Trip Descriptions
Boy Scout Troop 9 

1996 - 1997

 

September 1996 Lloyds Farm, Chapel Hill, NC

 

This has been a traditional "starter" trip. The half-mile hike and overnight camping experience are preparation for longer trips. Basic camping skills are learned first-hand in the rolling woods of a Piedmont farm.

 

October 1996  Bear Island, Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro, NC

 

A wonderfully refreshing view of the beach, this island is accessible by ferry with only foot travel on the island. October should be early enough in the fall to provide a change of pace from summer beach weather without the rigors of full winter. Activities will include hiking through the mix of open dunes and dense wood cover as well as along the beach.

 

November 1996 Shining Rock Wilderness, Pisgah National Forest, Brevard, NC

 

This will be our first three day trip for the year. This wilderness varies from a deciduous forest along the headwaters of the Pigeon River to conifers along the ridges. A portion of our route follows the Art Loebe Trail, constructed by local scouts, spanning the fifty miles or so from Looking Glass Mountain to Cold Mountain. The "shining rocks" are an outstanding quartz outcropping that rises up from the saddle at Shining Gap. Regrowth of fir is beginning to obscure the breadth of the rock stand that extends for some four to ten acres. Including a good climb over two half-days, the trail is well within the reach of first-year scouts.

 

December 1996 Hanging Rock State Park, 

 

With a great hike to Moore’s Wall and views across the Piedmont to Pilot Mountain, Hanging Rock provides the first opportunity for cold weather camping for the troop this year. The trip will provide a focus for advancement before the January Court of Honor.

 

January 1997  Uwharrie Trail, Troy, NC

 

The Uwharrie Mountains provide gentle climbs with beautiful hardwood groves, particularly some marvelous stands of Beech. The Uwharrie Trail is long enough that it takes us three years to rotate through each of its sections. The trip will include one night on the trail and a day and a half of rolling trail. Weather can be a challenge. One year, due to a forecast for extreme cold weather, the trip was converted to a day hike. A relatively easy hike under pack with an overnight provide the basis for future cold weather camping. Or as a previous scout liked to paraphrase, "Many are cold, but few are frozen."

 

February 1997  Patrol Trips

 

Patrol trips are focused on three elements of camping for the individual patrols: 1.) site selection, 2.) trip coordination, 3.) an easy fun weekend. Trips can be as simple as back yard over nighters. Adult oversight and approval are required.

 

February 1997  Staff Trip (Maple Camp Trail to Deep Gap, Mount Mitchell State Park, NC)

 

This year’s staff trip will be cover a portion of the Mount Mitchell State Park. Departing on Maple Camp Trail near the Black Mountain Campground with Cello and Busick, NC as the nearest towns, the route climbs Maple Camp Ridge, an arduous day and a half ascent to the Black Mountain ridge. Descending the ridge line to the Deep Gap shelter for the second night provides striking views of Cello Valley and the surrounding ridges. Morning from Deep Gap frequently provides a spectacular white sea of low-lying clouds alight in the morning sun. If weather interferes, we will fall back to Laurel Gorge on the Appalachian Trail at Hampton Tennessee with a day of caving.

 

March 1997  Eno State Park, Durham, NC

 

From the ford at the north end of Cole Mill Road where Friday swims and outdoor baptisms were a feature of this section of the river, a series of trails extend along the river and through the adjacent woodlands of the park. We will use the weekend to hone map and compass skills with an orienteering course.

 

April 1997  Shenandoah National Park

 

This the premier trip for the troop this year. A physically challenging trip, yet within the range of all the scouts. A circuit hike through from Skyline Drive across to the western ridge of the southern range provides great views to the west of the Shenandoah River meandering through the valley. With isolated stands of old growth Chestnut trees, Wood Ducks in quiet pools, and abundant spring wildflowers this trip provides an excellent camping experience.

 

May 1997  Orange District Camporee

 

A good chance for fellowship with brother scouts from other units. The program is seldom exciting but this leaves more opportunity for good visiting time. The Saturday night campfire is always exciting with the Indian dancers of the Order of the Arrow, The Brotherhood of Friendly Service, and the tapout of candidates from the troop.

 

June 1997  Kerr Lake Bike Trip

 

This trip is a long one day fifty mile bike trip Saturday with an overnight at the W. D. Campbell Scout Reservation at Kerr Lake. The bike trip includes a car and trailer that follow to pick up folks with equipment failures or who are ready for a rest. The lake provides fishing, swimming, and an opportunity for canoeing or water skiing as equipment allows. Those who want to skip the cycling, can go directly to the lake. Families are welcome for the whole trip but are particularly encouraged to join Sunday for swimming and a picnic lunch.

 

June 1997  Summer Camp

 

This week of intense advancement at Summer Camp provides the scouts an opportunity to complete a series of merit badges especially in aquatics, crafts, and areas like Environmental Science that work well with a daily attention. Class time is mixed with free time, recreation, and campfires that are put on by a consistently enthusiastic and well trained staff.

 

July 1997  Philmont Scout Reservation

 

This twelve day, twelve night trip is the troop’s "Fifty Miler" for the year. Scouts, eligible by camping experience with a fourteenth birthday in 1996, will travel to Cimarron, New Mexico. Hiking in the Sangre de Cristo mountains provides a different cross section of flora and fauna from our mountain, piedmont, and coastal experiences: from horned toads to bears, with Coulter and Piñon pines, Suguaro and Choilla cacti and great "hills" to over ten thousand feet. A memorable trip that brings reminiscences from parents who made the trip scouts. 

 

August 1997  No Trip