BSA TROOP 474

HOME OF THE WOOD DUCKS

BACK PACK TRIP Chatfield Hollow / Deer Lake

9/25-26/2004

DESCRIPTION of Hike – Local back pack shakedown. Limber up those legs on a 6 mile hike with all you need on your backs. We will loop about three miles through Chatfield Hollow across route 80 dropping down another two or three miles to Deer Lake Log shelter where we will set up camp. Next morning we will break camp early so everyone’s Sunday commitments can be met (i.e. church, football games…whatever). There is some kind of Cub Scout weekend event going on up at Deer Lake. Local Cub Scout Packs have been invited to visit our site. This event will satisfy many Tenderfoot and second class requirements (i.e. 5 mile hike, camp out with Troop, safe hiking on & off road requirements, plant ID…and more) Review your book with any adult leader & or those from Senior patrol for guidance). Expect we will walk at slow 1.5 mph arriving at Deer Lake by 1:00. Afternoon can be spent at Fat man Squeeze.

WHEN: Departure - Saturday 9/25 meeting place Chatfield Hollow Killingworth parking lot 8:30 AM. We will drive cars around to Deer Lake for early Sunday morning get away.

Return - Sunday morning 9:00. Boys going on the hike being picked up on Sunday morning should be picked up at Deer Lake by the Ranger’s residence parking lot by 8:30. Use of cell phones will be available if times vary.

WHERE: Chatfield Hollow Loop into Deer Lake Log Shelter

Meeting point will be Chatfield Hollow Parking Lot.

WHAT To Bring: Follow three season check list for over night camping.

Clothing - Weather conditions are tricky time of year. Possible passing rain shower predicted for Saturday afternoon. Temperatures are at daytime 70 degrees night time 50 degrees. Light wind only makes it colder. Rain gear and ability to LAYER CLOTHING are key to success although clothing adds weight.

Food – Patrols will be responsible for Saturday night dinner and breakfast. Each person is responsible for lunch and trail mix snacks for Saturday. EACH PATROL IS TO CONSTRUCT PATROL MENU HIKE; ORGANIZE WHAT KIND OF COOK KITS 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 while you sweat hiking. 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. Peanut Butter & Jelly is another good lunch food to bring. For breakfast, keep the food and clean up simple…oatmeal and raisins. Stay away from bacon because it is messy to cook & clean. Trail mix is up to you but nuts and dried fruit is best…chocolate tastes good but is a fake energy. Food keeps you warm.

H2O – Carry two liters day for Saturday. H2O is available at Silver Hills. Bring an H2O filter if you have. Mr. P. will bring one. H20 will be readily available.

GEAR – carry your own tent & sleeping bag. Share the tent & poles with the guy you are tenting with. Bring Back packing stove if you have.

Remember back packs can get heavy is you pack too much or pack the weight incorrectly. Food should be simple, nutritious, keeps well, practically light weight, easy to clean, low garbage. Remember we quietly help spread weight if a pack gets too heavy for any individual.

WE ARE TROOP 474