Dear Troop 89
Scout and Parent:
The August Hike sign-up deadline of 18 July 1999 has come and gone with very few responses from either Scouts or adults. In the very possible case that interested Scouts and adults simply forgot about the deadline (it was immediately after Summer Camp), the troop has decided to extend the deadline to 31 July 1999. Since we will need adequate time to prepare for an August Hike trip, the hike itself has been postponed to 20-22 August 1999, assuming adequate interest. At this time, we are unsure of whether there will be a backpacking component to the trip or if only dayhikes will be held - this will depend mostly on who is interested in attending.
Any Scout or adult who would like to participate in this year's August Hike must turn-in $15.00 cash to Mr. Rick Wile - 359-XXXX) prior to the Saturday, 31 July 1999 deadline. Scouts and adults should indicate if they are interested in backpacking. A final determination on the 1999 August Hike will be made at the Troop Committee Meeting scheduled for Monday night, 2 August 1999. Scouts and adults who have signed-up for the hike will be notified of the details of the trip by phone and/or by mail.
A revised description of the hike, originally printed in the June, July, August 1999 edition of the Troop 89 Newsletter, is as follows:
1999 AUGUST HIKE:
White Mountains National Forest, Maine/New Hampshire
5 - 8 August 1999, 20-22 August 1999
(tentative)
Anticipated trip fee: $15.00, cash only please.
Payment deadline: 18 July 1999, 31
July 1999
Coordinators: Mr. John Merck, Assistant Scoutmaster, 359-4948,
Mr. Rick Wile, Troop Trip Coordinator, 359-9614.
This is a rather traditional trip which we try to offer each August whenever possible. The troop leaves Medfield for the North Chatham area of New Hampshire/Maine on Thursday night. Depending on the number of Scouts and adults who sign-up for this trip, the troop will split into two pre-arranged groups based on age and experience.
On Friday morning, the older group (sign-up numbers permitting), equipped with backpacks and everything else they need to survive for three days, are driven to a drop-off point beyond at least two ranges of mountains. Over the course of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, they make their way back to the base camp, crossing these ridgelines and camping overnight along the way. The younger group, in the meantime, will hike up many of the same mountains as the older group, but without the burden of heavy backpacks. After these day hikes, this group returns and spends the night at the base camp. For the most part, overnight backpackers will be limited to Scouts fourteen (14) and older, although we maintain the right to determine exactly who is eligible. Previous day hiking experience will be a prerequisite for overnight backpackers.
Two years ago, the troop camped very comfortably in a remote field in the woods opposite Route 113 from the Brickett Place (the old farmhouse where we have camped in the past); we will set up our base camp in this field again this year. After the older group returns to the base camp on Sunday, the entire troop may choose to visit such favorite swimming areas as the Emerald Pool and/or the Swift River in the Kancamagus Pass on the way back to Medfield. If the weekend weather is unfavorable (i.e. rain), we may consider returning before Sunday.
The success of this trip depends largely on the participation of Scouts and adults alike. Low numbers of Scouts and/or adults in the past have forced us to cancel all or portions of this trip. No previous hiking experience is required for the day hikes, although adult participants will want to be in somewhat decent physical shape. The views from the top of these mountains are spectacular (weather permitting) and are well worth the trip! Please consider attending this event.
Please contact Rick Wile or me with any questions.
Yours in Scouting,
John J. Merck III
Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 89, Medfield