Home.3 June 2000
Greetings to All. For those leaving town, I hope you have an enjoyable Spring Break (and ditto for those sticking around!) "May your tax return be easier than ever...."
Did you know that I write a weekly electronic newsletter for Chain Bridge District? This newsletter, which is rather cutely called the "Chainemail", covers all sorts of topics of interest to Adult Scouters or Senior-level Scouts. Each issue is archived on the unofficial Chain Bridge District website (the one maintained by Brad J.), and can easily be accessed through the "Troop News" button on the Troop 111 homepage.
The Troop's perennial Spring expansion continues. As preliminarily noted in the last "Minute," six Pack 111 Webelos "crossed the bridge" into the Troop on Friday, March 24th: Michael C., Patrick D., Brad G., Jimmy S., Ryan K. and Maurice A. Also joining the Troop were Todd R. and Adam S., two new ASM's.
However, I regret to announce that Brendan M. (Matt's younger brother) has decided to withdraw, after one month (and one campout) with the Troop. Well, as we all know, it's not for everyone....
Well, it's only been three weeks since the last "Minute," so not too much to report. Of note, Luke B. passed the first Class Practical Exam on the first try, becoming the first member of the monster entry class of 1998 to break into the Senior Scout ranks. Seven other Scouts are currently practicing for their Exams, so the next "Minute" should be filled with good news.
In other Advancement News, Charles B. and Matt M. were both elected to the Order of the Arrow, and will be attending the upcoming Ordeal Weekend for induction.
Congratulations to Each the above Scouts!
With the VA Beach trip now concluded, we'll be taking a bit of a break on outdoor activities for Easter and Spring Break. However, the end of the month will be quite busy; First, Charles B., Brad J., Matt M. and (possibly) Stefan N. will be participating in the O/A Ordeal Weekend at Camp Happyland, near Fredericksburg, on April 28th - 30th. Finishing out April, on Sunday the 30th, we have three activities running: First, the Philmont Scouts and Adults will be participating in their 50-Miler Award service project at Pohick Bay Regional Park or another, closer location, 6am - 1:30pm. Second, the Troop will be joining the Georgetown University Sailing Team (GUST!) for a day sailing event on the Potomac, weather permitting. Philmont Scouts who are interested in attending this activity will be allowed to leave the service project early (but will have to make up the time at Philmont.) Third, the second (and final) Projectoree Organizational Meeting will be held at the Parish Center, starting at 7:30pm.
Heading into May, the Sixth Annual Projectoree will be held the weekend of May 5th-7th. As you know, this is the one event of the year where I ask all Scouts to specifically choose Scouting over their myriad other activities. Since it is also one of the Troop's most popular events, hopefully that won't be a chore! Senior Scouts and ASM's are asked to keep (at least) Saturday free to assist with running the competitions and related events.
A) Summer Camp - Hard to believe that we had snow this past Sunday morning, and hot, sultry Camp Powhatan is just 10 weeks away. Matt B. and Mark and Jane S. are starting in on getting the Merit Badge schedule (and prep classes) planned, and will be generating a comprehensive email on this in the near future - be on the lookout for it. All Scouts attending camp should be already considering what Merit Badges they are interested in earning. Remember, a little forethought and prep here equals a much more successful camp there.
B) Eagle Scout Projects - Daniel H. hopes to start in on his Eagle Project this weekend; he is cleaning and oiling the pews at St. Agnes. It would be nice to have this done in time for the Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday Masses. An email will be forthcoming from Daniel, but the first work is scheduled to take place Saturday and Sunday, between normal Mass times. If you can assist, it would be deeply appreciated. Daniel has only 2 weeks left to finish up for Eagle.
Richard B., Jay P., and Chris T. have decided to divide the remaining parking lot job into three equal sections for their projects; well, there's certainly enough for everyone. I have not received any information on when each Scout is planning on doing his project; stay tuned....
For other Life Scouts, several other local Projects are available; as always, note that the SUMMERTIME is the BEST TIME to try and complete your project!
The weekend of March 24th-26th marked the Troop's first true Patrol Campouts in many a year. The Scooters and Spectre Patrols headed southwest to Madison County for a primitive camping experience and a hike over Old Rag Mountain. The Burning Pants and Stonecutters Patrols headed north to camp in the Catoctins and do a battlefield tour at Gettysburg. The Savage Horde and Ungrateful Dead Patrols headed south, camped at nearby Pohick Bay Regional Park and did the COPE/Challenge course at the Hemlock facility, followed by Frisbee Golf at the Park. All three groups turned in lengthy narratives of their experiences, so read on!
Also on Friday night, March 24th, and about the same time our three Patrol camping groups were settling in for the night, we welcomed our newest crop of Pack 111 Webelos. The Chain Bridge Chapter of the O/A (under Joe Gibson, SM-869, and our very own Brad J.) gave an outstanding Arrow of Light Ceremony. "Crossing the Bridge" and joining the Troop were Michael C., Patrick D., Brad G., Ryan K., Anthony M. and Jimmy S.. Patrick W. also crossed the Bridge, but will be joining Troop 149. Assisting the Bridge Crossing were Christopher B., John P., Michael R., Carl S. and JJ T.. Thanks to each of these latter Scouts!
12 Scouts and 2 adults left on the 90-mile drive down Route 29 into Madison County on Friday, 24 March 2000. Ken and Judy Elias, pilot friends of the B.'s, had opened their Rapidan-riverside property to the Troop as base camp for the Saturday expedition to Old Rag mountain. Arriving after dark, Patrol Leaders Stefan N. and Thomas S. honchoed the camp setup while Rob B. assembled his improvised privy. The younger Scouts got great instruction in how to use ropes, knots and tarp-sticks to hold everything up and down. Gratefully, the skies were crystal clear and the camp was on a field of grass the likes of which we haven't seen in quite a while. After a brief Astronomy lesson by Rich S., the evening snack was devoured around a Stefan inspired bonfire.
Saturday morning we ate like kings, devouring scrambled eggs, sausage, bagels, juice -- but, alas, no coffee! We were joined by Ed W., with Luke B. and Todd G. in tow. We marshalled the gear for the half hour drive to the lower parking lot in the lee of Old Rag Mountain. Departure at 10:40 meant an extra half-mile hike to the upper parking area and a host of hikers in front of and behind us.
Nothing like caterpillar practice to get the juices flowing! We made great time on the lower half. But what started as a cakewalk-in-the-woods turned into more challenging terrain as we got into the ever popular rock-scramble. The trail started to look like 66 at rush-hour, complete with "traffic" accidents. Luckily, no one was hurt in the other hiking parties and another resourceful and generous Troop left a rope to help an ascent through rather steep and slippery rock gorges. We got a chance to see some great views (natural and human, eh Stefan?) while we waited--and waited -- for traffic to clear at several points in the ascent. By 1:00 we were still stalled so we broke out the lunch and munched while the trail cleared in both directions.
The scramble to the top was rewarded with wonderful views. The weather still cooperated and a pick-up game of "Ambush" afforded the weary some time to work out the kinks while we watched the storm brewing to the west. Amazingly, our descent was only sprinkled with a quick shower as we watched the clouds actually part and go around us -- probably the result of prayers by parents who were getting soaked back home! Both the trip up and down threw us into contact with loads of people and Scouts from our area. The trip "back to the barn" completed our 10 mile hike just after 4:30.
Sadly, the T.s had to depart, but this saved Todd and Luke from having to set up their own tent. While Stefan, Dale and Tom's attempted to ignite Madison County while fixing chow, the others prepped for the other evening fire by dragging and sawing a gargantuan wood pile. The job was made relatively easy since we were alongside the river where some years ago a MAJOR flood (the one that blew out the dam at Goshen in 1995) deposited wood by the cord. The stir-fry from the kitchen provided mountains of rice and a beef-marinade and vegetables that was to die for! And the "modest' dessert of scrumptious cake was supplemented by gallons of ice cream delivered by our Hostess Judy Elias. [The only thing missing was Starbuck's espresso, guys!) Some of the junior Scouts were in chocolate and vanilla heaven until the wee hours around a bonfire that probably was seen by Skylab cameras.
Sunday morning winds woke us all. B-I-G winds! Some of the Scouts and one van departed early for Confirmation classes and other religious schedules. Soon, everyone braved a cold breakfast. Fortunately, the winds were relatively warm; unfortunately they were sufficiently strong to finish the job of breaking camp by crumbling the privy only moments before an older camper was quite finished. After a good field search of the entire area for Foreign Objects and left-behind gear, we mounted up for the Mass. Again, "P" to the 6th power should have prevailed [prior planning prevents pretty poor performance]. But this lesson always has to be learned through experience. Mass at the Church on the Internet-provided map took us to the spot but not to the Church; it was many miles away. After a fruitless search and a beautiful Spring drive, we abandoned hopes of making Madison-county Mass on time and set out for home to make 5 o'clock Mass. In one case, the sprint up Route 29 proved too quick as the tailgate flew open and gear sprinkled the highway. Without any harm to body or gear, we re-buckled ourselves and arrived early to the Parish. Good time had by all!
Participants included: Scouts - Stephan N., Luke B., Todd G., Dan and Nick T., Mark T., David G., Thomas S., Tom W., Dale R., Drew D., Fathers - Rob B., Ed W., and ASM Rich S.
- by Rob B., edited by Rich S.
The Scouts (Charlie B., Kenny E., Matt G., Ray D., Charlie S., Casey S., Mike R.) and Dads (John B., Larry S., Ray D. Sr.) began the weekend with an evening trip up to the B.'s at Blue Ridge Summit, enjoying the usual Scout repast of fast food, tempered only by Lenten abstinence rules. Upon arrival, the Scouts established camp in the yard, fired up the wood stove, watched "Gettysburg" (the movie), and consumed vast quantities of popcorn and junk food in preparation for the next day.
An early start began with a hearty breakfast, preparation of lunches, snacks and day packs for the 12+ mile hike. The Day's events at the National battlefield memorial began with the Visitor's Center, Museum, Light Map and videos renenactments of artillery and Musketry. The museum offered extensive collections of weapons, uniform and camp gear. The Light map, though of some vintage, gave a great preview of troop movements and actions during the battle, using colored lights on 25'x25' topographical model of the town and battlefield areas.
Having accomplished the required indoor activities, the Troop set off on the Billy Yank trail, a 9 mile hike beginning at the "High Water Mark", the point at which the Confederate troops commanded by Lo Armistead, part of Pickett's Brigade, made their furthest advance against the Union troops on Cemetery Ridge before being repulsed and withdrawing under withering fire. The trail led the Scouts past the Wheat Field and the Peach Orchard, across Bloody Run to Devil's Den, where Confederate sharpshooters hid while firing at Union troops holding Little Round Top. The Troop charged up the western face of Little Round Top and took the hill, which was heavily defended by busloads of tourist, many of whom were exhausted by the trek across the parking lot at the top of the hill. The Scouts broke out refreshments and debated the merits of Kudos versus granola bars. The only casualty suffered so far was the sullying of Mike R.'s pristine white sneakers while going through the swampy terrain leading to Bloody Run.
As the Troop progressed, Scouts did readings from the guidebook. One such reading and activity (which we all agreed could use updating) had various Scouts making noises like muskets, cannon fire, shouts of commands and the screams of the wounded in order to simulate the confusion of the battlefield.
From the crest of Little Round Top, the Scouts advanced to the site of the 20th Maine's heroic defense of the Union's far left flank on the hill, then circled Big Round Top and headed west across the battlefied to Seminary Ridge, where the Confederate troops had assembled for the battle. Lunch at the top of the observation tower was welcome but windy. The trail then took us to the Virginia Monument, and equestrian statue of General Lee, which was the center of the Confederate line and the point from which Pickett's disastrous charge was launched. From there, the Scouts advanced across the battlefield in the footsteps of Pickett's soldiers until we reached the Angle, where the opposing armies grappled in hand to hand combat at the height of the battle, completing the Yank part of the trail. (We could divine no reason why the trail named Billy Yank took us on Pickett's charge, but that's the way it went.)
The Johnny Reb Trail (by which time there was a little bit of dragging) began at the back of Cemetery Ridge and took us over the ground of Culp's Hill, down to Spangler's Spring and back. The troop quick stepped to the cyclorama under glowering skies. The cyclorama is a 360 degree painting of the battle that puts the viewer right on top of Cemetery Ridge just to the right and above the Angle. To add real authenticity to the experience, the Troop went to the home of David Smith, a retired US Army officer and friend of the B.'s who is also a civil war reenactor (US Cavlary) and firearms expert. Dave, in full infantry uniform displayed and demonstrated the weapons that were the staple of the Civil War soldiers, including his musket, 3 different revolvers, Sharps rifle and saber, along with the McClellan saddle and other accoutrements of war in the 1860's. Mr. Smith discussed the weapons and the safety procedures he requires when he is the Federal firearms safety officer at reenactments. He then loaded and fired the weapons (blanks of course), and to everyone's great pleasure, permitted the Scouts and dads to handle the unloaded arms. As some wind and rain blew in, we thanked Mr. Smith and headed back for dinner of burgers etc. on the grill. Logan's run followed.
The next morning, the B.s fired up the stove and turned out lashings of pancakes eggs and sausages. The Scouts, all looking sharp in uniform, attended Mass at St. Rita's and received a special welcome from Father Mike. Camp was broken and the Scouts headed back for Arlington.
- by John B.
The Ungrateful Dead and the Savage Horde patrols were the first to achieve a consensus on a plan for their patrol weekend trip on March 24th - 26th, 2000. Patrol Leader's John P. and Eric W. did a fine job working with Mr. G. to establish their plans and make their preparations to participate in the Hemlock Overlook course on Saturday while camping at Camp Wilson on Friday and Saturday nights. Unfortunately, despite the initial enthusiasm from their patrols, various obligations and outside commitments eroded the number attending. However, by adding 2 previously uncommitted senior Scouts from another patrol and allowing the three adults along on the trip to participate, we reached the full dozen we needed for the Hemlock Overlook course.
As usual, loading took place on Thursday night. We encountered a little trouble removing the first back seat of the maroon van (Van C) so that we could carry our gear. The seat apparently had never been removed and the tracks were so full of dirt and debris, including several quarters, that the seat did not come out without a fight. Thanks to some brute strength from Richard Bangs, among others, we were able to bend the quarters that were in the way and remove the seat. The Troop gear we needed was loaded and the van secured in the church parking lot overnight.
Friday afternoon loading went reasonably well (except that our milk, soda, and some food apparently joined another patrol!) We had to wait a short while for Jay P., whose commute from Gonzaga was delayed by a traffic jamb caused by Tidal Basin cherry blossom viewers. We set off around 4:30 - John K. and his van full of Scouts and Hugh S. and the maroon van full of Scouts and gear - and had a reasonably quick trip down the HOV lanes on I-95. We noted on our arrival that a major thrust of new suburban houses has started to head down the road toward Camp Wilson.
We left a note at the ranger's station to check in and set about getting our gear removed and stowed at Campsite C, the same location we used last year for the Projectoree. The Scouts set up the dining fly and arranged the camp to their liking, then we were off to Woodbridge for a "fast" Friday dinner.
We were looking for pizza, but had a little trouble agreeing whose pizza to buy when Pizza Hut turned out to be takeout only. After a little fun driving the 15 passenger maroon van through frenetic Friday night traffic on Route 1, we settled on a local pizza place named Astis which was located next to a Subway sandwich shop in a strip mall. Half the Scouts went to Subway, while the other half went to Astis for Lent-compliant cheese pizza. The Subway group finished eating before the pizza was served, so they set off on an exciting nature walk across the parking lot and into the wilds of Big K Mart. A true wilderness experience.
Dinner and wildlife study over, we headed back to the camp for some good fun. The boys played a game of "500" on the main field using a frisbee that had lights around to edge. Afterwards, they headed out for a game of Logan's Run. Troop 111 had the camp to itself, so the game went on late. Some of the boys played cards and shared card tricks under the dining fly. Many took a turn riding the "log." The "log" is a fallen tree, still bound to a root ball and the earth, that rests cantilevered across another fallen tree and forms a spring platform about 12 inches to 18 inches above the ground. Troop 111 first discovered this natural wonder 2 years ago. A variety of games seemed to have been developed, but the primary one involves the individual closest to the fulcrum trying to dislodge the one out at the end of the log by bouncing and swaying. Success gets you the chance to ride the end of the log and try to stay on. We need to find a way to build one of these "logs." It would sell!
Saturday dawned cool with a morning haze that burned off early. Mr. K. went out in his van to make sure the ranger had us registered and to pick up some milk. Glenn McGregor arrived while we were eating. Many of the boys warmed up for the morning's activities with a game on the log. At the appointed time, we headed off in the two vans toward Hemlock Overlook, encountering a little confusion in the country outside Clifton. We arrived on time, happy there was a margin of error built into the plan.
We were greeted in the parking area by the facilitators. There was a little confusion about our medical releases and no one there was able to take our check for the balance due, but neither issue deterred us from getting started.
Our facilitator for the day was Sharlene, a George Mason graduate student with three years experience at Hemlock. She explained her role, gave us some hints about the activities to come, and discussed safety. We all stood around in a circle and adopted silly nicknames starting with the first letters our real names: "Super Sharlene," etc., to facilitate recognition and relax the group. (The names of our boys, and the adults, have been withheld from this report to protect the innocent.)
Our first exercise involved forming a tight circle and putting someone in the middle who closed his eyes and crossed his arms across his chest while we tipped him around from person-to-person. Next, we moved on to "All Aboard," the game where we had to balance our entire crew on increasingly smaller wooden platforms (i.e., designated transporter target areas) while shouting "Beam me up, Scotty!" three times without having the whole arrangement collapse. We were never quite able to make the whole thing work on the smallest platform, but we had fun trying. This was the only game that frustrated our successful completion.
We moved to the "Skiing" game next where we made our [imagined] escape from the backwoods. All 12 of us shared two 2x4 skis of unequal length with no bindings. A variety of unequal length ropes coming through the skis were held by members of the team while we lifted and moved forward in unison, using only animal sounds for directions to avoid being detected. Good, silly fun.
The morning's activities were capped off with a most excellent ride on the Hemlock Overlook zip line. The zip line spans a small ravine and employs a pair of parallel cables running from a tower on one hill over to another hill. The rider glides across hooked to a rolling gadget with a pair of wheels that sit on the cable. For safety, each rider was harnessed using a climbing strap around their waist and legs, held together with a water knot. The harness allowed everyone to be clipped by carabineer to the rolling apparatus. We all wore helmets. Hand holds were provided, but were mostly for stability. All Scouts and adults completed the ride, some with more grace than others. Most of us would have enjoyed additional opportunities to ride across, but there was another group in line behind us and it was time for lunch.
After lunch, we experienced a short rain. A harbinger of what was to come. One of the most enjoyable events after lunch was the wire walk. This game demanded incredible concentration and teamwork to get everyone across as we moved between posts or trees and around a 90 degree bend while balancing on a slack wire cable about a foot off the ground. Someone behind or ahead would assist you in balancing while you crossed the gap. Our team made it through. No doubt, practice on the bouncing log back at camp was helpful.
Other events included placing a tire over a high post and then removing it without allowing it to touch the post. This one required two tall Scouts each on the shoulders of an adult, with plenty of ground assistance. Some of us did a trust fall backwards, with eyes shut, off a platform onto the arms of our group. No one was dropped. We also had an "electric fence" event that all passed through, or were passed, without touching the "wires."
The "peanut butter pit" proved to be an interesting challenge. We had to use a rope to swing across a pool formed behind a dam across a small stream. The rope was positioned so that, in order to grab it initially, one person had to lean way out while relying upon the others as an anchor. To make matters interesting, one Scout and one adult were blindfolded before they got to the site, so they didn't even have a mental picture of where they were and had to rely on directions and a good catch by their teammates on the far side. We had one Scout get wet, but otherwise escaped. To add additional interest after our first crossing, those who wanted got a chance to scoop a floating bucket from the water as they swung across on the rope.
The final event was a wall climb or, more appropriately, a pull. There were complex rules requiring that participants function only twice in any one position as a spotter or hoister. The person coming over the wall could not climb. We had to make sure that the final individual could be hoisted up and over by the two who were left to hoist him. As we finished up for the day, a large bank of dark clouds came bearing in and we got to the vehicles as the rain started in earnest.
Rain was the order of the evening. We drove through the rain and arrived back at Camp Wilson to discover the place packed with cars, many occupied by adults and Scouts waiting (hoping) for the rain to let up. There was a large group involved in a troop campout and, apparently, a Webelos bridge crossing ceremony.
The Troop 111 Scouts in the maroon van jumped out and got to work making dinner. John K.'s group had stopped on the way back to pick up some of the provisions we were missing. The spaghetti and garlic bread went over well. We huddled beneath the dining fly, some standing, while a variable rain played on.
The intermittent showers continued all evening while some of the Scouts played card games and others played on the log. We had a minor cookie distribution dispute later that night, but managed to work out the problem to most everyone's satisfaction. The lesson may be to always have an extra bag of Oreos on hand as a contingency.
Troop 111 hit the sack relatively early, tired from a day of activities in the sun. At 10:00, one of our boys was heard asking from his tent if some Webelos/New Scouts running around playing hide and seek on the edge of our camp would quiet down so that our troop could sleep. Most everyone slept dry, however, one tent did experience water coming in through the floor.
Sunday dawned cloudy, but the rain was gone. Scouts secured their tents and personal gear and then we ate a normal Troop 111 cold breakfast. We packed up the gear, policed the area, and headed home to rapidly improving weather. Back at St. Agnes, some of the Scouts distinguished themselves in the cooking gear cleanup. Thanks to Chris B. and Matt M. for their persistence and hard work. The tents were dried and put away, and everyone headed home.
- by Hugh S.
All in all, 36 Scouts and Adults participated in the Patrol Camping Weekend - not bad! Combined, that would have equalled a pretty impressive Troop campout.
Transitioning into April, we headed south for a new activity - a bike hike in False Cape State Park (between VA Beach and the North Carolina Border); narrative from Ted G.:
On Friday April 7th, 14 Scouts and 5 adults headed down to Sandbridge in Virginia Beach. Because Arlington middle schools were off for the day, Luke B., Todd G., Will K., and Neil S. left in the morning with Ann G. The destination was the Ann and Ted's cottage in Sandbridge, which was the base of operations for the weekend. The early contingent planned the weekend meals on the way and bought the food in Virginia Beach. They then fixed their dinner Friday night and prepared breakfast casseroles for Saturday morning's breakfast.
The rest of the crew headed out at 4:15 from St. Agnes and cruised along the HOV-3 lanes (thanks in part to JJ T. and Matt C. sharing the second seat in the white van, which was otherwise filled with the bikes!) Using the HOV lanes saved at least an hour, probably more, as the regular lanes were packed with Friday traffic alternating between a standstill and a 5mph crawl! The caravan pulled in to a KFC in Ashland for dinner, only to find that down there, KFC's non-meat alternative is mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. A quick run to a nearby Subway yielded tuna fish and veggie sandwiches for the adults (and as Ted discovered, a veggie sandwich is only lettuce, tomato, and cheese!) After a refuel on the thirsty white van, the run to the beach resumed in light traffic, resulting in an 8:45pm arrival. After a quick look around at the bay and the ocean, the Troop settled in for popcorn and Friday night's movie - The Mummy. The Scouts spread out over beds and the floor (except for Stefan, who decided to sleep out on the screen porch). Lights were out by midnight.
The forecast for Saturday included continued high winds and a strong cold front that was expected to cross the region in the late afternoon, spawning thunderstorms and rain and dropping temperatures dramatically. The dawn was bright and clear - but very windy! After feasting on French toast and egg casseroles with sausage, the Scouts pulled the bikes from the van and performed the A-B-C-Quick-Check that they learned the previous weekend at REI. A few tires needed inflating, and a couple of bikes needed minor adjustments, and we were ready to roll. Mark S. got up at 3am to drive down and join us right on schedule at 8am - good thing, as he had Neil's and Ted's bikes in his car! Everyone had maps of the trails marked with checkpoints at which we were to meet up.
We biked south from the G's into Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge consists of 7700 acres of beach, dunes, and marsh between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay, and is home to, or a migratory stop for, several hundred types of birds. We stopped at the visitor's center (the first check point) and took a quick look at the exhibits. While Bob and Ted made another bike adjustment, the Scouts did a quick circuit of the boardwalk marsh trail. Then it was off down a dirt trail to False Cape State Park.
As we went, we met Troop 102 from Williamsburg, about 20 Scouts and adults hiking 9 miles to an ocean campground in False Cape. They seemed well organized and well prepared. A few minutes later we met Troop 401 from Virginia Beach, about 30 Scouts and adults on their way to a bay campground in False Cape. Unlike Troop 102, 401 was very poorly packed - they were even pulling a little red wagon with their water supply. Most of the Scouts were hiking in their Scout Uniforms, and for many it was clearly their first camping event. Bob could see trouble brewing for this crew!
The temperature climbed with the dazzling sun, quickly reaching the lower 80's under bright, clear skies. Layers were shed and sun block applied. The wind continued to blast in from the southwest, steady and very strong. It was rough peddling into the headwind (especially for Regina C.!), but it held the promise of a boost from behind on the way home. The combination of bright, hot sun and steady blasts of wind while biking are a recipe for dehydration. Scouts were encouraged to drink water frequently but, as some learned, it is hard to stay ahead of the body's need for water under such conditions!
We arrived at False Cape by 10am. False Cape has 4300 acres of beach, dune, and forest running the rest of the way to the North Carolina state line. The combination of Back Bay and False Cape provides a remote, almost undisturbed stretch of ocean beach, dune, forest, and marsh - certainly a very unique environment. False Cape has the distinction of being the only VA State Park inaccessible by car - you have to hike, bike, or boat in. Not a place for windshield tourists!
The ranger station at False Cape was the second check point, and gave us a chance to refill water bottles and have a snack. Then it was back on the bikes, heading further south. Some of the Scouts went out to the ocean-front and played football, while others biked down to the Wash Woods area. Wash Woods was a small, isolated community started in the 1800's by survivors of a shipwreck. False Cape got its name because it looked from the ocean like Cape Henry, the turning point to enter Chesapeake Bay. If ship captains were fooled by the appearance of False Cape, they sailed into shoal water and foundered.
At Wash Woods there is an old cemetery with gravesites from the late 1800's to the most recent burial in 1939. There is also the remains of the steeple of a small Methodist Church. The church was built with cypress wood that was the cargo aboard the John Woods when it foundered offshore. The wood washed up on the beach and was put to use by the small community, aptly called Wash Woods. The Church was served by a minister riding circuit, but fell in disuse and deteriorated in the 1920s. The fierce and famous Ash Wednesday storm of 1962 put an end to Wash Woods, and little remains today except the steeple, some foundation bricks, and the cemetery.
Just before Wash Woods, the dirt trail turned into a sandy path behind the dunes. It was only another 2.5 miles to North Carolina, but the trail was not bikable due to the very soft and sandy trail. Just several hundred yards of slogging through the sand pursuaded the Scouts to abandon the morning's oft-stated goal of reaching North Carolina. Between the hot, high sun and the sand it was easy to understand why so many French Foreign Legionnaires never returned - fortunately, we were not operating under the famous "March or Die" edict.
Wash Woods was the third check point, and the stop included lunch at noon under shady live oaks and pines. The heat, wind, and exercise was taking its toll on the Scouts. After a leisurely visit to the cemetery and plenty of fluids, the Scouts headed back up the trail to Sandbridge. The tune-up of the bikes at REI courtesy of Dan Muir obviously paid off, as no one encountered problems along the way. The only flat tires were on Mark S.'s racing bike (not meant for rough trails!), so each Scout came away with their spare inner tube - a good piece of insurance!
While the boys headed north, Bob and Ted took a more leisurely tour, with several side-trips to the campground areas on the bay and ocean. Troop 102 had already gotten to their site by 2:00pm, but Troop 401 was still slogging down the trail as we returned. They looked tired, dehydrated, and dispirited, and were stretched out over nearly a mile -still pulling their little red wagon! Definitely not the smoothly oiled marching machine of Troop 111! With the storm approaching, they had some work to do to get ready for the blow! We offered encouragement as we biked past, but the primary question from most of their Scouts was "How much further???" Pretty sad....
False Cape also has an environmental center, included a 20-bed bunkhouse, which was converted from an old hunting lodge. Groups can use the facility for environmental education. It sits on the shore of Back Bay with a view across to Knotts Island, a isolated and small community that straddles the Virginia/North Carolina line. Definitely a place to keep in mind for a future Scout trip!
After returning and recharging with a snack and drinks (and waiting for Bob and Ted), the Troop headed up to the resort area of Virginia Beach for miniature golf. Everyone played one round, and seven Scouts got in a second round while others visited the game arcade. After a quick look at the show on Atlantic Avenue (cruising time has already started), and finding that the boardwalk was closed for the construction of a giant concrete retaining barrier (which the Boardwalk will be built on top of after completion), we headed back to the Gerardens for dinner. Lasagne, salad, veggies, and bread went down fast!
After dinner the Troop did a "roses and thorns" of the day's events. Troop 401 provided a good object lesson in how not to take Scouts -particularly novice Scouts- on a camping trip, and Bob used their example to explain why Troop 111 runs backpacking trips as a team, keeping everyone together, holding weight to a minimum, and sharing the load according to each Scout's ability. The "roses" for the day far outnumbered the "thorns," and it was on to the Saturday movie - The Fugitive. Unlike yesterday's civil trial results for Dr. Shepherd, Dr. Kimble was found innocent in the end.
Meanwhile, rain began to fall and the cold front dropped temperatures, foretelling a cold Sunday. Fortunately for Troops 102 and 401, the promised severe thunderstorms didn't strike Sandbridge, although a waterspout was reported off of Ocean View, about 25 miles north. A lucky break!
The rain cleared out overnight, but the temperature dropped over 30 degrees by dawn. The sky to the east was still dark as the storm continued offshore. After a quick breakfast of juice, donuts, and English muffins, the boys tackled cleanup around the house. It went so quickly that Bob had time to show the Scouts Keith Gerarden's map of Philmont, talk about the treks to be done, and whet the boys appetite for a future trip out west.
The Troop took in the 7:45 Mass at St. John the Apostle, a relatively new parish in southern Virginia Beach. Father Schrader posed for pictures with the Scouts and tested the strength of their handshakes - Ted had bet the boys that no one could match Father Schrader's grip. Chris B. held his own, though, a real distinction - so Ted owes Chris a pizza dinner to pay off the bet he lost!
Then it was on to the Virginia Marine Science Museum, an extensive collection of exhibits on marine ecology. There were lots of interactive exhibits and hands-on opportunities, as well as aquarium tanks with river otters, rays and skates, sharks, Chesapeake Bay marine life, horseshoe crabs, etc. Too much to take in with only three hours to spend! After group pictures on the VMSM sculpture and the adjacent gorilla mascot of Ocean Breeze Park, the Troop headed over to Red Wing park for a picnic lunch. While sunny, the temperature was still in the low 50's with a strong wind, so sandwiches were made and eaten quickly. At 12:45, the caravan rolled out for a fast drive back through pleasantly light traffic and an ahead-of-schedule 4:20pm return to St. Agnes.
All-in-all, an outstanding trip! The bike ride was more than 25 miles, so it knocks off one of the required 25-mile rides for the Cycling Merit Badge. The action was non-stop, and we even sneaked in an educational component! Many thanks to the G.'s for the use of their house as a base of operations. Participants were: Chris B., Luke B., John B., Matt C., David G., Todd G., Matt G., Will K., William L., Stefan N., Charlie S., Neil S., JJ T., Mark T.. Adults attending were Regina C., Ted and Ann G., Dr. Bob, and Mark S.
- Dr. Bob
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