BSA TROOP 474
CT River Canoe Kayak Trip
Vernan Dam VT – Turner Falls MA
Overnight Munn’s Campsite 10/25 & 26
Adult Leaders Pecoraro, McGregor, Federici & Braccio
NOTE THIS IS A POSTPONEMENT DATE FROM 10/18-19 AS PUBLISHED ON TROOP 474 CALENDAR
DESCRIPTION of Trip – Two Day 14 mile overnight canoe/kayak trip on CT river from Vernan Dam VT to Turner Falls MA. Saturday night camping at Munn’s Ferry, a riverside campsite owned by NE Utilities (800 -286 5000) managed by Northfield Mt. Recreational – Dwight Harrison 413 659 4464 or Barton Campground 413 863 9300 at 99 Millers Falls Rd, Northfield MA 01360. Late October is tricky weather due to winds, rain, temperature, hypothermia…Be prepared. Leadership is ready willing and able to help with equipment, clothing, gear those who need…don’t be shy. Three Season Camping List Applies. Rain gear and ability to layer clothing (yes to fleece, no to cotton).
WHEN: Departure - Saturday 10/25 6:00 AM SHARP from Lake Quinnepaug Parking Lot. Please have cars fully fueled and car travel snacks with you since we prefer not to stop except for possible bathroom break.
Return - To Guilford Sunday mid to late afternoon.
WHERE: "Put In" is Governor Hunt Road (off Route 142) Vernan Dam VT south of Brattleboro VT.
"Take Out" is Turners falls at French King Highway in Gill MA off Route 2.
WHO Open to all scouts although weather may be an issue due to time of year. Newcomers are encouraged to come but seek help on gear or preparation.
WHAT To Bring: Follow three season check list for over night camping. Late October is tricky weather due to winds, rain, temperature, hypothermia…Be prepared. Rain gear and ability to layer clothing (yes to fleece, no to cotton). Troop has inventory of canoes/paddles/vests…loaners are available. See Pecoraro/McGregor early if you need. A WHISTLE. Plastic Trash Bags or Proper Dry Bags are a must. All kinds of loaner equipment is available. Troop has tents available to loan if you promise to promptly dry them out. Tent by buddy system. Have second pair of warm dry foot ware available.
Food – Patrols will be responsible for Saturday night dinner and breakfast. Each person is responsible for lunch and trail mix snacks. EACH PATROL IS TO CONSTRUCT PATROL MENU; ORGANIZE WHAT KIND OF COOK KITS and STOVES TO BRING. REMEMBER WEIGHT AND PERISHABLE FOOD. Perishable food this time of year keeps well especially if you bring it frozen and let it thaw. For dinner, foil meals always work well, (foil wrap meat for protein, potato for carbohydrate, vegetables and maybe even cheese sprinkled with dried soup mix…got all food groups covered without clean up!) Boxed Zatarain Rice with some added meat and frozen peas are easy & tasteful. For lunch, dried salami, cheese & tortilla wraps keep & transport well, are needed high calorie, and easy to chow down on the trail. For breakfast, keep the food and clean up simple…oatmeal and raisins. Trail mix is up to you but nuts and dried fruit is best…chocolate tastes good but is a fake. Nutrition = Energy = Warmth. Keep fuel in your belly!
H2O – Carry two liters day for Saturday. We will also have a water filter or two just in case.
Remember canoes can get heavy if you pack too much but you need be prepared. Food should be simple, nutritious, keeps well, practically light weight, easy to clean up, low garbage. Packaged salami and cheese is good food. Behave as if you are backpacking! Remember those who are capable will quietly help those who need it.
WE ARE TROOP 474.
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