Our 4th Pre-Trek hike in preparation for the 2017 Philmont Trip started at 6am at WCA Saturday morning. We proceeded south in hopes of finding just a little warmer weather compared to the North Georgia mountains and the Appalachian Trail. Some of the Scouts enjoyed their first visit to a “Dwarf House” and decided to see if they fit through door. After a quick breakfast at Chik-fil-A, we proceeded to one of Georgia’s newest (2011) State Parks for a nice little walk. The weather cooperated by giving us sunny conditions and cool temperatures. While not in the mountains, our hike was a rigorous one due to mileage. Crew 1 managed to hike 13 miles between 10am and 4pm including a lunch break and a couple of short stops. Crew 2, however, managed a nice walk in the woods of 15 miles during the same time. Quite an accomplishment, even if you thought the terrain was a little more flat than usual when carrying a full backpack. If you want to know more about the park, just click the link, Chattahoochee Bend State Park.
Once back to the campsite, the crews set up tents and enjoyed some more freeze dried meals of the variety that we will enjoy at Philmont, spaghetti and beef stroganoff. Dark comes early this time of year and so did the falling temperatures. Being at a State Park, we enjoyed an uncommon activity on hiking trip, a campfire. The group gathered around the campfire and were treated to stories of unlikely scuba diving survivals, ghosts, and a one man show including an extended Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation (thanks to Drew C).
The night eventually won out and everyone retired to their tents. The clear skies, which gave a great view of the stars, also allowed the temperatures to fall and we awoke Sunday morning to temperatures in the upper 20s. But, a little frozen condensation and frost on our tents and gear couldn’t slow down a march towards the mornings reward, IHOP. Pancakes, and mostly those of the chocolate kind, were a wonderful reward for the hard work of the previous day. We made it back to WCA before noon. Plenty of time for the adults to work out the kinks before Monday!
Thank you, Robert
P.S. Remember to unpack your tent and let it dry out today and tomorrow. Never store a wet tent, unless you want to grow mold!!!
Adults: Jamie S, Robert P, Dave M, Brett A, and Jeff C
Scouts: Pierce S, Stephen P, Tristan M, Andrew M, Jake A, Thomas D, and Drew C
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