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Location: |
A set of hiking trails near Old Forge |
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Dates: |
November 17-18, 2007 |
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Who: |
Chris & Matt S., Ben D., Mike & Brian Fitzsimmons,
Jim Derrane, John Ivory |
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Notes: |
Three scouts were brave enough to manage the early
snow and cold to do this first (of several) requirements for the
Backpacking merit badge. |
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Although cold, the weather was extremely cooperative for
us on this trip. Clear skies, no precipitation, pretty much no wind.
Even then, as cold as it was, after only a half mile or so, most of us had
stripped off most of our outer layers.
The trip was about 7 miles out, then 8 or so coming home.
We had very little trouble finding our way, working off some nice maps the
were (fortunately) accurate in telling us about a lean-to near the lake we
settle on (sorry... don't remember the name).
Finding wood went well, and started the fire easily
enough, and then the cold started to settle in. Not too much before
dark, other hikers arrived to discover that our lean-to was completely full.
Not at all sure what became of them.
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As tempting as it may be to occasionally grouse about the cold or the effort
involved or the quality of the food, it almost always comes out to be worth
it all to have the solitude and beauty and camaraderie come through on trips
like this. Check out the large photo below for an example.The stars
were out in full force that night as well.
Food for this trip was almost exclusively dehydrated stuff, which worked
out quite well (although I don't think any of us much enjoyed the morning
eggs).
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