By Anthony H – Troop Historian
2025 Troop 42 Recap
Troop 42 of San Mateo had an incredible year filled with memorable adventures, including canoeing through Minnesota’s “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the American River, and mountain biking at Mt. Tamarancho.
During the summer of 2025, three crews, each made up of six Scouts and two adults, traveled from San Francisco International Airport to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport on August 2nd. From there, the troop helped out a relative of one of the adult leaders on a large farm before beginning their main expedition.
Each crew embarked on an epic canoe journey, paddling over 50 miles across six days. During portages, Scouts carried 40+ pound canoes along with 30+ pound packs filled with food and cooking supplies.
One highlight came from Crew C, which paddled 18 miles on the second day, completing multiple portages. After hauling canoes and gear uphill to their campsite, the crew enjoyed a blissful half hour to snack, rest, and collect their thoughts after nearly eight hours of nonstop paddling.
Later in the year, Troop 42 took on whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the American River. The trip was packed with excitement, including trust-building games where pairs linked paddles and leaned back together, as well as spirited “boat wars” under the hot sun.
The trip ended on a high note, with everyone smiling as they dried off and helped deflate the rafts — another successful adventure in an action-packed year for Troop 42.
Mountain Biking at Mt. Tamarancho
Later that year, Troop 42 shifted gears for a fast-paced adventure, taking on the trails at Mt. Tamarancho for a day of mountain biking and skill building. For Scouts needing hiking credits, the outing also included a mix of fishing and hiking.
The biking crew set out after dropping off their gear and food at the campsite. The ride began with a thrilling descent off the mountain before continuing through Fairfax to Deer Park on a long trail ride. They stopped at a creek to enjoy lunch before turning around and returning to camp. The route covered 15 miles with about 2,000 feet of climbing — a fun and challenging ride!
Back at the campsite, Scouts set up camp and headed to the local pond to try their luck at fishing. Although no fish were caught, the day was filled with laughter and memories. Later, the Scouts cooked dinner, and as night fell, they gathered around a campfire for a few lively rounds of Mafia, ending the day on a high note.