From: David Colvin
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 2:02 PM
Subject: COLVIN - HA WINTER TREK REPORT

Our Trek started from BSA Council Camp Daniel Boone in North Carolina on Saturday morning as planned and the weather was pretty good for hiking. We had a very long three hour climb (about a 3,000 foot elevation change) to our first mountain campsite just below the summit of Shinning Rock. Unfortunately, as we neared the peak, the weather (as predicted) went bad and we were forced to get on our rain gear and finish hiking the final 1/2 mile with both rain and sleet coming down on us, which were being driven by very strong winds. We found some refuge from the weather by establishing our camp in some tall laurel scrub and small pine trees. We were glad we carried three large plastic tarps for added shelter and a cooking area. With the weather so bad, combined with an early Saturday morning rise/rally, it was an early night to bed. The rain pretty much persisted all night and into the early morning.

As Sunday morning broke upon us, we quickly learned that three Crew members (Daniel Z., Chris D., and Brent H.) had a wet night of it, as the three man tent they were sharing did not hold up well in the heavy wind and rain. Some of their gear got wet, but they hung strong in overcoming the set back. The rain was still lingering a bit into Sunday morning and it was pretty cold, which did not make for a very fast breakdown of camp and getting back on the trail to our next camp site near the summit of Cold Mountain about 5 miles away. But after packing up and before we hit the trail, we hiked to the summit of Shinning Rock (a large quartz formation that can be seen away for miles on a clear day - none of which we had). Fortunately, by the time we hit the trail the rain had stopped (left us with a slick trail although) and we trekked on in cool temperatures and a some ground fog. While on the trail, Crew Advisor Jones held a Crew church service (a Scout is Reverent) which focused on the story of David and Goliath where being obedient, faithful, and prepared made the difference in overcoming a mighty foe. He likened the story to the difficulties our Crew was facing on this trek (difficult terrain and harsh weather), where we as a Crew had to have the same traits that allowed David to defeat Goliath (most appropriate analogy). By late afternoon, we were still pulling hard together as we reached our night's camp site with the weather growing cold fast very fast. It was another fast dinner, some hot beverages, and an even faster jump into the sleeping bag by around 6:45 PM. However, before we could get into those sleeping bags, it fast became apparent that two Crew members (Chris D. and Chris A.) were suffering the cold and required field expedient measures to get them warm and safe for the night. The measures taken reiterated the "what if" cold weather training the Crew had been practicing for the trek. The Crew's resourcefulness took care of their fellow Crew members in need of help, and because of that both Scouts were soon toasty warm again and slept the night through without further problems. All Crew members agreed that practicing various "what if" scenarios and being prepared made the difference in being able to successfully provide the necessary aid.

Then came Sunday morning with temperatures around 12 degrees and everything covered with close to an inch of frost and ice crystals. The entire area was white with the stuff to include our packs, tents, tarps, etc., It was very cold weather to work in and even more difficult to break camp down/repack since everything was frozen. Tent stakes and trekking poles put in the wet ground the night before were now as one with the frozen ground. We had to use hot water and muscle to retrieve those items. Even tent poles could not be separated until Advisor Jones heated each section over a backpacking stove. The Crew had to work very hard together to get camp broken down and to ensure that each man was a safe as possible in the extreme cold. Just as we finished packing up, we got a glimpse of the sun (first on the trek) and the Crew elected that we should summit Cold Mountain and see what we could see from that point (6,003 feet). Well, it was worth the extra climb (fortunately without packs) and we got up above the fog and cold into a beautiful sunny sky (and I might add "warm" as well). We got some great views/pictures, warmed up and then knew we had to get going. The Crew Chiefs established the Crew trekking order and down the mountain to our cars we headed. The Scout Crew members must have been thinking of hot fast food, home, and a hot shower during the decent, as the Advisors were working to keep up with them.

Speaking for the High Adventure Crew Advisors, we encourage all High Adventure eligible Scouts and those still coming up in the ranks and age to join HA Treks.
Missing out on the experience, the challenges and obstacles, the new skills and self confidence we share and learn as a HA Crew is a terrible thing to miss out on. You do nothing but sell yourself short by staying home on the couch or in front of the computer. Join HA, earn your Trail name and wear a HA Crew T-shirt with the pride it takes to earn it.