The last August Hike was held two years ago in 1997. That year, as in 1995, we camped at the fields in the woods across the street from the Brickett Place. The Brickett Place was the traditional base camp for the August Hike, but, since its recent renovation into a Visitor Center by the White Mountains National Forest, the Brickett Place is no longer available to us. Nevertheless, camping in the nearby woods worked out just fine in 1995 and 1997, and it should prove equally suitable in 1999. We expect to revisit the Baldface Circle Trail, which is the traditional favorite, unless the group decides to do something different.

Regardless of where we go, we will day-hike on Saturday and probably visit the popular Emerald Pool as well. We will not be hiking on Sunday, but we may stop along the Lower Falls of the Swift River in the Kancamagus Pass on our way home. We should be back in Medfield between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Sunday, depending on the weather and how long we choose to stay at the river. We will most likely stop for a snack on the way up and on the way home, so at least $10.00 spending money is recommended. There are no other places to spend money, so don't bring the bank.

As always, we will have our First Aid kit along with us. However, parents of scouts with special medical conditions, particularly allergies to stinging insects or other things, should contact us so that we can be sure that we are prepared. We have conducted this trip without incident for almost two decades – a record we would like to continue!

To gear up for the trip, ALL HIKE PARTICIPANTS WILL MEET AT THE SCOUTHOUSE ON WEDNESDAY, 18 AUGUST 1999 AT 7:00 PM. Patrols will be assigned, menus planned, and equipment gathered.

ALL SCOUTS AND ADULTS WILL MEET, WITH THEIR GEAR, AT 15 MILLBROOK ROAD ON FRIDAY, 20 AUGUST 1999 AT 5:00 PM. We will depart from here as soon as everyone arrives.

Scouts will be assigned drivers, and drivers will be provided with directions and a map to the Brickett Place. As mentioned earlier, we will actually be camping in the fields located in the woods across Route 113 from the Brickett Place. The turn for the campsite is on the left side near the New Hampshire and Maine border and just before you reach the Brickett Place. If you reach the Brickett Place, you went slightly too far.

Among the most important personal equipment items required for the hike are hiking boots, two (2) canteens, a knapsack, and wool socks. You will not be able to hike in sneakers; they are for wearing at the site. Hiking boots should be "broken-in" before the hike, so be sure to wear them as much as possible this week if they are new. There is no water at the top of the mountains, so the canteens are a necessity, especially with hot and humid weather. These "canteens" can simply be empty soda or water bottles - make sure they are clean! The knapsack will carry your poncho, light jacket, water, and your lunch (which will be provided). You may be able to share a knapsack between people. Wearing wool socks over lightweight socks can help reduce blisters. You may also bring a small camera or binoculars if you wish, but they should be lightweight. We have the right to restrict items carried on the basis of weight.

The weather in the mountains in August is generally mild; however, it can get cool at night. If it is warm and/or humid, whatever you wear on the hike will get sweaty; likewise, if the weather is wet, you will get wet. Either way, you will want to have a clean, dry set of clothes to change into at the campsite after the hike. The following is a brief checklist of equipment for this trip:

___ hiking boots
___ sleeping bag
___ pillow
___ ground cloth or pad
___ canteens or water bottles (2)
___ flashlight with good batteries
___ duffel bag or backpack (for equipment storage)
___ small knapsack (backpack frame and belt-NOT REQUIRED)
___ large, black trash bags (2)
___ sneakers
___ socks (3-4 pairs)
___ wool socks (1 pair)
___ long pants (1)
___ shorts (2)
___ swim suit
___ long sleeve shirt (1)
___ T-shirt (2-3)
___ sweatshirt or light-weight jacket
___ poncho or light raincoat
___ underwear (2-3)
___ pajama or other light sleepwear
___ beach towel
___ brush/comb
___ tooth brush
___ tooth paste
___ personal basic first aid kit
___ insect repellent
___ hat (optional)
___ bandanna (optional, but recommended)
___ compass (optional)
___ small camera/film (very optional)
___ small binoculars (very optional)
___ sunscreen (optional and optimistic)
___ $10.00 spending money

Please contact John Merck at 359-XXXX or 359-XXXX during the evening, or (XXX) XXX-XXXX during working hours, with any questions or other concerns. You may also call Rick Wile at 359-XXXX.