The 1999 Patrol Leader's Council (PLC) Whitewater Rafting Trip marks the third time that Troop 89 will raft down the Kennebec River. Once again, the Downeast Whitewater Rafting Company will be our host. As in the past, Scouts and adult participants will challenge some of the biggest whitewater rapids in the eastern United States. Big Mama, Rock Garden, Upper and Lower Alleyway, and the wild Magic Falls await our return.

There are two things to keep in mind about camping and rafting in interior Maine in June - the black flies may be fierce, and the water may be very cold. Fortunately, both the flies and the water tend to be more tolerable towards the end of the month; nevertheless, both merit attention.

Black flies are legendary in Maine and can almost guarantee a miserable time for the unprepared. These are serious bugs that will bite small chucks out of your skin, leaving painful welts. For some reason they are more attracted to some people than to others, and they are definitely attracted to dark clothing - black, blue, and navy especially. Insect repellent - the kind containing DEET - is a must. Also, light colored clothing is highly recommended - white and khaki especially.

Every participant is guaranteed to get wet - very wet! The water is warmer in late June, but not by much. If this trip was held earlier in the month, wet suits would be required. They may not be now, but each participant should be ready to rent one - the fee is $15.00 - should the water temperature still merit them. Of course, anyone who owns their own wet suit is welcome to bring it. In a past late June trip, we managed without them. Those who are overly sensitive to cold may wish to bring a nylon windbreaker or wool clothing - sweater, hat, and/or gloves. Whatever you bring, it should not be cotton; once cotton gets wet, it remains wet for a long time, and you will get cold. Also remember that all participants will wear PFD's (life jackets) and helmets. Finally, some footwear is required for all rafters. If you wear sneakers on the raft, you should have a second, dry pair to change into at the campsite.

Every participant must complete and sign both sides of the Downeast Rafting, Inc. Participant Registration Form and Parent/Guardian Permission Form Waiver and Release of Liability (adult participant need only fill out the registration side). Everyone should read this form carefully. Whitewater rafting is a generally safe and incident free activity, but it is not without hazards. No participant will be allowed to raft by the rafting company without this form completed, signed, and submitted. Do not forget your form!

All participants will receive their transportation arrangements at the Wednesday, 23 June 1999 Planning Meeting at the Scouthouse. All participants will leave for Maine sometime on Friday, 25 June 1999. The actual rafting trip is on Saturday, 26 June 1999. All participants will return to Medfield on Sunday, 27 June 1999. As with every Troop 89 camping trip, Scouts will first return to the Scouthouse to check-in the troop and patrol equipment. Drivers will then drop-off Scouts at their homes - sometime between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. In the past, we have embarked on a small hike to a waterfall near the campsite prior to leaving for home on Sunday - Scouts may want to have their hiking boots with them should we decide to do this.

Finally, while rafters will be unable to take photographs during the adventure, the rafting company will not only photograph our expedition, but will video tape it as well. Photos of each raft will be sold for $10.00 to $14.00 each. Video tapes of the entire rafting company will be sold at $35.00 each.

The weather in interior Maine in June is generally mild; however, it can get cool at night. Following is a brief checklist of equipment for this trip:

FOR THE RAFTING TRIP:

___ RAFTING REGISTRATION FORM/WAIVER - BOTH SIDES COMPLETED AND SIGNED
___ swim suit - light color recommended
___ sneakers or river sandals (these will get wet!)
___ sunscreen
___ nylon windbreaker - light color recommended -optional
___ polypropylene clothing (wetsuit) - optional
___ $15.00 wetsuit rental money - optional
___ wool sweater - optional
___ wool hat - optional
___ wool gloves - optional
___ water wings - Jane Lomax only

AT THE CAMPSITE:

___ insect repellent with DEET
___ sleeping bag
___ pillow
___ ground cloth or pad.
___ flashlight with good batteries
___ duffel bag or backpack (for equipment storage)
___ large, black trash bag
___ hiking boots
___ sneakers (other than those used on the raft)
___ socks (3-4 pairs) - light color recommended
___ long pants (1) - light color recommended
___ shorts (1-2) - light color recommended
___ long sleeve shirt (1) - light color recommended
___ T-shirt (2-3) - light color recommended
___ sweatshirt or light-weight jacket - light color recommended
___ underwear (2-3)
___ pajama or other light sleepwear
___ beach towel
___ brush/comb
___ tooth brush
___ tooth paste
___ hat - optional
___ bandanna - optional
___ $10.00 to $14.00 photograph money - optional
___ $35.00 video money - optional
___ $15.00 spending money