November 16th, 2018

The Troop split into two different backpacking groups to accommodate the younger and older scouts this past weekend. 

Mt. Washington Trip Report from Mr. Cancio:  Five scouts and four leaders ventured to Mt. Washington and met with the usual fierce conditions. From rain at the start of the trek to 60 – 80 MPH winds and single digit temperatures at Lion’s Head, this year was once again not for the faint of heart. A true team effort helped us get through blinding snow, fatigue, creaking joints, frozen clothes, etc. Most importantly, when one of us was flagging, the rest pitched in and kept the team going and in high spirits. Hats off to crew chief, Kevin O’Neil, scouts JJ Moberly, Lucas Anthony, Nolan Roberts and Simon Cadavid for a great effort and thanks to first-time assistant honcho Logan Prewitt for his leadership and experience.  A video and some pictures (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).  Thank you to Mr. Anthony for being the honcho and leading another Mt. Washington trip and to Mr. Cancio and Mr. Roberts for driving and participating in the trek.

Mt. Greylock Trip Report Ms. Liazos: Over Veterans’ Day weekend, nine of the younger Scouts had a chilly but fun-filled backpacking trip to Mt. Greylock, the tallest mountain in Massachusetts.  We arrived at the trailhead and after a quick lunch, set out on a 3.4-mile hike to the shelter for the first night.  Many of the Scouts were probably carrying a heavier backpack than they have ever carried before, and they did a great job managing the load and the hike.  We found the shelter this year without a problem (ask some of the Scouts about the rock they slept under two years ago).  The shelter turned out to be very nice, with a loft and multiple bunks.  The Scouts did a great job setting up their gear and making dinner the first night.  Who knew freeze-dried food could be so delicious?  It was a short walk to a nearby stream to pump water for drinking and cooking.  They got a toasty campfire going, but it was still a very cold night, with snow on the ground, a low of 16 degrees and strong winds.  The Scouts were in their sleeping bags by 6-6:30 and were down for the night.
On Sunday morning, due to the cold temperatures, the group decided to make the trip a two-day trip instead of a three-day trip.  We still covered the same distance that we had planned for days two and three (5.8 miles), but instead of stopping at another shelter on the way down we continued to the bottom.  The hike on day two was challenging, with a lot of ice on the trails and cold winds.  The Scouts did an excellent job handling the trails and keeping their spirits up.  The Scouts worked together very well as a team, and when there were challenges along the way they stepped up and helped each other out, displaying tremendous character. 
Everyone was excited when we reached the summit of Mount Greylock and got some beautiful views.  After a quick lunch, we headed down the mountain.  Once we got a bit further down, the temperature warmed up and the hike was much more comfortable.  We hiked down and then up a very steep ravine, and the trail evened out from there, for a very enjoyable end to the hike.
Lead by Ben Sprague and Jonah Carter, the Scouts did an excellent job supporting each other and managing themselves.  Thanks to Ms. Liazos for being the honcho and to Mr. Sprague and Mr. Stone for driving and joining the trip. Pictures: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.