Boy Scout Troop 18 and Cub Scout Pack 7

UPDATE WED 1/14/09 10 AM — The weather forecast has changed slightly calling for Saturday night low of 30 and Sunday night low of 24.  Due to our elevation, the temps could be slightly lower.  All this is to say, please be prepared for cold temps at night.  If your sleeping bag is not rated for cold weather, plan to bring a liner for added insulation.  Extra socks and a beanie are advisable.

We have a very exciting weekend ahead.  At the time of this post, 19 scouts and 8 adults are planning to gather at 8 AM on Saturday to head to Cheaha SP near Oxford, Alabama.  We will meet in the FPC parking lot on Belhaven Street.  The 13 5th graders will travel in the FPC mini-bus.  The other scouts will ride in private vehicles.

We will have lunch in Birmingham.  The scouts are cooking by patrols Saturday and Sunday evenings.  I understand that they have menus ranging from hamburgers, to hotdogs and tacos.  A culinary extravaganza.  Sunday and Monday breakfasts will consist of poptarts, oatmeal and breakfast bars.  Lunch on Sunday will be sandwichs or snacks they will carry with them on our 10 mile hike.  We will have lunch somewhere along the way home on Monday.  The scouts should bring money for the two lunches while traveling.

The weather will be clear and cold.  Highs will be around 50 and lows around 32.  However, due to our elevation, the temps could be lower at night.  The scouts should come prepared for cold and remember to dress in layers.

Cheaha 2005: On the Pinhoti Trail

These scouts enjoyed the hike in 2005.  Though we do not expect any hunters in the area, it is worthwhile to have on some orange.

The scouts should plan to bring a pen and note card to record interesting information about the hike for purposes of the hiking merit badge.  Furthermore, the new scouts should plan on looking for and recording evidence of ten different types of wildlife and ten different types of plant life.

Prior to the hike, we will review the rules of safe hiking, the Outdoor Code, and the principles of Leave No Trace.  Please remind your scouts to bring their scout book and/or to read about these matters prior to Saturday.

Water is scarce along the trail, so remind your scout to bring a nalgene or camelback to carry water.  A small daypack, fannypack or school backpack is advisable to carry the water bottle,lunch and snacks.

As a reminder, on our campouts, cellphones and electronics are not allowed.  Game devices, ipods, DVD players (headphones mandatory!) are fine for the trip over and back but are not allowed in tents or once we arrive to camp.  These items should be turned in to one of the adults for safe-keeping upon arrival.  They will be returned for the trip home.

If anyone has questions about what to bring (or what not to bring), please refer to comment #1 to the earlier Cheaha Campout post or contact me, Dallis Ketchum or James England.