On 28 Feb 04, a High Adventure Crew did an 11 mile day trek in Jones Gap State Park. Those who made up the Crew were:

Jeremy B. (Crew Chief) Ron C.

Matt S. David Colvin

The High Adventure veterans were glad to have the company of 4 new Crew members (Rich and Matt S., and Mike and Ben W.) making their first High Adventure Trek. All four did a really good job, but I'm pretty sure that our old friend "Riggy Mortis," sometimes known as "Rigor Mortis," would be visiting them late that night, or for sure on Sunday morning.

We were very fortunate as to the weather, in that there was only a little snow left and day time temperatures were in the mid to upper 50's offering "it don't get better hiking weather than this" type conditions. The weather was so good that we could hike in shorts and short sleeve shirts.

We got on the trail at 9:30 AM and within a few minutes we started our long and steep accent to the top of the mountain. It did not take long for everyone to realize how important being in shape is for such challenging trails as we were now on, and still headed for. However, the view at the top was worth the climb, and of course a few minutes rest was welcomed as well. Then it was on for a few more hours with lots of ups and downs until it was time for everyone to refuel their power unit, often called the stomach. After a good lunch and a little rest we headed for the really pretty part of the trail (Rim Of The Gap) that runs below the crest of the mountain along some beautiful rock ledges and out croppings, often very wet with water seeps, streams and a couple of waterfalls. Of course all that was while trying not do too much slipping, sliding and falling as there was an inch of snow all along this shaded and difficult part of the trail. Crew members Justin "Big Red" C. and Ben W. quickly realized if they only had longer legs a lot of those big rocks, long steps, and big tree stumps would be a lot easier to get pass. There were a few falls by just about every member of the Crew, even Mr. Colvin who thought he'd lost his left leg in one big slide, but the Crew found he was just sitting on it, was he ever relieved! Fortunately, the Great Scoutmaster ensured there were no injuries. Once we climbed back out of this area, the rest of the trek was pretty easy and even the tired legs made the next five miles back to the cars in good form.

Everyone did very well on this trek, to include the four newest member, and two new Trail Names have been added to the list of High Adventure Trek names. Ben W. is now known as "Mole Skin (as his feet needed it, and his keen interest in where it comes from), and Rich S. is now known as "Leatherneck" (as in being a former US Marine). We did not find Trail Names for Matt S. and Mike W. yet which sometimes happens on first treks, but we know there is one out there on the trail for them yet and we surely will find it on the next trek.

Crew thanks to Jeremy B. for serving as the Trek Crew Chief and keeping things running smoothly, the Crew together, and of course, for Jeremy's constant grin which is always a morale builder for tired trekkers.

If you missed this trek, you missed a great hike on a great day, and one you should not miss the next time it goes. High Adventure brings home so many of the good things in Scouting, so make sure you are part of the next trek!

High Adventure Scouts Lead The Way,

ASM, Senior Advisor, High Adventure Program