Houston Gondola Expedition - general information

Overview

The gondola scouting expedition is designed to raise awareness of The Boy Scouts of America (BSA)—Sam Houston Area Council (SHAC), and the Scout Fair. The expedition is hosted by Irving, Texas Convention and Visitors Bureau. BSA is based in Irving and Gondola Adventures, Inc. operates gondolas along the Irving Mandalay canals in Las Colinas. The expedition coincides with the SHAC Scout Fair, “Race to Scouting,” on April 19 at Reliant Arena. On April 18, a Gondola Adventures Inc. team will row a gondola along the Buffalo Bayou in support of SHAC. The purpose of the gondola row is to raise awareness of SHAC and the Scout Fair, and to acknowledge Irving, Texas as the headquarters for Boy Scouts of America.

Schedule

The expedition team will depart from Allen’s Landing at 10:00 am on Friday, April 18. Boy Scouts from SHAC will be there to send the team off.

The gondola will travel down the famous Buffalo Bayou – travelling from the Downtown Houston area, passing through some beautiful areas representing the bayou as it was hundreds of years ago, through an industrial district and into the security zone of Houston’s cargo ship area. The gondoliers will make their turnaround loop at Brady’s Island (viewable from Brady’s Landing restaurant), and then head back up the bayou, travelling all the way back up to Allen’s Landing. The route will cover about 16 miles. The gondoliers expect to contend with winds and currents as well as having to accommodate cargo ships and other vessels which may block the way periodically. The gondola is scheduled to arrive at Allen’s Landing at 3pm where SHAC officials will be waiting to greet them.