Wow, even my hands are tired as I type after a weekend out with the Philmont crew and 20 miles of hard hiking. We’ve just finished our third and final shakedown before we head off to Philmont and boy was this great.

We met in the Redeemer parking lot Friday afternoon, loaded the cabers, troop flag (with a new eagle atop, thanks to Mrs. Munoz) and all our gear and headed down I-95 to Camp Wilson, site of the Projectoree.

Troop 1916 embarked on a hiking tour and campout on Gettysburg National Military Park last weekend, with great success. The group had an early start at the church on Saturday, departing for Gettysburg at 8:00.

This weekend we went to Duncan Knob Hollow in George Washington National Forest--the same area as the full troop trip from December. But in December, we camped at the foot of the big climb. On Saturday night, we camped 1K feet higher with a great view of Shenandoah National Park to the east.

Yesterday two groups of scouts and scouters ventured across the border to Maryland to tackle the three sections of the Billy goat Trail.

Despite the early spring we have been enjoying lately the weather gods decided to take us for a bit of a ride this weekend. All the parents and, I believe, the scouts (years from now upon reflection) had a good time. There’s something about mutual suffering that both brings people together and forms lasting memories.

The weather has been unseasonably warm for a few weeks now, but our scheduled backpacking trip to Crabtree Falls seemed to believe it was important to remind us what the temperature should be for this time of year. Very cold!!! 

February 12th and the weather was perfect. Starting temp for our hike was 50 degrees and we finished in the mid 60s.

Last Weekend Troop 1916 held our 2nd annual 3-day ski trip to Timberline Four Seasons Resort in West Virginia. We had 17 scouts, 1 sibling, and 6 parents on our trip. We also had a few additional parents and siblings who elected for more refined nearby accommodations, but were part of our crew on the mountain nonetheless.

Central heating, a roof over their heads, modern plumbing, and electricity--unusual ingredients for scout weekends, but (just like every year) the boys certainly seemed to enjoy their annual sleep-over at the church.

Wow, was it pretty yesterday. Winter brings brilliant blue skies to Virginia. Then you add-in frozen waterfalls and snow dusted hills. Just a wonderful day.

Pretty simple: keep moving or get cold - Duncan Knob Hollow wrap up

We had an excellent showing of Scouts and adults for this weekend's trip. The Scouts were Ben J, Braden B, Brandon C, Brendan L, Chris K, Christopher D, Christopher F, Daniel H, Ethan B, Ian F, Ian S, James R, Jason H, Jordan C, Mario M, Matthias Z, Nick B, Noah C, Owen C, Tigo A, and Tim J. And the adults were Ben K, David J, Keith F, Matt L, Matt S, Max M, Michael D, Misa C, Mitch B, Shelly C, Steven Z, and me.

It started bright and early with our Scouting for Food efforts nobly lead by our very own Jason Coopersmith. Due to his brilliant and perfect leadership we managed to haul in approximately 1,700+ lbs of food. An awesome effort by all concerned and our biggest haul ever.

What a beautiful day to be outside. Yesterday promised to be a beauty and by gosh did it deliver.

We met bright and early at Total Wine and I know how happy the boys (and some parents) were to be up and at ‘em at 6:45 on a Sunday morning! It was dark but reassuringly warm

Trooop 1916 just had another fine fall outing. Fifty Scouts (including 4 of Webelo age) matched wits with the wind and some overgrown squash for a memorable weekend.

Signal Knob is not a hike for delicate little flowers that want to go for a leisurely Sunday morning stroll. It is a hard hike with lots of elevation. You all know by now what the pay-off is when we mention the word elevation – wonderful vistas!!

Troop 1916 had another successful outing over the weekend with its canoe campout. While this year’s longer route was a challenge, we all benefited not only from more exercise, but also from more scenic views this time around. The weather cooperated as well.

11 scouts and 9 scouters spent the last throws of summer hiking in the beautiful Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest. It’s about 3 hours due west from here and just a tad north of Seneca Rocks in West Virginia.

Twenty highly heat-resistant sailors enjoyed some beautiful breezes on the Potomac on Saturday afternoon.

I know, the temperature is 97 degrees and the humidity is 400% giving you a heat index of 1,500 degrees, let’s go hiking!!