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Archive for the '2008 Spring' Category

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Pismo Beach May 2008

Posted by Administrator on May 12th, 2008 filed in 2008 Spring




Pismo Beach
Troop 57
May 9-11, 2008

By Geoff Dodson

    After a rigorous week of school, sports, and other activities, twelve scouts from Troop 57 divided up into three cars for the long 3+ hour drive down to Pismo Beach. The drive took us about 10 miles south of San Luis Obispo into the North Beach campground. For the majority of the group, we did not arrive until about 11:00pm due to delays departing for specified reasons. Upon arrival into the fog-covered campground, we found ourselves a comfortable flat to set up our tents, and hit the hay shortly thereafter.
    Saturday morning we found ourselves up bright and early making breakfast. After enjoying scrambled eggs, sausages, bagels, and oranges, we took a quick walk down to the nearby beach. We quickly divided into two teams, and proceeded to play football on the sand. Within our improvised boundaries were small sand dunes, which made for some exciting and interesting play. After discovering how out of shape we all were, we took a break from football to walk down the expansive beach towards the water. While there, many spent time looking for sand dollars that were still fully intact. Most, however, were unable to find any.
    As we continued to spend our late morning by the ocean, we walked to an area of the beach where there were tall and steep sand dunes. We then spent a significant amount of time engaging in a variety of activities, including jumping off the dunes, racing up them, or playing ‘King of the Hill’. Eventually we wound up playing catch with the football while in midair from a jump off of the sand dunes. To say the least, we all spent our morning taking full advantage of the sand dunes that lined the beach.
    Shortly after noon-time we headed back to the campground for lunch. We enjoyed chips and dip, and sandwiches, which the scouts had the luxury of choosing between peanut butter and jelly or turkey and salami (or whatever other combination one wanted). After satisfying our stomachs with lunch, about two-thirds of the group drove off from the campground to go horseback riding, a pre-planned optional activity. The other third of the group, myself included, spent our time relaxing either at the campsite or the beach, while enjoying the calm breeze under the clear sunny sky.
    Once the rest of the group returned, we all headed back to the ocean to spend time with various activities. One highlight included taking turns handling a large kite, brought by the Moses family. As time went on, and the evening approached, we enjoyed our last few hours of daylight simply relaxing by the water. We were lucky to have great weather and lots of open space to run around on the sand, as the beach only had small amounts of people scattered about.
    Soon after we headed back to camp to begin the dinner process, while there was still daylight. Dinner included the cooking of way more steak than we could eat, salmon, cooked potatoes, and baked beans. This was all complimented with a variety of condiments including steak sauce, sour cream and cheese.
    As darkness came, us scouts gathered together to go play ‘Zorch’ in the dark on the sand dunes. This was followed by spending the rest of the night sitting by the fire talking and sharing stories. Not long after we retired into our tents after a long day of fun.
    The next morning was a simple eat breakfast, pack up, and go home day. We hurried our way out of the campsite to hit the road for the long drive, and get home nice and dirty to our mothers’ on Mother’s Day.
    The overall trip was a great experience for all of us. If you are into relaxing on the beach for a weekend, and getting to know fellow scouts, then this trip is for you!

Snow Camping 2008

Posted by troop_leadership on May 12th, 2008 filed in 2008 Spring




Snow Camping 2008

By John Olson 

      The bravest members of Troop 57 trekked through the snow near Bear Valley on the weekend of February 16-19, marching with bulky snow shoes on a trail that was not on any map, marked only by blue tags on an occasional tree, pulling their gear laden in sleds behind them. 

      This was the beginning of a 3 day journey on Troop 57’s most challenging annual outing.  On the first day, Saturday, the crew packed their sleds with personal gear, food, and equipment to last them through the weekend and then embarked on a quest for adventure.  After hiking in snow shoes for about a mile, easier said than done, the crews reached the camp site and set up tents.  Shortly thereafter the two crews built kitchens in the snow by digging out flat surfaces and benches.  Then some decided to get a head start on the snow caves they would sleep in the next night while others relaxed or started to cook.  Here is where the first challenges began to arrive.

      One crew, led by Ryan Y., decided to have pasta and sauce for dinner but just as they had finished the cooking they drained the water, and then, screams, “NOOOOOO,” cried Mason H. as many of the freshly cooked noodles fell onto the snow.  However, the crew was able to keep the majority of the pasta and had a filling meal. 

      The other crew, lead by Nick G., also had a difficult first meal.  As the sun set the temperature dropped quickly below 40 degrees and the dual burner propane stove failed to do much more than melt snow. This was not enough to boil enough water for all of the cup-o-noodles that were planned for dinner.  Fortunately, Bruce Gaya brought a single burner gas stove which quickly brought the water to a boil.  Enough boiling water was heated to feed the entire group including a little help from broccoli water provided by the other crew. 

      After dinner the scouts went to bed early, climbing into their sleeping bags hoping they would last the night with all of their toes.  The first night was long with temperatures dropping as low as 22 degrees, the tents did not provide much insulation.  According to Mr. Gaya’s thermometer, the temperature inside the tents was less than one degree warmer than outside.  The scouts woke up several times in the night, preserving all the warmth they could.  It certainly did not help when at about 6:00 AM an owl started hooting into the dark waking several members of the expedition. 

      Alas, everyone survived the night and rose out of bed for breakfast, after which the groups spent time building up snow caves.  This year six caves were created by, John O., Nick G., Brent S., Simon F., Mason H., Will K., Thomas R., and Mr. Olson, Mr. Gaya, Mr. Schroeder, and Mr. Haverstock. This is the most caves built on one trip.  After a couple hours of digging in the snow the groups then united and built a small sled run, and after about half an hour of testing, war broke out.

      A mass snow ball fight erupted, scouts v. adults.  The adults, Mr. Olson, Mr. Schroeder, Mr. Bernstein, and Mr. Haverstock quickly took the upper ground, dominated the match until the scouts reorganized, who then came up with a battle plan to surround the unsuspecting adults. They then fled to the next hill and the scouts closed in, now more enthusiastic that they had caused Mr. Bernstein to flee the fight.  It was still a close battle until Mr. Olson was defeated and ran to the safety of his tent.  The scouts then quickly overcame Mr. Haverstock and then pummeled Mr. Schroeder and victory was achieved.  They celebrated with a hearty Lunch. 

      Nick G.’s patrol had incredible quesadillas while Ryan Y.’s patrol had hot chili and cheese.

            After dinner, the group enjoyed telling riddles around a camp fire created by John O. and Nick G.

      Eventually the members of the expedition all headed off to bed.  While only three scouts and two adults went to bed in tents, the other five scouts and three adults went to bed in the snow caves.  Mr. Gaya’s thermometer recorded the inside temperature at least 5 degrees warmer than the outside, not as much as we were hoping but a substantial amount warmer than the tents.

      The next morning was pleasant enough, after eating a nice breakfast we then struck camp, taking down tents, and packing our sleds for the trek home.  After about a ¾ of a mile hike back we arrived at the parking lot, went to the nearest round table to reflect on our experiences, and followed the tradition of sharing Thorns and Roses.

      The sky was completely clear until planes started flying soundlessly above leaving large contrails that were then the only clouds in the sky.  Also, this year was the warmest it had been on this outing over the past eight years that Mr. B. has led the trip, and the first time it did not snow.  In addition, each year seems to have a trade off between snow caves and sled runs, either the group builds large exciting runs, or build snow caves, which is what this year’s group decided to do.

Pismo Beach — May 9 – 11

Posted by asm_group on April 29th, 2008 filed in 2008 Spring, Announcement, Outings




Let’s have some fun on a unique Central Coast beach!  We’ll spend two days, leaving Friday after school and returning Sunday late afternoon.  While there, we’ll camp in the dunes, have fun on the beach and practice our newly honed cooking skills!  Back by popular demand: traction kiting.   Horseback riding and fishing also available (not included in outing fee).

Deadline: May 2nd. 


Drivers needed.


For more details, click here.


Troop 57 Spring Cycling Trip

Posted by asm_group on March 27th, 2008 filed in 2008 Spring, Outings






Join us on the T57 spring cycling trip April 19-20, 2008.  We will offer several mountain and road bike rides on Saturday & Sunday, ranging from beginner level to advanced, as well as opportunities to work on the non-riding portions of the bicycling merit badge.  Best of all, these rides are over some of the finest cycling terrain in the Bay Area.  For example, the 50-mile advanced Sunday road ride loop will take you though redwood forest, oak woodlands, open rolling coastal grasslands, up (and down!) some nice hills, and along the ocean on a stretch of Highway 1 (http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/pescadero/251718022), while the 25-mile advanced Sunday mountain bike loop ride will start with a gradual climb of nearly 2000′ thought redwood & oak forest, punctuated by spectacular vistas of the ocean, followed by a rewarding downhill back to camp in Butano State Park (http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/butano/176475940).  As far as equipment, you will need a bike (either road or mountain), helmet, water bottle(s), suitable clothes and camping/personal gear:  See flyer for details.

Mt. Wittenberg Rin-of-the-Bay Hike, Point Reyes

Posted by asm_group on March 23rd, 2008 filed in 2008 Spring, Uncategorized




Hike to the top of Mt. Wittenberg (1700′ el. gain), then continue to Arch Rock on the coast (10.5 mi. round trip)! A shorter return loop is available to scouts who do not want to hike to the coast.

We’ll meet at 7:30 am at Scout House and carpool. Drivers are needed based on expected attendance. Scouts provide their own lunch, snacks and water. Bring a day pack with lunch, 2 liters of watter, first aide kit, ten essentials. Wear layered hiking clothing appropriate to the weather. Include a light-weight rain jacket or poncho. Est. retujrn to Palo Alto 7:30 pm.

Trip Brochure at RoB Wittenberg Pt Reyes 20080405

Mt. Tamalpais Rim of the Bay Hike

Posted by asm_group on February 20th, 2008 filed in 2008 Spring, Outings




Come along on this great Rim of the Bay hike as we hike beautiful Mt. Tamalpais, in Marin County.  This “Rim of the Bay” hike will get you another patch to add to your collection.  More importantly, this 8.5 mile hike will provide great scenery and scout fellowship as we ascend one of the most beautiful peaks in the bay area.  While it’s a good hike for experienced scouts, it’s appropriate for all ages.  We will meet at the scout house at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 1st.  Wear appropriate hiking clothes and shoes.  Bring water, a sack lunch, and your 10 essentlals. 

Flyer

Pinnacles National Monument Trip

Posted by asm_group on January 10th, 2008 filed in 2008 Spring, Outings, Uncategorized




An ancient volcano just 90 miles south of Palo Alto, Pinnacles National Monument is a great place for a fun and simple overnight outing!  On this trip we’ll offer a choice of two organized hikes and cave exploring during the day, wildlife spotting, games and legendary Troop 57 cooking in the evening.  Don’t miss it!

Flyer

2008 SNOW Camping

Posted by asm_group on January 10th, 2008 filed in 2008 Spring, Outings




Let it snow, let it snow for the 8^th Annual Troop 57 Snow Camping Trip!  This is a three-day trip that will allow time for adventurers to build a snow cave or igloo.  We will travel to the untracked, snow-covered Sierra wilderness just above “Hell’s Kitchen” on the Stanislaus River, snowshoe to our campsite with backpacks and small sleds, and pitch tents as backup shelters.  The next day….

Flyer

2008 Ski Trip

Posted by Administrator on December 18th, 2007 filed in 2008 Spring, Outings, Uncategorized




This trip is one of the most popular adventures for Troop 57 Scouts. It has some of the best skiing in the Sierras. The resort caters to all levels of skiers and snow boarders. This is a must do outing. See YOU in the powder! Limited to 35 scouts so sign up early!

Flyer click here

2008 Spring Break

Posted by asm_group on December 14th, 2007 filed in 2008 Spring, Outings




Our elite crew will depart Palo Alto on the first Friday of Spring Break and head for the Grand Canyon. On Sunday morning we’ll hike 10 miles down into spectacular Havasu Canyon, a tributary nestled within the Grand Canyon. From there, we’ll take fun day hikes to nearby Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls — where Scouts can swim in spring-fed pools of turquoise water formed by travertine ledges. On the fifth day of our trip, we’ll hike back out and head for Lake Mead where we’ll board our own houseboat and spend the remaining 3 days and nights cruising, fishing and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Here is the flyer.