BSA TROOP 474                  

Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip

Berkshires MA Tyringham MA to Rt. 20 Lee MA

March 20 & 21, 2004

 

DESCRIPTION: Two day backpack trip on Appalachian Trail from Tyringham MA  to Rt. 20 Lee MA with an over night camp set at Upper Goose Pond. Terrain is generally moderate with a bit of up & down up and down.

 

Day One: Drive to Tyringham , shuttle cars and drivers to Lee and then begin hike entering Appalachian Trail at Tyringham main Road, Tyringham MA and hike approximately 8 miles with full packs with destination Upper Goose Pond Camp Site.   

Day Two:  Break camp and backpack out approximately 3 miles, crossing AT Bridge over I 90 (just for Rob Feds) to Rt. 20 Lee MA where cars will have been shuttled.  Option of visiting Stockbridge before driving home can be decided for those interested.

 

Schedule:  Departure - Saturday 3/20/04 meeting place Quonnipaug Lake Pavilion at 6:00 AM SHARP!  Travel by car ETA Tyringham at 8:30, shuttle cars and begin hiking at 10:00.Hiking 8 miles on average 1.5 miles per hour with lunch  and rests included should have up to Upper Goose Pond Camp Site  around  3:30 with plenty of day light to set up camp and the like.

 

- Sunday break camp and be hiking by 9:00 and be to Rt. 20 Lee by around 11:00, shuttle cars and be free to travel home or tour Stockbridge by 12:00 

FOOD 

Saturday morning breakfast – Individually eat before you leave home and maybe snack for the car since we plan not to stop.

 

Saturday Individually responsible for lunch and trail food. Patrols are responsible to plan and prepare their own balanced nutritious hot dinner.

 

Sunday Breakfast by patrol which should be simple, easy to cook and clean up. Bacon is discouraged.  Individuals are responsible for own trail mix. We might eat in Stockbridge or on the way home so have some money just in case.

 

Generally good hike lunch food includes salami, cheese, flatbread, P&J and trail mix consisting of unsalted nuts, granola, and dried fruit, raisons..., power bars and high energy granola bars, fig Newtons…Food is calories is energy to keep you warm and strong.  

WHAT TO BRING: Follow three season overnight backpack list. Weather conditions will be better understood closer to weekend. It is a tricky time of year requiring you to be prepared for rain, snow, wind, or beautiful dry and warm temperature…puffy white clouds against blue sky. Be prepared to layer. Remember what you bring is weight you must carry. Experienced good natured big brute scouts like Nate Dawg & Rob Feds will cheerfully and quietly help those in need. However pack light and pack smart. Avoid weight such as books. Pack heavier things low in you pack and pack so that things you might need are accessible (threat of rain causes raincoat to be on top or have a fleece available…). Do not underestimate the temperature but remember clothing is weight. Light gloves are a safe bet. Dry warm hiking boots are key. Clip your toe nails. Bring a backpack stove. H2O filter if you have. Two liters of H2O per day. Stay hydrated.

 

Prepare in advance, not the morning of so we can get right to it!!!

 

WE ARE TROOP 474