Hopefully you are all set to go for this weekend’s trip to Cold Mountain. Here are some last minute notes.
The winter camping guide is online at: http://people.virginia.edu/~gfb7c/Troop37/WinterCamping.htm The key is to make sure you have dry and warm clothes while in camp. We are only hiking 2.9 miles in to camp on Saturday and hiking out 2.9 miles on Sunday (see map). See weather forecast below.
We will hopefully be on the trail around 10:00am. And as long as we are in camp by 3:30pm we are ok. That means we have 5 or so hours to hike 2.9 miles with snacks, lunch, enjoying the views, taking pictures, learning some outdoor skills etc. Bring a list of merit badge skills you’d like to learn or practice.
Saturday morning’s start time (7:00am at the church) is early because I want to make sure everyone has bed rolls, water, clothing and sleeping bags. I want to make sure the group has stoves, fuel, food and water. It is not fun having someone over night in a bad tent, light sleeping bag, on the cold ground with no hot chocolate. Some in the group have not been backpacking w/me while others have. In fact Scotty, Ben, Brandon, and Alexander went on the cold mountain trip last year I believe.
Remember there is group gear to pack. Please leave some room in your pack so you can carry your share of the group gear.
There is a campfire ban in place. What a bummer. The evening hours will be a touch cooler.
Please bring you parent permission forms if you are under 18 years — http://people.virginia.edu/%7Egfb7c/Troop37/BSATroop37ParentPermission.pdf I will collect the forms Saturday morning.
Jordan is grubmaster for the ducks. Niko is grubmaster for the roadrunners.
Current weather forecast — We are at 3,600 to 4,000 feet. Friday night will have been in the 20’s. Saturday: A slight chance of showers after noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 45. Southwest wind between 3 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 254. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
I have the tour permit and the map printout from above. I will get the medical forms from Peggy.
Once we are on the trail, this is your trip (within certain boundaries!).
If you have questions then please contact me and I will help as best I can.
Scouts going
Brandon M.
Alexander E.
Jordan F.
Taylor F.
Brennon F.
Scotty T.
Steven M.
Niko C.
Ben S.
Adults going
Jay F.
Gary B.
Mike C.
Yours in scouting,
Gary
Posted by garybanks 
Posted by garybanks 
