1999-2000
View the 1999-00 Calendar
100 Mile Wilderness Hike, June 16-22, 2000
Packed into Mr. Lee's Suburban, our hearty band of eight (Mike L., Ben B., Watson S., Chris E.,
William N., Drew M., Roger L., Gail O'D) left Weston early Sunday morning for the long drive north to the
100 Mile Wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail. After lunch at
Angie's in Milo at the northern edge of civilization--so much food, we skipped dinner that night--we
got on the trail at about 3 pm. We drove in 24 miles along logging roads to a point at the
south end of Nahmankata Lake, approximately 42 miles from the peak of Katahdin. Our first day's hike took us
about 3 miles to Wadleigh Stream Lean-to, a short distance from the lake. The four older boys (later to
be named, the "Four Mouthketeers") started out the night in the lean-to, but abandoned it for their tents
after a fierce mosquito attack. On the second day, we hiked about 8 miles, including up and over Nesuntabunt Mountain
(an 800 foot climb), before reaching Rainbow Stream Lean-to. There, we had our first BakePacker meal--Mexican Chili
wrapped in soft tortillas--which all agreed was pretty darn good. Three long-distance hikers spent the
night with us at the lean-to: Backwards Bob (a man in his 60s who had section hiked the AT 2-1/2 times, and
had come 18 miles that day) and a couple of brothers, whose routine was to break every hour to smoke their
pipes. On the third day (Tuesday), we hiked the length of Rainbow Lake, with a side trip up Rainbow Mountain
(800 foot climb), and made camp at the extreme southern end of the lake,
at a beautiful campsite right at the water's edge. Total hiking was about 11 miles. Most of us took a swim
before dinner, and the Mouthketeers
mounted a water assault on the adults (and serenaded them later on in the evening). A heavy thundershower hit just after
dinner, but with enough warning for us to retreat to our tents. The fourth day (Wednesday) saw us cover the most
distance (nearly 12 miles in total), over Rainbow Ledges, down to Hurd Brook Lean-to for lunch, and then out to
the paved logging road ("Golden Road") that runs along the West Branch of the Penobscot River. There we briefly
re-entered civilization at the Abol Bridge Campground & Store (even cheeseburgers and hotdogs, or so the microwaved items
were labelled). We left Abol Bridge, and hiked about 4.5 miles to Piney Point, where Nesowadnehunk Stream pours over
a beautiful falls into the Penobscot. At first we set up tents about 200 yards short of the falls, not aware of the
nicer campsite at Piney Point. But after dinner, and some recon by Goober (Watson S.), the boys moved their
tents (fully assembled) to the new site. We spent a leisurely morning at the falls on the fifth day (Thursday),
not setting out until about 10 am, as we had only about 6 miles to hike to reach our campsite at Katahdin Stream
in Baxter State Park. After stops at a few more falls along the Nesowadnehunk Stream, and at Daicey Pond within
Baxter, we reached our campsite at about 2-3 pm. Rich L., Jed D., Brooks D., and Nelia N. joined us that evening.
William N., Drew M., Roger L., and Gail O'D took a five-hour, 160 mile drive to retrieve the Suburban from
its parking spot at Nahmankanta Lake, and spot it at Roaring Brook campsite, our destination on Friday (the
group spotted a bear running along a logging road while driving in to pick up the Suburban). The next
morning, we were joined by Doug M. and Julie M., and our group (now fourteen strong) left for Katahdin
at 7 am, along the Hunt Trail. First to the top, as usual, were the Mouthketeers, who reached the summit at
about 11:15 am. We then headed down the Saddle Trail to Chimney Pond, and from there to Roaring Brook. First down
were Goober (Watson S.) and Chris E. (Skittles) at about 3:00 pm. At about 5:00 pm, we had all made it, and all
fourteen of us piled into the Suburban for the shuttle back to Katahdin Stream, where the other cars were parked.
Along the way, we were most fortunate to come across two huge, male moose in a pond. One was eating vegetation
at the pond bottom, and would submerge his head briefly to munch. The other stood on the shore. Both had huge
racks, and were quite a sight. From Baxter, most of us headed to the Super 8 Bangor, where we showered, before heading
out to the local Bugaboo Creek Steak House for a final dinner. Rabbit (Mike L.) gave out trip T-shirts to
everyone after dinner. It was a great trip!
Photos by Roger Lee
Shakedown Hike, June 24, 2000
We met at the Scout House to weigh our packs and do some food and gear planning for the 50-miler later
in the summer. Then we headed out to hike 10 miles on Weston conservation trails. Our route took us past
Woodland School, the town cemeteries, and Ogilivies, until we finally headed into the woods on a trail off of
Gun Club Lane. Then we followed trails that
took us across Sudbury Road, and into the extreme northwest corner of town. Everyone arrived back
at the Scout House pretty tired, but feeling good about having done the hike. Nine scouts (Mike L., Ben B., Colin H., Watson S., Chris E., Vinay S., Matt H., William N., Drew M.)
and five adults (Nelia N., Kevin H., DJ S., Roger L., Gail O.) participated, along with Matt H's younger brother,
Ben, and his uncle.
Photos by Roger Lee
Court of Honor, June 13, 2000
Another great get together at St. Julia's Church. A fitting finale to a great scouting year. This year we managed to get a
group photo together.
Photo by John Sallay
Eagle Service Project, 1999-2000
Brooks Diehl worked with the town and state governments to save a beaver that had setup housekeeping in a
local pond, and was attempting to dam a culvert to flood the pond. He researched possible alternatives
to trapping and moving (or destroying) the beaver, and successfully persuaded the Conversation Commission
and Department of Public Works that installation of a "beaver deceiver" device at the culvert would solve
the problem. As things turned, however, the beaver left the pond before installation of a deceiver could
be accomplished.
Photos by Jed Deihl
Lincoln Woods Bike Trip, June 9-11, 2000
We left the Scout House on Friday night and headed for our campsite, a secluded spot along
the Mad River in the White Mountain National Forest. After setting up camp we headed north
through Franconia Notch in quest of a glimpse at "The Northern Lights", but cloud cover
thwarted our efforts. On returning to camp, we were serenaded by a chorus of frogs,
many members strong and several species, and 2-3 owls; early morning found song birds
continuing the symphony. Saturday morning we headed to Loon Mountain where we meet a
few new arrivals to our group and picked up our bikes. We traveled east on the Kancamagus
Highway until we reached the Lincoln Woods Trail, an old logging railroad bed, which we
followed to Franconia Falls, a spectacular series of falls, cascades, and natural water slides.
We enjoyed our lunch on the rocks in the sun at the falls, where we rescued two hikers and
one scout from the rapids. After lunch we forded the Pemigewasset River and returned along
the opposite side on an up and down dirt road with spectacular views of the Franconia Ridge
and Pemigewasset Wilderness. In all we biked and hiked about 14 miles, with Christian T.
and Watson S. leading for most of the way (and Jimmy S. adeptly navigating!). After returning
to Loon, we took a cool down soak at the Lady's Bathtub (a calm area in the Pemigewasset River).
We returned to our campsite and took a nature hike around our site - finding a Beaver lodge
(2 beaver were seen earlier in the morning), deer footprints and other interesting plants
and animals. Dinner was a culinary success, stir fried beef with fresh herbs on a bed
of noodles, and apple strudel (thanks to William N.). After dinner we relaxed around
the quintessential boy scout fire; then with the sky cloud free, it was back through the
Notch to look for the Northern Lights. Unfortunately, it was cloudy north of the Notch;
we saw flashing behind the clouds, but it was unclear as to whether these were the elusive
Northern Lights or lightning over the Northern White Mountains. Again we were serenaded
by the frogs and song birds (Saturday night appeared to be owls night off). On Sunday
we feasted on a colonial treat of bacon and apple with brown sugar. We returned to
Weston, having completed a fun and successful outing attended at various times by:
Vinay and DJ S., Christian T., Jimmy and Sam S., Watson and John S., William, Alex and
Nelia N., and Jed D.
Photo by Jed Diehl
Parent/Son Fishing Outing, June 4, 2000
We had a record-breaking turnout for the parent/son fishing outing this year. All of Camp Nonesuch's canoes (except one that was not seaworthy) were put to use. Mr. Sallay led the outing. Participants included Webelos scouts, John M., Ben G., Eric S., Jeffrey S., Graham R., Lindsey K., Jeff S., and Greg M. (each with a parent). For Troop 157 scouts, we had Ben S., Benedict B., Jesse L., Erik P., and Vinay S. (each also with a parent). The group caught lots of sunfish, but the winner was (by size) Erik P., with a 10-12" bass (see last photo below), and (by number) Jesse L., with three fish.
Photos by John Sallay
Photos by Curt Peterson
Memorial Day Parade, May 29, 2000
Six scouts from Troop 157 participated in Weston's Memorial Day observances. Geoffrey S., Benedict B. and Erik P. served admirably as "shell-men", picking up spent ammunition after salutes were fired over four wreathings of memorials at different stops during the parade.
Photos by Curt Peterson
Spring Camporee, May 5-7, 2000
About 15 boys and 6 adults participated in the annual BSA rite of spring at
Nobscot. After getting through inspection, we trekked to one of the highest
campsites and set up our little Bedouin-style nylon village. Geoff, Benedict
and Erik attempted to keep the wolves and bears away from their tent by making as much noise as they could
until about 2AM. A Viking (read Peterson) raid put an end to their strategy. Saturday
breakfast saw Vinay making pancakes, and Austin scrambled eggs. The pancakes ranged from "Cajun
Blackened" to "Rare and Runny", but they disappeared quickly. The morning was
spent learning Orienteering skills, and participating in a pretty difficult
Orienteering contest. The afternoon activity was a series of huge capture-the-flag games.
Each patrol did its own lashing project. One began as a table, and ended as a hammock. The other was a pretty neat camp bench. Council campfire in the evening found the Scouts doing
skits they had designed themselves and acted out. Troop 157's was the best, of course.
Following the campfire came the very moving "Tap-Out" ceremony. Wesley, Bart and Jessie
were tapped out in a drum-cadenced, firelit rite which drew all
souls present together, and left us all very respectful of our Tapees.
Quiet and peace prevailed during the Saturday evening respite. With Sunday's
breakfast having been consumed on Saturday, disaster could have struck at sunrise,
but like one of the Magi, John Bearst ambled, bear-like up the path
weighted-down on both sides with white plastic Dunkin Donuts bags. Doughnuts,
coffee (cawfee), crullers and his smiling face! Better than sunrise, almost.
Camporee concluded with a further ceremony, this one to announce winners and
awards. Troop 157 came in second in the Orienteering contest, and our
non-shirts capture-the-flag team was the winner in a series of capture-the-flag games.
We had two patrols participating. Flying Monkeys came in tied for first with a
perfect score. Cows missed first place by just three points. Congratulations to
both patrols.
- Abridgment of Curt Peterson's report (Uabridged Version)
Photos by Curt Peterson
Swim Nights, March 21, 28 & April 4, 2000
We moved our regular weekly meetings to the Middle School Pool, and had a great time,
while also completing lots of swimming advancement under the superb direction of
Troop 157 Alumnus, Brendan Wright (Eagle Scout, BSA Lifeguard). Nearly everyone needing
second and first class swimming requirements was able to pass them. Jesse L.,
Ken M., and Ryan M. completed Swimming Merit Badge (with exception that the CPR requirement
may be needed by some of them). Mile swim (72 lengths of the pool) was earned by:
Geoff S., Chris E., Watson S., Bart M., William N., Erik P., Austin W., and Benedict B.
Photos by Curt Peterson
Venture Crew Winter Backpacking Trip, March 25-26, 2000
Although the Venture Crew turnout was low (Ben B., "Cream Puff"; Chris E., "Lightning Dolt"; Mr. L, "Rocket"),
spirits were high all weekend long. Accompanied by Mr. L's daughter and friend (Carrie L. and Corey B.), the
group backpacked on snowshoes up Lowe's Path on the north face of Mount Adams, and spent the night at
the Randoph Mountain Club's Gray Knob Cabin. Snow depths ranged from zero at the base (and on wind exposed ledges)
to about 26" at the cabin. Saturday dinner included Fondue enjoyed with fresh baguettes carried up by
Chris E. (aka "Bread Man"). Icy spots on the upper trail were sometimes a challenge, even with
crampons on our snowshoes, although Ben B. ("Cream Puff") often made short work of them, using snowshoes
only to cushion his collision with trees.
Rest of photos
Photos by Roger Lee
Wall Climbing Trip, March 18, 2000
Scouts (Christian T., Dan H., Erik P., Geoff S., Jesse L., Matt H., Vinay S., and William N.),
siblings (Alex N. and Sarah S.), parents (Neil L., Nelia N., Mary M., and Andrea S.), leaders
(Roger L., Kevin H., and Jed D.) and friends (Dan and Gail) left the Scout House for a car based,
radio assisted, version of orienteering on the way to the Mill City Rock Gym in Dracut, MA.
At the gym the older scouts and parents received instruction in balaying; then it was up onto
the walls and into the caves. The group climbed and repelled until everyone's arms and hands
gave out; with even a few adults being talked into taking on the walls. It was a fun and
invigorating day trip; with many discussing a return trip as we left the gym.
Photos by Andrea Shah
Photos by Roger Lee
Second Ski Trip, February 11-13, 2000
We had a great trip to Pico Mountain on February 11-13, with 12 Scouts and 6 adults on the slopes and two nights spent at the McGuire's vacation home nearby. The weather was perfect for skiing on Saturday, with bright sunny skies, temperatures in the 20's and only a very light wind. After a full day on the slopes Saturday, we stopped for pizza at The Pizza Jerks restaurant on the Killington access road and then headed back to the McGuire's for a big snowball fight and bonfire outside that evening. Sunday brought more terrific weather and we were able to get a solid half-day of skiing in before heading back to Weston in the afternoon. Many thanks to the McGuire family for their very gracious hospitality.
Nobscot Winter Cabin Trip, January 22-23, 2000
Eleven boys and four adults braved the cold and snow, and had a great time at the troop cabin on the first outing in the new millenium. Weather was very cold, but sunny. Our usual water source, the Legion Cabin pump, was frozen, and so we had to haul water from White Lodge, but Mr. H. wisely brought along a sled, which worked perfectly for the job. All hands pitched in to cut wood for the wood stove. A mountain of cut logs was brought into the cabin, enough to keep the stove going full blast all night long. Inside the cabin, temperatures (and spriits) were warm. Four different cooks prepared four sets of meals over the weekend, and so everyone had more than enogh to eat. Everyone agreed that the standout meal was Dan H.'s beef stew, prepared in a dutch oven in the wood stove. Capture the Flag was played over a wide area surrounding the cabin, with the victory going to the Spike Lee team led by our illustrious SPL (Bart M., Christian T., Austin W., Matt. H., and Geoff S.).
First Ski Trip, December 10-12, 1999
A hardy group of skiers, bladers, and snowboarders (Vinay and DJ S., Kenneth and Segundo M., Christian T., Geoff S., Watson S., Zack B., and Jed D.) left the Scout House and headed for Mr. L's House (a.k.a. The Troop Condo) at Bretton Woods in the rain. During the night winter arrived with high winds and snow. On Saturday we hit the slopes to enjoy the glorious, light, fresh powder at Bretton Woods. Later we headed to the Sports Center (now with Jack S.) for a swim and a soak in the hot tub. The sixth graders worked on swimming requirements. Then it was off to the Pizza Pub for dinner (where we were joined by Matt and Kevin H., and Jimmy and Sam S.); several of us saw a moose on the way home. Back at he condo we celebrated Geoff's birthday with cake and ice cream; then settled in to watch Lost World. On Sunday the sun came out and we headed to Loon Mountain to explore some new terrain. It was a fun filled weekend getaway and a very successful trip.
Service Day/Scouting for Food, November 22, 1999
We met at the Scout House to rake leaves (on the promise of donuts being delivered, which Mr. Lee arranged!). Once the leaves were put to bed in the compost pile, we moved on to the South Side Fire House to pack the food collected by Cub Scouts.
Photos by Ray Helfer
Eagle Service Project, Land's Sake, November 13, 1999
Ben B. led a group of scouts and other volunteers cleaning up areas at the Land's Sake farm land in the center
of town.
Photos by Brody Family
Nobscot Trip, November 6-7, 1999
One popular trip! We had tents surrounding the troop cabin, and most bunks full within the cabin. Counting the parents that went along, or that came out for Saturday dinner, this probably set a record (at least in recent history) for the biggest turnout for an outing. Three 6th grade boys each cooked for their respective patrol, producing some excellent meals. A big game of Capture the Flag was played by all, with only one scout missing in action (later recovered!).
Eagle Service Project, Weston Town Green, October 16, 1999
Alex W. led a group of scouts and parents planting daffodils and other plants on the Town Green on a beautiful fall day.
Photos by Gary Wolf
Squam Lake Canoe Trip, October 2-3, 1999
On Saturday a hardy group of fourteen scouts, parents and leaders (Ben and Rick S., Benedict B., Erik and Curt P., Matt and Kevin H., Bart M., Rob L., Ryan M., Roger L., and Jed D.) departed by canoe from the Squam Lake Association for the 1 mile canoe to Bowman Island, where we set up camp. We then paddled 2 miles into the wind past Moon and Three Sisters Islands using charts and compasses to find our way to the base of the Rattlesnake Mountains. We ascended West Rattlesnake for the spectacular vista across Squam Lake with its numerous islands and coves. We returned into the wind (again) to Bowman Island, where we learned to build fires (thanks to wood brought over by Ryan's grandparents) and light camp stoves; the new scouts prepared dinner. That night we were treated to a spectacular view of the Milky Way, serenaded by loons, and visited by raccoons. The next morning we returned to the mainland, where Ralph L. met us with coffee and munchkins, and returned home, having completed one of our most successful trips ever.
Photos by Curt Peterson & Jed Diehl
Great Meadows Nature Hike, September 26, 1999
A group of seven scouts (Ben S., Benedict B., Christian T., Erik P.,
Geoff S., Jimmy S., and Vinay S.) and several parents and leaders
hiked the 2 mile trail around the impound, along the Concord River,
and through the woods at the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
in Concord, Massachusetts. We had a warm, sunny day for the hike and
had great success finding and identifying plant and animal species.
As a group we identified 25 species of animals (including a rare
Red Phalarope) and 28 species of plants (including native poisonous
plants). All the scouts completed their Tenderfoot, Second Class and
First Class nature requirements, and had a fun, fall afternoon hike.
Maine Island Bike Trip, September 10-12, 1999
Drove north up the coast in pouring rain Friday night, on the promise of
better weather on Saturday. Crossed Penobscot Bay to Islesboro Island
at nearly midnight on the good ship Quicksilver, which was tossed all over by
the rough sea. Instead of attempting to set up camp in the Fort meadow, we
wisely retreated to inside the Fort cottage (thank you to the Fort family!).
Saturday morning brought absolutely perfect weather, which continued through
the weekend. We biked all over Islesboro, stopping at the southern tip to watch
sailboats round the island, and at the general store for lunch. Dinner was
lobsters (fresh from a local lobsterman) and mussels (gathered on the shore). We set
up our tents near the edge of the bluff, providing spectacular views toward
Castine, across the Bay. Five boys (Dan H., Bart M., Ryan M., Geoff S., and
Vinay S.) and three adults had a most enjoyable weekend.
Return to Troop 
Home Page