First 10-miler of the season in the bag.
The weather for our late October hike could not have been better. The Kennedy Peak hike (the longer version) is just under 10 miles and has a lumpy quotient of relatively high (about 1,600 feet in elevation gain).
As usual everyone met at Total Wine at around 7 a.m. and hit 66 west around 7:20. The ride out to the trailhead was about 1 hr 40 mins and when everyone arrived, we got packs on, boots on and we’re ready to head north east up Stephens trail. Clearly the heading north east was our first minor issue. ALL scouts seem to struggle with the concept of direction (both verbal and physical) and if it’s the last thing I do, I will get 100% of them to stare into the sun at noon and all tell me they’re looking south! I predict failure but there has to be hope in life or we may as well give up now!
The first part of the trail meanders gently up the side of the ridge and then very rudely takes a sharpish turn to the right and for about half an American mile goes up at an alarmingly steep incline until conversations are stopped, lungs are fully open and heart rates are close to if not exceeding maximum beats per minute.
Once we all got to the top there is a lovely walk along the ridge to the base of Kennedy Peak. To get to the peak there is a relatively steep, but short trot up to the top where you are rewarded with some of the best views of any hike in the area. Lunch was had and Mr. Forrer fired up the old faithful alcohol stove for hot chocolate and coffee.
Much appreciated.
After everyone was fed and watered we headed down. The walk back to the parking lot is not too strenuous but a few of the younger fellas on their first 10-miler started to feel the pain. But to a man they made it back to the parking lot and now know they can do it, so the next one won’t be as bad.
The scouts completing their first 10-miler were Adem H, Alicia M, Brayden T, Grace Z, Prashim R and Rohan M. Other scouts attending were Andre G, Braden B, Brandon C, Connor C, Cy M, Daniel H, George C, Helen F, Ian F, Jack C, Jack T, Jordon C, Noah C, Owen C and Teddy W.
Scouter attending were Sarah and Ryan M, Mike T, Paul Z, Manjula M and 2/3 of the FOMs.
As you should have noticed three of those attending were young ladies. As we start to roll out the girls troop you will hopefully see more and more girls attending our events.
Our next hike is set for Nov. 18. We will get details and a sign up out soon.
Check out the pix of this hike over here.
-Matt Salt