We just got back from backpacking in Lost Maples. We drove up Friday night, left the church with an additional scout and mom about 7, arrived about 9 at the HQ. The troop continued to the parking lot where we geared up, left the vehicles and hoofed it in the dark to primitive site D, about 1 mile in, in the DARK! The flashlights didn't last the entire trip up do we walked in the ambient light of other's headlamps while stumbling over rain slick limestone and rubble. It rained the whole trip up to the campsite and was drizzling when we made camp. We pitched the tents, careful to avoid poison ivy and fire ants and listened to the frog chorus all night long. This all sounds quite miserable, but it wasn't. The frogs helped to drown out the snoring from the other tents.
The drizzle was back for breakfast and we broke camp by 8, just before it really began raining. Ponchos and trashbags on everyone and everything, we hiked onward to primitive site c, by the ponds. The scouts were completing their 5 miles with packs this weekend. We managed 6.5 overall. The rain let up and it began to dry about lunchtime when we arrived at the next site. We took another hike down the trail to complete the mileage required. I dumped my pack at the site since mom's aren't earning anything so I just took pictures. We also hiked, without the packs, to the scenic overlook.
The boys played "war" all afternoon and the adults took naps.....I mean supervised. Jambalaya for dinner and lights out at sundown. We all slept soundly. It drizzled during the night and early morning. We ate a quick breakfast, had a short service, and were on the trail by 9am this morning.
My son is a first year Webelo and part of the requirement to rank is to join a Boyscout campout. This backpacking trip was more than enough to fulfill that requirement. He stayed with the scouts in their patrol and never came over to "Mommy". I was proud that he was confident enough to stay and be with his patrol for the weekend.
Lost Maples with Troop 398 09-12-09
Last edited by campermom; September 13th, 2009 at 04:48 PM.
Charcoal is a spice, dirt is a condiment, and there is no 3 second rule.
How I remember those hikes and camping in the rain. And SOOOO glad I am over thatThats when baggies over clothes in the pack helps.
Sounds like you had a good time, as you progress, boots for rain last much longer than tennis shoes. Also consider rain pants at some point (even for you) also for you, carry some hot chocolate mix, warms you up anytime there is a fire .
And to think two weeks ago you would have been asking for water (that is when we were at Lost Maples)
I haven't been to Lost Maples in years...how is the camping out there? much wildlife? I want to make it out there in the Fall to see the maples, but i'm not sure if they will have a good show this year due to the drought...
With 10 scouts, we had our quota of wildlife! We saw deer, on the way up there, even had one crash into the truck. The truck is fine, and the deer stumbled away dazed. Once in the park, I saw a couple cardinals, a few vultures, and herd 100+ frogs.
The campsite area D was very primitive, hilly, and secluded.
What I've heard about the leaves is that it needs to be very cool and dry for them to be vivid. We shall see in another month or so. Make camping reservations mid week, that is all that is left for the end of October and early November.
Charcoal is a spice, dirt is a condiment, and there is no 3 second rule.
I am so proud of your son (and you) for making that hike! You are a great Scout Mom!!
For backpacking what brand/model of tents do you guys like? Did they keep you all dry?
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