BSA TROOP 474

White Mountains NH

High Adventure Winter Camping & Snow Shoe Hike

(limited indoor sleeping available)

February 21 & 22 (compressing into 2 day trip)

REVISED

Adult Leaders Pecoraro / McGregor/Braccio

This is the postponed trip from 1/17, 18 &19. Trip postponed due to -50 degree weather, -100 on Mt Washington. Land Trust disallowed our adventure.

COST IS $20 PER PERSON PLUS ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHARED GAS EXPENSE IF YOU CATCH A RIDE WITH ANOTHER DRIVER.

DESCRIPTION: Annual trip to Bethlehem (near Littleton) NH; Rocks Christmas Tree Farm for winter camping and snow shoe hike on Presidential Range. We camp in close proximity to cars and a heated building with running water and bathrooms. Although not essential, everyone is encouraged to backpack everything from the car to the campsite and everyone is encouraged to sleep in tents. Only scouts new to winter camping should be those considering sleeping in sleeping bags indoors. If in doubt, take the chance…be brave.

Day One: we drive to camp, set up camp, tour the Christmas Tree Farm and practice or learn how to use snow shoes. Experience is NOT needed. Visit Littleton candy store with worlds longest penny candy counter.

Day Two: Break camp. We drive 20 minutes to Base of Mt Pierce for hike to summit. This is the high adventure piece!!! Everyone reached the summit last year including all newcomers to snow shoe hiking. The hike is followed by some seriously killer sledding at a nearby hillside…Baldwin hill does not compare to this hill!!! Bring a tube, torpedo or flying saucer. Return Home Late.

Day Three: Not needed due to 2 day compression

WHEN: Departure - Saturday 2/21/03 meeting place Quinepogue Lake Pavilion 6 AM SHARP! Arrive Rock Tree farm by 11:00, set up camp by 2:00. Visit Littleton Candy Store. Snow shoe. Dinner

- Sunday break camp by 8:30, drive to Mt Pierce and be hiking by 10:00, sledding by 3:30 and en route home by 6:30

Return - Sunday 1/20/03 10:30 PM

WHERE: Rocks Christmas Tree Farm, White Mts. NH

WHAT To Bring: Follow Winter check list for over night camping. We have reviewed clothing requirements and layering on 1/8/04 meeting through full “show & tell” demonstration. Techniques of layering clothing and types of hi-tech materials, sleeping with hat, essential extreme cold weather sleeping bags, how to keep Nalogen bottles from freezing, importance of nutrition, hydration, empty bladders, frostbite, the importance of keeping dry, and more will be covered at the meeting. Cotton clothing is forbidden. Experienced winter campers were urged to come to the meetings on 1/8 & 1/15 to plan and share knowledge with newcomers.

Clothing - Weather conditions will be better known next week. PLAN ON 5 Feet of Snow and potentially extreme temperatures at night below zero before wind chill factor. We have averaged 15 boys and 10 adults for the past few years with 100% success…it can be done if you prepare and take it seriously. Sorel Boots are mandatory!!!

Food – Assigned adults will be responsible for Saturday dinner and Sunday Breakfast. We pizza on Saturday night and breakfast on way to Mt Pierce. Each person is individually responsible for trail mix, snacks, lunches, hot chocolate/tea… Food is fuel that keeps you warm…prepare to keep food bars, gorp, salami and easy to carry food in your bellies. Staying hydrated is essential…however full bladders require energy to keep at 98.6 degrees.

H2O – Carry two liters for Sunday hike. H2O is available at the campsite.

MASTER LIST OF WHAT TO BRING: Discuss following aspects AT 1/16 MEETING

A. HANGING OUT AT CAMP ATTIRE (many layers; standing around gets you cold, excellent boots (I.E. - 50 DEGREES) & hat & gloves)

B. DAY HIKE UP MT. PIERCE (DAY PACK, 10 ESSENTIALS!!!, LAYERS, face mask/ baklava )

C. SLEEPING ATTIRE (dry layers, HAT!!, socks…stay hydrated…empty bladder before you sleep at night)

WE ARE TROOP 474