By Ian L. (Scorpion Patrol)
During the April outing, Troop 55 did a 10-mile hike at Signal Knob. The Scorpions hiked with the Eagles. In 2.5 hours, we made it to Signal Knob where there was a radio tower. Since we were the first group up, we quickly occupied the closest campsite. The campsite was spacious; the fireplace was tidy; and the benches were comfortable.
For dinner, we had pasta with alfredo sauce and crab meat. The dinner cooked quickly, and we had enough leftovers for seconds. During the night, we slept cozily in our sleeping bags even though it rained.
In the morning, we ate instant oatmeal and noodles before the hike. Though we were the last patrol to leave, we were the first patrol back at the parking lot in 2.5 hours. The Scorpions had another successful outing this month. Overall, we enjoyed this outing, and we were prepared.
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By Thomas Y. (Sharks Patrol)
On April 27, I arrived at Signal Knob, a 10 mile trail. The first day, everyone would hike the first half to an antenna tower. Each group left in 10 minute intervals, and my group had been assigned to go last.
During the hike, I started breathing heavily, and my mouth was dry, probably because I didn’t really drink water and I had severe allergies that day. During breaks, I would eat beef jerky and drink lots of water. Also, some people told me that the weight of the backpack should be a lot around my hip or waist; however, my shoulders took the weight and none around the waist. Whenever the girl troop stopped, my patrol (and two others) had to go a little ahead and wait for them, which meant that the Shark patrol would definitely get the last campsite.
For lunch, I ate a weird egg burrito. Once my patrol arrived at the campsite, I helped construct a lean-to and set up the tent. The lean-to was meant to be used to keep the food out of the sun.
I wanted a campfire; however, there wasn’t enough water to put the fire out, so my group didn’t make one. Dinner was buttery spaghetti and meatballs. I also had another egg burrito. I slept around 7:00 to 8:00 PM when it was still a bit bright outside.
For breakfast, I had plain oatmeal. Later, I had more beef jerky and a granola bar. Continuing on the trail, my group passed one group, stopped at the antennae tower, and took pictures. Since my group had woken early for a head start, my patrol had gone ahead of everyone else. Because we were supposed to be in the back, we had to wait for everyone to catch up. Before everyone left, the troop did a Scout Service.
