Woodsman / Lumberjack Camporee

On Saturday November 6th 0800 (that's 8:00AM for you non-scout types ;-) The Viking patrol and two very courageous leaders embarked on a journey of understanding and appreciation for what the night sky looks like with no city lights - WOW!!! The trip starts with 1.4 mile hike UP, or is 1.6, no wait is 1.3... well it all depends on where you look and whether you are going up or down, we guess...

When we arrived at the cabin First Priority was LUNCH and cabin setup. Then off to the woods again to scrounge up firewood for the duration of our stay. After a couple of hours of scrounging and cutting we had a nice fire going in the VERY little wood stove in the cabin and commenced with some LONG ANTICIPATED - CRIBBAGE playing.

Dinner, like all other meals with our Troop, is a highly regarded as a pinnacle experience - even when backpacking. This evening's menu consisted of a fine stew of aged corned beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery, finished with hints of pepper and caraway seed - quite delightful (recipe upon request). Dessert, which did come much later, was a home baked bread of pumpkin and banana lightly grilled on the stove.

Later in the evening, a star blanketed night sky was accompanied by a assortment of cheeses, a fine summer sausage, with black pepper & olive oil wheat crackers and a nice loaf of Italian bread with roasted red pepper humus.

As the day (and the meals) had gotten the best of us, we retired for the evening - some of earlier than others.

Sunday morning brought views of Mt. Washington peaking through a layer of white fluffy clouds and brisk 29 degree morning (the stove fire went out quite a while ago). First things first - get the fire going! Then a breakfast fit for a king (or Scoutmaster) - of egg omelets (some plain, other with sausage and cheese) with a side of corned beef hash - WOW what a meal!!!

After breakfast settled, cabin clean-up and packing commenced for our journey down the hill and homeward (in time for kick-off). Ed set the cruise control and auto-pilot and we all slept our way home (just kidding) - the boys slept and all was quiet and good with the world. Looking forward to doing this again soon!