Monthly Trips

2003/2004

Draft Schedule - Not yet approved

Note:  This schedule was built based upon the Scout Preferences for the year

 

Dates	Event	Overview	Click here for additional trip details and highlights!
27-28 Sep	Camping & Backpacking	Camp Nihan.  Opportunity to brush up on hiking and camping skills.  Scouts will hike in two miles via Breakheart Reservation and carry all gear needed for the weekend.  Be at church at 0830 Saturday for departure.  Pickup at Nihan at 0900 Sunday.	Additional Details
18-19 Oct (Primary) or 25-26 Oct (weather date)	Canoeing	Canoe the Saco River (New Hampshire into Maine).  Canoes will be put in at the North Conway portage.  Scouts will canoe the day and camp on the beach prior to the Swan River Dam.  Day 2 requires an easy (but muscle power) portage at the Swan's Falls Dam and then exit the river at the Walkers Bridge.  Approximate river distance is 14 miles.  Be at church at 0600 Saturday.  Return time is approximately 2030.  Note:  If weather is not good or if scouts prefer, we will exit the river on Sunday at the Canal Bridge - this cuts off four hours of river time and will have the troop back in Lynnfield by 1630 - The trip coordinator will notify parents if the troop is coming home at the earlier time.	Additional Details
15 - 16 November	Backpacking	We head back north to the White Mountains and Climb Mt Kearsarge.  We will spend the night on the summit at the fire lookout.  Hike for day 1 is 3hrs.  Day two hike is 4 hrs.  Be at the  church at 0730 Saturday.  Return time at the church Sunday is approximately 1600	Additional Details
13 December		Day event at Brooksby Farms in participation for February Klondike Derby.  The Troop will hold its own dry run - to be familiar with the event and then practice those skills which might need a little refinement.	Additional Details
17 - 18 January	Winter Freezeout	Camp Wah-Tut-Ca?	Additional Details
TBD February	Klondike Derby	Saturday day event for scouts to race around course on sled and demonstrate scout skills along the way such as orienteering, knots, fire building and first aid.	Additional Details
13-14 March	Skiing	Our location will not be determined until January.  Each year there are numerous ski areas which offer free tickets in promotional deals - last year it was Gunstock and Wildcat.  When the deals are announced, we will pick the site and make lodging reservations.  If Wildcat, we will reserve the Appalachian Mountain Club Harvard Cabin in nearby Jackson NH. If Gunstock, we will stay at the nearby scout camp.	Additional Details
9-11 April	Hiking - Whale Watching	The troop will depart from the church at 7:00 PM on Friday and drive to Cape Cod (Camp Greenough in Yarmouth or Nickerson State park in Brewster).  On Saturday we travel North to Provincetown.  From the town center we will hike across the seawall and then west along the sand bar to prime whale watching areas.  This is a popular hiking route which will take us within 100 yards of whale watching boats - but we get unobstructed views and the cost is free..  From Provincetown center, this is a five mile hike each way, thus qualifying for another 10 mile hike for hiking merit badge.  Saturday night will be spent back at Camp Greenough before heading home early Sunday afternoon	Additional Details
17-18 May	Outward Bound or Hiking & Cycling Extravaganza	Two options - yet to be finalized.  The first option is to attend an outward bound class on Thompson Island in Boston Harbor.  We would depart from the Black Falcon Pier and take the outward bound shuttle to Thompson Island.  Saturday and Sunday would be spent in various activities such as climbing 40ft towers (with safety harnesses) and exercises in and teamwork.  If this option does not work out then we have an excellent backup in a hiking/cycling extravaganza.  We will hike the Hancock Mountains on Saturday (10 mile hike with two 4,000 ft peaks) and spend the night at the Big Rock campground in the White Mountain National Forest.  On Sunday, we rent mountain bikes from one of the many rental companies which will take us to the top of Cannon Mountain.  From there, we bike back (along the established mountain bike trail to Lincoln.  This will be at the end of black fly season so may have to adjust dates if Outward Bound is not possible	Additional Details
11-13  June	Backpacking	13 Falls Backpacking Trip.  This is our last preparatory trip for the optional 50-miler hike in August.  13 Falls is a backcountry campsite of the Appalachian Mountain Club in the Pemigewasset Wilderness of the White Mountain National Forest.  Is a fairly easy (but lengthy) hike with spectacular views at the falls.  Option for older scouts to climb/bushwhack up Owls Head (4024') and climb trees to obtain views of Franconia Notch to the Bond Range	Additional Details
July	Scout Camp	Camp Wah-Tut-Ca in New Hampshire
15-19 August	Hiking/ Backpacking	Optional 50 mile hike from Mt Sunapee to Mt Monadnock in New Hampshire.  Five day trip through some moderate but beautiful terrain	Additional Details

Interested in more... Click on the Philmont Alternative link below for hikes and outings throughout the year!

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Scout Preferences for the year

Based on a pole taken on 12 Feb 03, the following are trips desired by the scouts

 

Number of Votes	Trip
5	Skiing (1 vote specifically for Wildcat)
5	Sailing
4	White Water Rafting
4	Canoeing
3	Biking
3	Manadnock
2	Rock Climbing
2	Water Skiing
2	Camping (1 for Wah-tut-ca)
1	Battleship Cove

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Camp Nihan:  20-21 September 2003

Located in Saugus, MA, Camp Nihan is run by the MDC and offers a nearby outdoor site for non-profit organizations.  Its location adjacent to the Breakheart reservation offers numerous scouting opportunities such as hiking & map & compass.  Click here for Directions to the Camp or for a map of Breakheart Reservation.

Scouts should be at the Church parking lot at 0830.  The troop will depart at 0900 and drive to the Breakheart entrance off Route 1 (Exit near Kelly's and then make right after skating rink).  The scouts will then hike the approximately 2 miles to Camp Nihan.  Maps will be provided by the Scoutmaster.  During the hike in, the turnoff to Camp Nihan is unmarked, but shown on the map, and can easily be found as it is located between distinct landmarks on the map.  Scouts can verify location via compass.  All patrols will have walkie-talkies for emergency use only.

The only troop event planned for Saturday is a mini-camporee where patrols will complete various skill events (Fire starting, first-aid, knots, lashings).  The purpose of this to to hone in on skills needed for the Klondike Derby in February

Pick-up will be at Camp Nihan on Sunday at 0900.

Pierce Lake Trail	Silver Lake	Pierce Lake from Eagle Rock
Breakheart Reservation photos courtesy of the internet

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Autumn Day on the Saco River: 18-19 October 2003

Numerous activities along the trip - fishing, sights, swimming (weather permitting), and even clay deposits

Cooking along the shore at numerous camp sites

Canoe the Saco River in New Hampshire and Maine.  A mild river with only one minor 'rapid' (which we might not be able to do depending on water flow).  Sandy beaches and numerous camping sites (free + pay) along the route.  Canoes will be put in at the North Conway portage.  Scouts will stop about a mile south of the Swan's Falls Bridge (number 4 on map) and camp on the beach.  The following day, we will canoe to Swan's Falls (The site Appalachian Mountain Club Campsite we stayed after the White Mountain hike in June of 2003) and portage the canoes around the dam before completing the remaining 3.8 miles of the trip. The North Conway entrance will be dependent upon water flow.  If the water is too low, we will go to plan B. Plan B:  Enter river at Swan's Falls (Number 2 on map) and proceed a few miles past the canal bridge before making camp on the side of the river.  On Sunday, the troop would continue along the river to Walker's Bridge (Number 3).  Canoes will probably be rented from Saco River Canoe & Kayak which is located in the immediate local area - if not, there are numerous other canoe companies. While canoeing this time of year usually is a pleasurable experience, the colder temperatures create some situations which the scouts will prepare in advance.  In addition to patrol camping equipment, scouts should plan to bring personal gear to be comfortable and safe with the fall weather conditions.  Planning to fish? - Don't forget your fishing rod - We will need fishing licences and can pick them up in North Conway.   No license is required for boys 11 years or age or under.  A junior license (12-15) is available for $9 and  Can be obtained on line.    The cost for ages 16+ is $52/year but there are one day permits (reported to be $9) or three day permits ($21) which can be purchased at numerous general stores in the area (Only season passes are available on line).

Approximate timetable is below;

Mandatory Equipment for trip

-Water socks (preferred) or old sneakers (alternative)

-Spare shoes

-Appetite for fun

-20 degree sleeping bag

-Rain coat

-All clothing in waterproof containers (could be zip-lock plastic bags)

-Aluminum foil to cook the fish you caught

-wool hat

-map (leader provided)

-whistle

-flashlight (preferably head mounted - can get Coleman AA battery type for $10 or less - fine for this trip)

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15-16 Nov:  Mt Kearsarge

Fall in the White Mountains

The troop travels to North Conway New Hampshire for a fall weekend in the Mountains.  This is an excellent opportunity to further refine hiking and backpacking skills in preparation for the August 2004 '50 miler hike' (For those interested).  We begin the trip at the Mt Kearsarge Trailhead (on Hurricane Mountain Road).  We then hike 3.0 miles to the summit.  While Mt Kearsarge is only a 3,000 ft mountain, the trail begins at a fairly low elevation and provides a good strenuous climb - comparable but a bit longer than South Moat Mountain which the Troop climbed last June. 

At the summit we make camp in the unattended fire station.  Weather permitting, leaders will camp outside.  The shelter should hold fifteen comfortably and is fully enclosed.  This will be a dry camp with no water source.  As such, each scout will be carrying 4 quarts (8 lbs) of water.  Scouts will probably consume 2 quarts on the climb which leaves adequate water for dinner, breakfast, and the descent (via a different trail north).  From Mt Kearsarge, there are panoramic views of the entire Mt Washington Valley which, weather cooperating, will make an excellent sunset and sunrise.

Summit Fire Tower

View from Summit towards Mt Washington		Moat Mountain Range in background - The troop 10 mile hike from June 2003

On Sunday, we break camp and travel north five miles north to the trailhead in Maine.  The troop will then spend 1 1/5 hours in North Conway center before heading home.  Approximate timetable is below;

Mandatory Equipment for trip

-Water (4 quarts)

-Hiking boots - no sneakers allowed - REMEMBER THE MOAT MOUNTAIN HIKE

-Hip pad

-0 degree sleeping bag (or 20 degree bag with liner/blanket)

-Rain coat

-non cotton socks

-wool hat

-map (leader provided)

-compass

-whistle

-flashlight (preferably head mounted - can get Coleman AA battery type for $10 or less - fine for this trip)

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 Winter Campout - 18 January 2004

Located in Northwood NH, Camp Wah-Tut-Ca rests on 265 acres & has Tent sites, Adirondack shelters, and Winter cabins.  The scouts will camp at tent sites.  Click here for driving Directions or for a Map of the  Camp.  

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Klondike Derby

Practice:  Saturday 13 Dec 2003

Council Wide Event:  Feb 2004 (Date TBD)

The particular date and location have yet to be determined.  The derby allows scouts to compete in a race with way stations to demonstrate scout skills.  The troop's December event  would be a dry run of possible events to practice for the derby and then brush up on those skills which might require a little review. 

The derby is often held at Brooksby Farm in Peabody.  There are acres of wooded land behind the farm which is ideal for this type activity.   The scouts will have to build their own sleds.  As part of the actual race, scouts will 'mush' from one station to another demonstrating scout skills such as orienteering, fire building, first aid, knots, and scout knowledge.

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Gunstock Mountain:  13-14 March 2004

Route 11A, Gilford, NH

Location still TBD at this time - we will wait until the ski season begins and take advantage of one of the yearly free ski ticket offers.  The location will probably be Gunstock Mountain which will either be just a day trip, or we will overnight at the nearby Scout Camp.  Other mountains which have run free ski tickets certain years are Ragged Mountain and Wildcat.

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Whale Watching/Hiking:  9-11 April 2004

Fantastic opportunity to get a front row seat.  From Provincetown center, we will hike over the seawall (popularly used route) to the far sandbar.  From there, we hike the sandbar to the tip of Providence Town - something few people ever have the chance to do.  Along the way, there will be numerous opportunities for Whale Watching.  The feeding banks are right off shore and this is a prime location for the Whale Watching sightseeing boats.

	Sunday 11 April
	Time	Event
	0700	Breakfast
	0900	Depart Nickerson
	1130	Arrive Church parking lot

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Thompson Island - Outward Bound: 17-18 May 2004

Details still in work.  Tentative plans if Outward Bound can accommodate - Depart Black Falcon Pier Saturday morning.  Park cars for free at nearby Barnes Building (Recruiting Depot).  After checking into Outward Bound, climb the 40 ft towers (two scouts holding safety line for each climber) - staff supervised event.  Camp overnight facing Quincy and Boston Harbor.  Sunday for several teamwork exercises and climbing of flexible 40 ft tower.  Return to Black Falcon Pier Sunday afternoon, retrieve cars (1/2 mile away) and return home.

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Backpacking: 12-13 June 2004

We travel north to the Pemigewasset Wilderness in the White Mountains for a moderate backpacking trip of 15.0 miles in total length.  It is geared as a learning trip towards the 50 miler planned for the summer of 2004.  The trail begins off the Kancamangus Highway and proceeds over fairly level terrain (some places a former railroad track) along the backside (East side) of Franconia Notch.  We hike 8.1 miles to 13 Falls, the spot where the Franconia, Twin, and Lincoln Brooks merge to form a spectacular area of waterfalls. 13 Falls is a backcountry campsite of the Appalichian Mountain Club and has nine tent platforms and a caretaker during the season (but probably not when we are there).  On Sunday the 14th, we travel west towards Franconia Notch and then south along the Lincoln Brook Trail which terminates at the Wilderness Trail (Thus completing the second part of a circle from the day before) and then we hike the remaining 2.9 miles to the Kancamangus trailhead.

Note:  As shown on the timetable below, on Sunday we will break into two groups.  The first will depart the 13 Falls site 2 1/2 hours earlier to take a side trip up to Owl's Head.  The Owl's head trail in really a slide which requires some scrambling over rocks and ledges.  It is only a (tough) mile in length up (and down the same way).  The summit is forested but for the ambitious willing to take a short climb, there are nice views of the Pemigewasset Wilderness from Franconia Notch to the Bonds.  The distinctions of Owl's Head are 1)  The location and views obtained and 2) It is 4025' in elevation thus one of the 48, four thousand foot mountains in New Hampshire.

Approximate timetable is below;

Note:  May want to revise schedule so that we depart Friday evening and spent the night at Big Rock Campground  on the Kancamangus.  Then climb Owl's Head Saturday, allowing troop to be back in Lynnfield by 1600 Sunday - Will consider as the date approaches

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Backpacking: 15-19 August 2004

Monadnock - Sunapee Greenway Trail

Adventurous 53.4 mile hike from Mt Sunapee to Mt Monadnock in Southern Central New Hampshire.  The terrain is moderate and perhaps because of this, the trail is much less crowded than others during the summer season.  The highest of six peaks encountered on the trail  is Mt. Monadnock at 3,165 feet.  Mt Monadnock will be visible the last three days of the trip making a nice goal.

The trail was established in 1974 by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.  It follows the same general area as an earlier trail that was laid out in 1921 but fell into disrepair during the depression and world War II.  The trail is hosted primarily on privately owed land who's owners have graciously agreed to the trail use.  Because of this there are several limitations such as no wood fires and limited camp locations.

The Boy Scout 50 Miler Badge can only be earned as a troop event.  Besides the hiking portion, the fifty miler also requires 10 hours of trail service work.  We will do this along the way if there is needed work to be done or the Greenbelt association has numerous Saturday trail maintenance days scheduled which we can partake to fulfill this requirement

Trip Itinerary:

Additional Information via Web Sites:

The Monadnock Sunapee Greenway Trail Club (MSGTC).  The home organization for this trail

Dates for trail work.  Should this be a troop sponsored activity, we would need 10 hours of service projects to complete.  

Independent assessment by G. Scott Durham, Apparently an avid hiker who will be traversing the trail this summer

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Page last modified on 08/10/2003