"Mystery Camping Trip" 2006

Our scheduled campout this June was to be at the "high cabin" near the summit of Mount Cardigan, NH.  However, the weather forecast predicted heavy rain and it was felt that hiking conditions could be seriously compromised.   Plus, this was the first real "hiking campout" for some of our newer scouts.  Being that we did not want to cancel another activity, it was decided that we'd instead hike to a mystery location in Medfield, and camp overnight there. 

We assembled at the drop-off point, and just as we were about to set out, the rain began.  Out came the ponchos and rain gear.  Thomas, our SPL, lead us on a merry jaunt through the fields and woods of southeast Medfield.  The route was well-planned, though many with sharp eyes kept asking themselves "Didn't we go by that same group of trees 10 minutes ago."

Eventually we arrived in a dense forest of tall trees, and we first set up our tarp over the kitchen area.  The rain was steadily coming down at this point, and it became a challenge to put our tents up, minimizing the amount of rain that would collect inside during setup.  Mr Lueders had this one all figured out, as he set up his small tent under the tarp, and then moved it to its final location.

Next course of business was to get a fire started, which was a challenge in the steady rain.  But Scout skills prevailed and we eventually had a roaring fire.

Although adequate food supplies had been purchased beforehand, certain basic essentials had been forgotten, along with having a limited amount of cooking gear.  However, Mr Pericles came to the rescue and improvised an amazing dinner from what was available.  (Delicious chicken!!)  Many a scout learned a new skill that night; how to tenderize chicken by beating it flat with a skillet.  Needless to say, with the rain showing no signs of abatement, we all retired early.  At times it poured during the night, but by the next morning the rain had stopped.  Everything (including ourselves was pretty wet. 

After another amazing improv omelet breakfast from Mr Pericles, we packed up and moved out, damp, but proud of our accomplishment.

(Many thanks to Mr Lueders for the loan of his camera!)