Troop 157 Outings & Photo Album
2001-2002
View the 2001-02 Calendar
Camp Yawgoog, August 18-25, 2002
Venture Crew Trek on Appalachian Trail, July 13-20, 2002
This was probably the best summer trek ever. We covered a total of about 83 miles over
8 hiking days. We started on Saturday with a slack packing hike up the Greenleaf Trail to Mt. Lafayette,
then across the ridge to Lincoln and Liberty, and down the Liberty Spring trail to I93. Our
first AT hike in 1999 began at Mt. Lafayette, and headed north. Now we were back to the
same point, and headed south. AT I93, we retrieved our packs, and found a nice bootleg campsite
just east of I93. There were 12 of us along on the day hike and the first night of camping.
But only 6 continued south the next morning (Rabbit, Cream Puff, Skittles, TC, Rocket, and
Rockette went on; Goober, Grandpa, Mr. Heath, Matt H., Mr. Shah, Vinay S. headed back to
Weston). Sunday was probably the most difficult day of the week, as we went over North and South
Kinsman (steep ascents and steep descents) with full packs. Eliza Brook shelter was a welcome
site. Monday morning was a relatively easy hike down to Kinsman Notch, where trail
magic awaited. Mr. Heath and Mr. Shah had returned! And they came loaded with goodies, including
ice cream and sodas. After our trail magic break, we headed up (and up, and up, and up)
the north face of Moosilauke to the Beaver Brook Shelter. That brought us into Dartmouth
Outing Club territory, and although their orange signs are cool (a refreshing change from the AMC's),
their privies leave a lot to be desired (oh did we long for a clean, odor free AMC mouldering privy).
Tuesday morning took us over Moosilauke in the fog (with the huge cairns marking the way). We
were down the other side, and into Glencliff by shortly after Noon. Rockette had yellow
blazed around Moosilauke, and we met her there. The Hikers Welcome Hostel was just a great
place. Friendly, clean, and a good place to practice your juggling (at least for TC,
that is). As we had wheels at Glencliff, we took good advantage, and went out for dinner.
On the way we found a great ice cream stand. Can you believe that when you order three scoops,
each scoop can be a different flavor. It adds another dimension to ordering a cone. On
Wednesday morning, we headed south, stopping for lunch at the new Ore HIll Shelter, and
reaching a nice campsite along a stream about 10 miles south of Glencliff (Rocket had learned
of the campsite from the "big German" who he had met in the fog at the top of Moosilauke).
On Thursday we continued south, covering nearly 15 miles, pushing all the way to Trapper John
Shelter, which is a short distance off the Dartmouth Skiway hill. Pretty busy shelter, but we
found space for our tents out back. On Friday, we cruised, as the terrain was getting easier
each day. There was talk of going all the way into Hanover that night, but we ended up
finding a bootleg site near a cemetery about 2-3 miles outside of town. Spirits were up on
Friday night, with games (20 questions, etc.) played by voice between the three tents. In
the morning, we cached our packs off the trail, and took off for Hanover, and the famous
breakfast place, Lou's. But before we indulged ourselves at Lou's, we headed down to
the Connecticut River and the Vermont stateline. Then, it was back up the hill to town
and the big feed at Lou's. Another great summer trek. Everyone talked about doing it
again in 2003. Click on thumbnail below to go to page with all the photos.
Photos by Roger Lee
Potluck Supper & Court of Honor, June 11, 2002
Another wonderful end of year event. Great food. Amazing quantity of desserts. Laura
Mateo is once again owed many thanks. Jed Diehl announced the transition in adult leadership
for the troop. John Sallay and Roger Lee are stepping down from their roles as Asst. Scoutmaster
and Scoutmaster. Kevin Heath is taking on the Scoutmaster position, and Bernie Maurer is signing on
as a new Asst. Scoutmaster. Gary Wolf is stepping down from the Troop Committee, after many years
of service, particularly as the architect and organizer of improvements to the troop cabin at Nobscot.
We were all thrilled to see so many older and former scouts show up for this event. Mr. Lee
and Mr. Sallay (who could not be there, but was represented by his son, Watson) appreciated the
kind words spoken about their contributions to the troop over the years. No photos yet.
Block Island Trip, May 31-June 2, 2002
We took the Pt. Judith Ferry to Block Island, and camped at the
boy scout reservation Friday and Saturday nights. Toured the island,
including stops at the lighthouse and beach. Everyone
had a great time.
Photos by David Merrill
Pioneering Merit Badge Tower Building, May 28, 2002
The boys built a 14 foot high tower using some heavy timbers
first used for a catapult years back. The tower had a platform
from which a few boys were able to throw water balloons at the
Scoutmasters. Actually, what happened is that the boys on the
tower had all they could do to defend themselves from the hordes
throwing water balloons at them. A lot of fun, and an opportunity
to learn lashing and knot skills.
Photos by Roger Lee
Memorial Day Observances, May 27, 2002
We had several boys participate, the largest contingent
in several years. Matt P. placed the wreath at the cemetery,
a role that Mike B. held for many years.
Photos by Kevin Heath
Spring Nobscot Cabin Trip, May 18-19, 2002
We had planned to do some rock climbing in the Franconia Notch area, but
very few boys could attend, and so we switched to the Nobscot Cabin, which
had been fixed up just a couple of weeks earlier. We met on Saturday
early afternoon, just as the rain was beginning to taper off. Spent
Saturday night in the cabin, and hiked out on Sunday, which was a beautiful
day.
Photos by Kevin Heath
Nobscot Cabin Work Day, May 4, 2002
This was our second cabin work day this year, and we finished nearly all of
the projects. The new porch railing was installed, and staining was
finished. Boy, does the cabin look good! Many thanks to Gary W. and D.J. S.
for such fantastic leadership in getting this work planned and executed, and
thanks to the adults and boys who turned out to help in the fall and spring.
Photos by Jed Diehl
Spring Camporee, April 27-28, 2002
We had a smaller than average group this year, and
decided to meet Saturday morning. Though our group was small, we
did quite well in the competition, which was based on a backpacking
theme. The boys carried their packs during the competition. No photos
yet.
Utah Canyons Trip, April 16-21, 2002
We had a long first day, starting at 3 am at the Scout House, and ending in Hurricane Wash,
Utah at about 11 pm (9 pm Utah time). Our flights took us to Las Vegas, and then we drove the roughly
350 miles to our trailhead. The last stretch was driving down Hole in the Rock Road, a 40 mile
long dirt road that gets progressively worse. The sun went down as we drove that final stretch. We set up
camp in the dark with headlights, on a barren stretch just off the parking area. In the morning,
we began our hike down into Hurricane Wash. In the span of only a few hours we went from the dry
barren slickrock of the plain down into the lush, wonderful environs of a Utah canyon. Canyon walls
of red rock rose on either side, and a stream began to flow at our feet. We joined Coyote Gulch
and then came upon Jacob Hamlin Arch. Eventually we reached a second arch, where we set up our camp for the
next two nights (about 9 miles of hiking that day). Many of the boys set up down near the stream, almost under the arch, and the adults
up on a bench a hundred yards away. Eventually, the wind forced some of the boys to relocate. The next day
we day hiked down to the Escalante River, about a 4.5 mile hike each way. There were several waterfalls
and obstacles that had to be descended. The last one was particularly difficult, and Mr. Lee and Mrs.
O'Donnell chose to sit that one out and wait for the main party to return from the river. Some of us
(including Mr. Lee) took a shower in a waterfall on the way back (most refreshing!). The following day
we hiked out to within 0.1 miles of the car, but far enough away to still have a pretty campsite. In
the morning, we headed into town for a big breakfast and showers, and then drove to Las Vegas. We toured
the strip and several casinos, and had a great dinner overlooking "Venician" gondoleers rowing
their passengers along the center of an indoor mall. We boarded the plane at about midnight, and headed
back home. Great trip.
Photos by Roger Lee
2nd Ski Trip, Sunday River, March 15-17, 2002
This was a ski, board, and tube trip, with some late night partying! We stayed Friday and Saturday
night at Geoff Smith’s condominium at Sunday River in Bethel, Maine. Saturday and Sunday
were spent skiing and boarding at the ski area, and Saturday night we went tubing at the
special tube hill at the ski area. No photos submitted yet.
1st Ski Trip, Pinkham Notch, February 8-10, 2002
Our numbers were small (owing to the Middle School performance of The Music Man,
in which our very own Dan H. had the lead), but a good time was had by all
that attended. The group leaving Friday (Zach M., Paul E., Geoff S., Jimmy S.,
Mr. Maurer, Mr. Lee, Mrs. O'Donnell) made excellent time going north on Friday
night (the 6:30 pm, after supper, departure scheme works well). We arrived at
the AMC's Pinkham Notch facility by about 10:00 pm. The Joe Dodge Lodge at
Pinkham was wonderful, as always. Nice rooms, with beds made up. Comfortable
common rooms, including a lounge, library, and rathskeller. Excellent, and
filling, meals were had in the big dining room in the nearby Visitor's Center.
The Saturday contingent (Andrew M., Austin W., Mr. Mixter) arrived just in
time for dinner on Saturday. Skiing at Wildcat was quite good, with trails
holding snow until late in the day.
Photos by Roger Lee and from Internet
Court of Honor, February 5, 2002
We held our usual midyear Court of Honor at St. Julia's Church. Great desserts, and a good time.
Many merit badges and rank advancements were awarded. A special treat was awarding Alex Wolf
his God and Country award. The youth minister from the Unitarian Church in Lexington was
there to give Alex this well-deserved award.
Photos by Kevin Heath
Phillips Brook Snowshoe Trip, January 18-21, 2002
This was the troop's first snowshoe/toboggan trip, and it was a lot of fun. Seven boys
(Ken M., Austin W., Matt H., Matt P., Jake Mc., Paul E., and Zach M.) and two adults (Mr. Lee
and Mrs. O'Donnell) participated. We travelled to the Phillips Brook Backcountry
Recreation Area in northern New Hampshire, and spent three days in very comfortable wood-heated yurts.
Friday night we stayed at the Paris Meadow yurt adjacent a parking area. On Saturday, we packed
our gear on four sleds and three long toboggans (which Mr. Lee had made), and set off on a 3.5 mile
hike across some moderately hilly terrain to the Dummer Ridge yurt. It was a long 3.5 miles, and we
were all very happy to finally spot the yurt (which generated, for
reasons that are obscure, a spontaneous and very loud cheer of "McDonalds, McDonalds, McDonalds"). We spent Saturday and Sunday night at the same yurt,
making Sunday a relaxing day. The boys put the hill adjacent the yurt to good use for sledding.
And many games of cards were played.
Mr. Lee and Mrs. O'Donnell setup their newly sewn Egyptian Cotton tent and stove in a small clearing a short
distance from the yurt. The food was great. Steaks one night. Chili and mac-and-cheese the other.
Bacon and pancakes and bunker biscuits for breakfasts. The hike out on Monday went more quickly
than the hike in. The boys hauling sleds were able to jump aboard and sled down the hills. The
toboggans had to be maneuvered down by holding on to their harnesses from the rear. It began
to snow after we were in the cars, making for a very long, slow ride home.
Photos by Roger Lee
Nobscot Cabin Trip, December 8-9, 2001
It was another great cabin trip. And, as always, we had snow. About 8 inches fell while we slept
Saturday night. Snowball fights and snowmen were the order of the day on Sunday morning. We hiked
up to the cabin on Saturday morning, and got the cabin setup for our stay. Wood was sawed, a fire
started in the woodstove, and the propane cooking range was hooked up. After lunch, we split up into
Capture the Flag teams, and held two big games. Mr. Lee managed to pull himself into a tree during
the second game, and went off that evening for stitches. We had three Webelos scouts and their Dads
along for the weekend, and about 6-7 boys and 2-3 adult leaders (people came and went all weekend long).
Photos by Nelia Newell
Stratton Pond Backpacking Trip, November 3-4, 2001
We had a great time backpacking in southern Vermont. Ten boys (Geoff S., Austin W., Matt H., Jake M., Matt P., James C., Ken M., Jake McL., Zach M., Ben S.) and
four adults (Roger L., Kevin H., David M., Vince C.) participated. We met at the Scout House at 6:15 am, and
were on the road at 6:45 am. After we shuttled cars to the end of the hike, we were ready to hit the
trail at 10:50 am. Nine of us took the Stratton Pond Trail
directly to Stratton Pond. The other five took the longer trail over Stratton Mountain, and climbed
the fire tower on the top. Everyone made it to
the tent site at Stratton Pond by 2:30 pm, in time to set up tents and cook dinner before dark. Dinner turned
out well: Beef stew with BakePacker cornbread, and Mud Pie for dessert. Tired from a long day hiking, everyone
turned in by about 7:30 pm. Perhaps it was the early bed hour, but the Cows were up and yelling at the tops of their
lungs by 6:15 am. Eventually, the Monkeys got up, and we had a leisurely breakfast, filled water bottles, and got
ready to leave. Austin W. even showed us how to shrink a plastic bottle with hot cocoa, and how to carry a tent
over your head. We donned our bright orange apparel (hats and vests that we hoped would make us more visible
to the youths shooting on Youth Deer Hunting Day), and headed for Bourn Pond and then Branch Pond,
where the cars were left. Sunday's hike was flat, and pretty easy. We took regular breaks, and got to the cars by 11:40 am. Some
of the younger boys learned the importance of getting your pack fitted to your body, and perhaps of packing a bit
lighter. Mr. Lee's car stopped at the Royal Diner for lunch on the way home. Everyone had a great time.
MPEG (1.7M)
Photos by Roger Lee
Photos by Dave Merrill
Batten Kill Canoe Trip, October 13-14, 2001
We canoed the Batten Kill again this fall. Because the river was lower than last year, we limited
our canoeing to Saturday, and did the stretch downriver from our campground. Just as last year, the weather
was spectacular.
Photos by Nelia Newell
Nature Hike, September 23, 2001
We met at the Scout House where we discussed proper gear for a day hike, how to use field guides, and what features of a bird will help identify it. We then drove to the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord. It was a clear, warm day; perfect for a pleasant day hiking. After climbing the lookout tower to survey the area, we headed out on the dike trail. We found several Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and a Little Blue Heron. We also identified Poison Ivy in many of its various appearances; including an enormous vine with the white berries often reported, but rarely seen with the plant. We snacked on wild grapes. In all, we identified 18 species of animals and 28 species of plants. It was a fun day enjoyed by all. On the hike were Jake McL., Paul E., and Jed D.
Photos by Jed Diehl
North Haven Island, Maine, September 14-16, 2001
It was a perfect, sunny fall weekend on a gorgeous Maine island in the middle of Penobscot
Bay. We drove up Friday night, met the Quicksilver in Rockland at about 10 pm,
and reached Pulpit Harbor on North Haven Island about 11 pm (with our advance party
signaling the location of the dock with a flashlight). We stayed at Mrs. Newell's
family's house in Pulpit Harbor, with the Cows on the second floor, and the Flying
Monkeys on the third, and the adults in the servants' wing! What a wonderful,
old-fashioned summer house. A large game of Risk (the global battle game) ensued on
the second floor, but eventually everyone turned in. Waking up Saturday
morning gave us our first glimpse of the incredibly beautiful setting around us. After
breakfast, the Cows went sailing on Mr. Lee's Friendship Sloop (Sazerac) for about
three hours, and the Flying Monkeys explored the shore around the house. The wind was light, and we had to power some, but everyone had a great time.
In the afternoon, the Flying Monkeys replaced the Cows onboard Sazerac. At first,
there was no wind, but as we powered around Butter Island (the troop's
campsite in September 1995), the wind began to build, and we had more wind than
we needed sailing back. Chicken patties and apple pie (Flying Monkeys) and American
Chop Suey (Cows) was the cuisine for dinner. Sunday, after breakfast, Mr. Lee and
Mrs. O'Donnell departed on Sazerac, and the rest of us hiked to the town
center on North Haven, and took the State of Maine ferry back to Rockland. The hike
and ferry ride were spectacular. Attending were six Flying Monkeys (Ken M., James S., Ben S., Benedict B., Zach M, Andrew M.) and six
Cows (Austin W., Vinay S., Dan H., Jake Mc., Matt P., William N.), our Asst. Senior
Patrol Leader (Geoff S.), one Venture Crew member (Jesse L.), one Webelos
scout (Alex N.), and six adults (Mr. Lee, Mrs. Newell, Mr. Shah, Mr. Wright, Mr. Maurer,
and Mrs. O'Donnell).
Photos by Roger Lee
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