geologist and former Troop 506 Eagle Scout David Bloom accompanied the group, adding in-depth knowledge of the region’s original geological formations and insights into some of the area’s more current changes.

For most of the trip, the weather cooperated, but on the final 14-mile leg, the Scouts battled strong headwinds and waves on the paddle to their final destination at Lake Martinez.

Troop 506 welcomes new members. It meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays at La Jolla United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. For information, call Mark Pulliam at (858) 483-3642.