Friday, October 25, 2013

Back Packing trip details

Please meet at the church before 7:00 am on Saturday. We are trying to leave by 7:30--as incentive to get there early we will have a backpacking continental breakfast at the church... bagels, juice, hot chocolate.

We should be returning around 1:00 pm on Sunday. Please be expecting a call if we're early.

Scouts were handed a packing list at the last meeting and we discussed in detail what to bring--every scout should know what to bring, who he is tenting with, who he is cooking with, and what group supplies he needs to bring.  If there are any questions

the details:
1. WEATHER - the nearest weather forecast is might hit 50 during the day, low 30's at night. It wouldn't surprise me if we go below freezing overnight - the temperatures on the mountains are generally a little colder than the forecasts due to elevation and wind. This is cold, folks, think about sleeping and clothing. Breezy, especially camping on the back side of a ridge, predictions are 5+ mph "breeze". Looks like no precipitation at this time, but remember we discussed that raingear can be a useful wind-breaking layer. A late-night shower on Saturday was predicted, but is now gone. However, the weather at that elevation changes very quickly.
2. CLOTHING - uniforms NOT REQUIRED. Layer your clothing. HAT, GLOVES, and LONG PANTS REQUIRED, show them to the leaders in the parking lot before departure. We will supply chemical handwarmers if you'd like them.
3. SLEEPING - a light blanket can help insulate from the ground. Foam sleeping pads are good insulation also. No hammocks, etc., this is a relatively fragile semi-alpine environment.
4. MONEY - trip cost is $10 (cash) per scout to cover parking fees, group supplies, and Saturday's continental breakfast. We will be having breakfast at the church before departing, this will be a great time-saver. There will be a convenience store stop on the way up and another on the way back if you'd like to bring some money.
5. WATER - bring a minimum of 1-quart water bottle. The rest will be obtained from springs, streams and puddles, and melting frost from your eyebrows.
6. FOOD - each scout supplies their own lunch for the trail as well as snacks. It was decided the scouts will cook dinner in small groups, please talk to your scout and verify that they know what their dinner food plans are. The same for breakfast. (tip - snacks that are calorie-dense and contain protein such as nuts, jerky, etc. are usually better choices than chips, etc.) It seemed each group had access to a stove and cookware, but please verify, I'll bring more if I need to. If there are any questions, please ask me. Bring a mess kit (or whatever you'll eat from), there will be no "extras".
7. THE TROOP WILL SUPPLY - hot chocolate packets, water treatment, toilet paper/trowel/biffy bags, handwarmers.
8. cell phone reception is spotty to non-existent, don't bother with them except as a camera. No electronics on the trip please, including the commute.  Here's an idea--use the trip to have a real conversation--about the trip, other scouting information, or upcoming trips!!
9. PERMISSION - please fill out Saturday morning, it will be a good opportunity to speak to the leaders to make sure you have the required minimum equipment.
10. ROSTER:
scouts: James Cannizzaro, Jack Henshall, Dylan Cockcroft, Daniel Withrow, Michael Withrow, Sean Cannizzaro, James Hong, Eric Hong, Tommy Lawe, Ian Luther, Harrison Riley, Peyton Averitt.
leaders: John Cannizzaro (908-581-0867), Bob Smith (336-706-0198), Don Grisgraber(336-402-6228), Joe Casacchia (336-908-1740)
11. ITINERARY - we will be parking in Grayson Highlands State Park, hiking on the Appalachian Trail into the Jefferson National Forest, and camping somewhere along the Springs Trail. Rescue helicopter accessible. After setting up camp, we will dayhike further on the AT.

As always, feel free to contact one of us if you have any questions or concerns.