Boy Scout Trails
Posted on Tuesday, July 5th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
Swiss Alps And Italian Lakes
Planes, trains, motorcoaches, boats, cable cars, gondolas, lake steamer, funicular, cog wheel train and ferry were our modes of transport. We were 62 singles with 124 bags who came, who saw, who conquered Switzerland & Italy. Aside from the traffic delays of high holiday season, it went without a hitch. No lost passports and no one lost. It was a whirlwind vacation but my theory has always been “carpe diem per dollar”, that is to squeeze in all experiences possible enroute of any journey. After all, travel is intensified living as we attempt to absorb the maximum thrills per minute. (When I compare this to my “Suzy’s Taste of Europe” trip 11 years ago, this was easy. We then did 6 countries in 7 days, like The Amazing Race.)
In charming Lucerne, we were led on a walking tour of Old Town followed by a welcome dinner of Swiss fondue. There was a folklore show which provided us the opportunity to blow an alpine horn. At the end of the evening was a yodeling contest where the bold wailed out like dying cows into the mic. We enjoyed a real alpine adventure up to and over the 7000′ Mt. Pilatus which legend says is infested with dragons. From here we boarded a paddle steamer and sailed across a crystal lake to meet our motorcoach in Fluelen.
Our driver, Peter was super-human as he transported us 7 days over narrow mountain roads in our Super-Size-It double-decker bus with a luggage trailer hitched in tow! At times local farmers would peer out chalet windows in awe of such a feat. We stopped to visit the Merlot Del Ticino Winery set in cliffside vineyards. So simple, so pure. The family owners stated we were their largest group ever. As we imbibed on 3 fine vintages, Peter spends a half hour trying to turn the coach around with help from dozen locals. Finally we arrive in Lugano. Is it Switzerland or Italy? You Google it. We unpack for 3 glorious nights at Hotel De La Paix.
If it’s Tuesday, must be Italy. We set out to tour the lush lake district which sprawls dreamlike as a watercolor painting. This is the “Rio of the Old Continent.” In Tremezzo we view the famous Villa Carlotta Gardens and water taxi over to elegant Bellagio. The town has fallen asleep for it’s 3 hour siesta. Nothing to do but “manga” so I amble up the cobbled streets for my third pistachio gelato of the day. A shopping stop is scheduled in Como. Some women don’t even glance at the mirrored lake lined with palm trees. As if on steroids, they march forward armed with Euros, Swiss francs and a MasterCard. Their motto on this 2 hour marathon is “if the shoe fits, charge it.” Our day ends with a visit to Alprose Chocolate Factory. The tour is disappointing, but offers good buys on sweets.
Our evenings are totally free and we disperse in mini-groups to discover the best local cafes. Seafood is ultra fresh here but on my budget in this land of a weak dollar, I settle each night for Pizza Margarita, paper thin with slabs of buffalo mozzarella. On Wednesday, half the group defects to explore the region on their own. Some do nature trails, boating, Mt. Bre, the fishing villages and even Milan in a day. A few others lounge poolside at our hotel sunning like lizards . We are graced with perfect weather up to departure. The other half of the group join me with our wonderful guide Isabelle. (She has an obsession with George Clooney whose villa faces Lake Como.) We begin at the Ponte Tressa market where Europeans flock for bargains, but depart early as it resembles a giant garage sale. We ferry from Lavino along with our monster bus across Lake Maggiore to Intra and then drive to Stressa. Now here’s a place I’d like to linger for its Mediterranean feel. From here, some visit the Borromean Islands.
Time to check out and head to Switzerland on one of the worlds most diverse rail journeys. The Bernina Express corkscrews its way up and over the Alps with a Kodak moment at every turn. We pass 3 glaciers and Lake Bianco named for its “glacial milk.” In 3 hours we arrive “on top of the world” to glitzy St. Moritz. Our hotel was upgraded to the 5* Hotel Kempenski Grand, according to our driver “the finest hotel in Switzerland.” We quietly enter the chandeliered lobby in T-shirts and denim shorts as if we too are part of the rich and famous. This is as elegant as it gets. I don’t want to leave my suite with its marbled tub and feathered duvet. The designer boutiques in town are closed now. We scatter on nature trails towards the lake. For dinner, some splurge at the hotels world class restaurant on fresh lamb enveloped in herbed crepes and deserts of spun sugar. Twenty of us enjoy an outdoor BBQ of organic local products. Later I take advantage of the complimentary spa with a swim and 4 treatment rooms.
I’ve always said that if I was forced to trade my passport with another country, I’d choose Switzerland. Even the cows with their bells are happy here. It’s the purest air and purest food. It’s the efficiency. Like the Boy Scouts, Swiss count neatness, punctuality, cleanliness and hard work as virtues. It’s the serenity in the verdant hills where one feels safe. And it’s the beauty in the rugged geography of rocks, bubbling brooks, clean lakes and snow capped mountains.
The highlight for me was our morning excursion by 2 gondolas ascending to a lone restaurant 9000′ high. Here we are greeted with a private champagne toast on a sun drenched terrace. Some of us hiked down through the Ice Palace, a grotto-like cave in sheer ice. The majesty of this mountain humbled me. (See “On top of the world” photo.)
Peter must drive us to Zurich over a seemingly insurmountable mountain pass before reaching the highway. In 27 years, he’s driven tour buses over 3 million kilometers and tells me he hates driving this road. We pass cows mating and villages with populations of 12. After a lunch stop in Heidiland, we arrive safely in Zurich. It’s raining now as if Mother Nature mimics the sadness of our departure. I overnight here with a solid 9 hours sleep and reminisce another journey well done. Perhaps I’ll repeat it again in a future September during the festival of cows in costume which come down from the mountains to make cheese.
Every AFS trip is vastly different. I concern myself with my groups over the destination and extremely impressed with the politeness and the fortitude of this one. They were clueless to the daily movements that had to be precision timed to the accuracy of a Swiss Swatch. Through the hills and valleys of this particular journey, they kept up like true travel pro’s and win the AFS award of my most on time group ever. For some, it was their first trip abroad. I learn most from them as I look at the sights through their passionate and inquisitive eyes. Through the years I’ve been so blessed with good clients who can appreciate different cultures as they follow me around the world. I hope we will make an effort to stay in touch. Friendship is the most prized souvenir any trip can provide.
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Pacifica Boy scout Trail
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Durston, George THE BOY SCOUTS ON THE TRAIL 1st Edition First Printing $75.00 |
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Boy Scout Handbook by Boy Scouts of America (1992, Paperback) The Trail Eagle $3.00 |
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Trails End Popcorn Tin, Pictures of 4 Boy Scouts on Side of Tin 5 round x 6 tall $8.99 |
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Great Trail Council CSP – Marnoc Lodge 151 – Order of the Arrow Boy Scout Patch $4.99 |
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Great Trail Council CSP – Marnoc Lodge 151 – Order of the Arrow Boy Scout Patch $6.99 |
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Cub Boy Scout Patch Trail’s End Popcorn Patch from 1997 1998 New, Never Sewn $2.49 |
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BOY SCOUT SHAWNEE TRAILS COUNCIL CSP $4.99 |
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Oregon Trail Council CSP – Tsisqan Lodge 253 Order of the Arrow Boy Scouts BSA $6.49 |
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Boy Scouts ~ Trails End Reward Toy Soft Disc Shooter “ZYCLONE” `NEW in Box $21.88 |
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CUB SCOUT BOOMERANG TRAILS Australian Boy Sc. Australia $8.25 |
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BSA Boy Scout CSP Pin 1985 National Jamboree Great Trail Council $3.99 |
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Boy Scout BSA JSP 2005 Trails West $2.99 |
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Boy Scout BSA JSP 2005 Scenic Trails $2.99 |
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Trails End vintage Boy Scouts campfire ghost story scene empty tin $13.79 |
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BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BSA PATCH – 1951 FOX RIDGE CAMPOREE LINCOLN TRAILS COUNCIL $3.95 |
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BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BSA PATCH – 1952 PANA ILL CAMPOREE LINCOLN TRAILS COUNCIL $3.95 |
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Boy Scout Kawida 480 A1 OA KY Kentucke Boone Trail $11.00 |
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MINSI TRAILS PA NJ Boy Scouts GUARDIAN License Plate $15.00 |
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Lot 3 Boy Scout BOLO TIES C&O Canal Trail & CAMP TUCKAHOE York Adams Council PA $5.99 |
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VINTAGE BOY SCOUT HISTORIC TRAILS AWARD COVERED WAGON PATCH (E-35) $0.99 |
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BOY SCOUTS OFCANADA 10TH ANN WOODLAND TRAILS 1984 PATCH $3.95 |
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BOY SCOUTS OFCANADA 25TH ANN WOODLAND TRAILS 1984 PATCH $3.95 |
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Boy Scouts of America Tin/Trails End Gourmet Popcorn Tin $6.99 |
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Lot BSA Boyscout Wolf Cub Items Offical Trail Camper Bag, Belt & Buckle, Scarf + $19.99 |
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Vintage Boy Scout Old Trails Jamboree 1938 $9.99 |
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Boy Scouts of America Historic Trails Award Patch Badge BSA New $3.00 |
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Boy Scout Cuyahoga Valley Trail Medal Akron, Ohio $12.50 |
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Boy Scout API-SU-AHTS Trail Medal $13.00 |
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Boy Scout Overton Zoological Trail Medal $12.50 |
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Boy Scouts Allegheny Trails Council Commodore Perry Ship Friends 1983 Ash Tray $2.99 |
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BOY SCOUT BSA RED FELT VEST 11 1970′S PATCHES OKAW VALLEY, DANIEL BOONE TRAIL + $3.01 |
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JEFFERSON DAVIS MEMORIAL TRAIL BILOXI MISS BOY SCOUTS PATCH SCOUT $12.00 |
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1970s VALLEY FORGE TRAIL AWARD Medal Ribbon Boy Scout Valley Forge Council NOC $6.99 |
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Boy Scout Pokagon Trails oversized app. 4″ $5.00 |
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Boy Scout 1st Council Camporee Minsi Trails May 70 USED $4.00 |
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Woodland Trails Deer Count Woodlands Adventure Neckerchief Slide Boy Scout $0.99 |
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Boy Scout Patches – Trail’s End – Popcorn – Boyce + 2 Pins – Lot $10.00 |
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Wild Animal Trails,Mathiews,Boy Scout Ed.,G+,HB,G&D Reprint 1928, f $20.00 |
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Boy Scouts Of America “Trails End Gourmet Popcorn 89-90″ Award Pin BSA NICE $14.99 |
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SUPER SCOUT SHOW ’79 CHISHOLM TRAIL – BOY SCOUT PATCH $4.95 |
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CARTER HILLS TRAIL – VINTAGE BOY SCOUT FOX PATCH $4.95 |
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LEATHER – BOY SCOUTS of AMERICA HISTORIC TRAILS AWARD $9.95 |
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Boy Scouts of America Patch Maine to Georgia APPLICATION TRAIL BSA $6.99 |
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vintage BSA Boy Scout KEWANNE PONY EXPRESS TRAIL Historic Pocket Patch & MEDAL $9.95 |
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vintage BSA Boy Scout AMAQUONSIPPI Rain Dancer OA PATCH SCARF & TRAIL MEDAL lot $11.05 |
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vintage Boy Scout LEWIS & CLARK TRAIL Historic Patch & MEDAL Piasa Bird Council $9.95 |
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vintage BSA Boy Scout EMBARRASS RIVER TRAIL Mattoon IL Patch & MEDAL $9.95 |
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vintage BSA Boy Scout SHABBONA Historic TRAIL 1775-1859 Pocket Patch & MEDAL IL $9.95 |
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Pee- Wee Harris On The Trail (Boy Scouts) 4 Glossies $9.99 |
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COLOR Photo S8885 Boyscouts by brush on trail $5.98 |
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HISTORIC TRAILS AWARD BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA DECAL/POSTER STAMP MINT 78mm X 126mm $6.00 |
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Early Boy Scout Lincoln Trail Watch Fob $24.99 |
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Boy Scouts – Spirit of ’76 Trail Patch, Marblehead, MA $19.99 |
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Boy Scouts on Trail Transport Wagon runs Amok IBBERSON $119.99 |
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1950s 60s? BOY SCOUT BSA PATCH HIAWATHA PIONEER TRAIL $3.99 |
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Boy Scout Valley Forge Trail Medal – Valley Forge Council BSA (New) $5.24 |
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BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TRAIL’S END POPCORN SALE AWARD PATCH 1993-94 $3.89 |
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Oregon Trail Council Jambo ’04 Boy Scout CSP BSA SA-27 Patch 100 Made! (OA 253) $14.99 |
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Oregon Trail Council Boy Scout CSP Retired Standard Issue S-22a BSA (OA 253) $4.99 |
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Oregon Trail Council Jambo ’04 Boy Scout CSP BSA SA-26 Patch 300 Made! (OA 253) $8.99 |
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5 NORMAN ROCKWELL Boy Scout Prints, Adventure Trail,Mighty Proud,Can’t Wait +++ $48.50 |
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Vintage Glacial Trails Scout Ranch Buttes Area Council Boy Scouts Patch $2.00 |
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BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BSA PATCH – 1955 WILD FRONTIER CAMPOREE LINCOLN TRAILS $3.95 |
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BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BSA PATCH – 1956 LOGGERS GREENUP CAMPOREE LINCOLN TRAILS $3.95 |
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BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BSA PATCH – 1956 DISTRICT CAMPOREE LINCOLN TRAILS COUNCIL $3.95 |
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VINTAGE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BSA PATCH – 1957 CAMPOREE LINCOLN TRAILS COUNCIL $3.95 |
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BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BSA PATCH – 1957 JUBILEE CAMPOREE LINCOLN TRAILS COUNCIL $3.95 |
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BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BSA PATCH 1953 WYMAN PARK CAMPOREE LINCOLN TRAILS COUNCIL $3.95 |
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VINTAGE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BSA PATCH 1959 CAMPOREE LINCOLN TRAILS COUNCIL $3.95 |
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BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BSA PATCH 1959 ROUND-UP CAMPOREE LINCOLN TRAILS COUNCIL $3.95 |
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BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BSA PATCH 1966 RUGGED ADVENTURE CAMPOREE LINCOLN TRAILS $3.95 |
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BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BSA PATCH 1967 CAMP COOK CAMPOREE LINCOLN TRAILS COUNCIL $3.95 |
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Boy Scout patch new (Lewiston Trail Council) NEW YORK Covered Wagon/animals NEW $3.99 |
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1971 the boy scouts on the trail saalfield $20.00 |
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Vintage 1975 Toronto Woodland Trails Camp Boy Scouts wolf bird binoculars badge $7.99 |
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Vintage 1973 Woodland Trails Camp GTR Boy Scouts Toronto Wolf badge patch $7.99 |
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OA BOY SCOUT MI LODGE 152 INDIAN DRUM F12 SCENIC TRAILS COUNCIL PATCH BADGE $9.50 |
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Landsdowne No. 326 Gettsyburg Trail Boy Scout Patch $10.00 |
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COLLECTION OF 2 TINS TRAIL’S END BOY SCOUTS & BOY SCOUTS 100 YEARS OF SCOUTING $7.99 |
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WOODLAND TRAILS CAMP 1976 GTR – BOY SCOUT PATCH $1.99 |
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WOODLAND TRAILS CAMP GTR 1979 – BOY SCOUT PATCH $1.99 |
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LEWISTON TRAIL COUNCIL CUB RALLY 1975 – BOY SCOUT PATCH $1.99 |
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WILLOW RUN WOODLAND TRAILS 1976 – BOY SCOUT PATCH $1.99 |
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SCOUT-O-RAMA SULLIVAN TRAIL COUNCIL TV ’72 – BOY SCOUT PATCH $1.99 |
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WEBELDS-DAD WEEKEND LEWISTON TRAIL COUNCIL – BOY SCOUT PATCH $1.99 |
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SCOUT-O-RAMA 1976 LEWISTON TRAIL COUNCIL – BOY SCOUT PATCH $1.99 |
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BSA Boy Scout CSP Buffalo Trail SA- $3.99 |
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BSA Boy Scout CSP Great Sauk Trail SA-66 $3.99 |
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BSA Boy scout CSP Buffalo Trail SA-15 $3.99 |
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BSA Boy Scout CSP JSP Buffalo Trail 1989 $2.99 |
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Boy Scout BSA JSP Great Trail 2005 $1.99 |
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Vtg Boy Scouts BSA Tie Slide “Follow the Trail of Scouting” $15.75 |
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BSA Boy Scout patch Camp Hunt Jacket Patch Trapper Trails Council Bear Lake $3.99 |
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Boy Scouts 1995-1996 Trails End Gourmet Popcorn Lapel Pin $9.99 |
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Boy Scout BSA 2010 National Jamboree Great Sauk Trail Council MI JSP CSP Patch $3.99 |
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Boy Scout SE Dist Blazed Trail Camporee patch 1982 BSA $3.95 |
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Boy Scout BSA 2010 National Jamboree Minsi Trails Council Pennslyvania CSP Patch $3.99 |
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The Boy Scout Handbook–The Trail to Eagle $3.99 |
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BSA Boy Scout Patch – Cantigny-McCormick Trail 1 $5.00 |
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BSA Boy Scout Patch – Four Seasons Trail – Dupage Council – Horton Arboretum $5.00 |