Hike to the Summit of the Summit

One day at our Boy Scout Shakedown, we took the trek from our Subcamp all the way to the summit of The Summit - aka Garden Ground.  The point was to see how long it would actually take an entire subcamp to make the trek from the fastest to the slowest.  We had a great time.

I trekked with our Connecticut Yankee Council crew - pictured here.  What a motivated group of individuals.

The trail was extremely muddy in spots from the torrential downpours we had the first day - aka arrival day.  It made for some interesting hiking.

We had friendly EMT crews on quads to ensure the utmost of safety.

When we got to the top, we got front row seats of a simulated search and rescue  mission.  Very cool!

At the top, Dan McCarthy - aka the Director of The Summit - presented two of our Venturers with BSA Jamboree neckerchiefs for their perseverance and determination to make it to the top and not give up.  Way to go girls!

And of course, I took the requisite picture of me knitting in the great outdoors at the Garden Grounds - aka the Summit of the Summit.  These socks are going to be for one of the adults who was at the Summit.

As if the ten-mile round trip trek weren't enough - a few of us adults took an additional two-mile round trip trek to the overlook to check out our subcamp from the Summit.  While my picture isn't such great quality - you can just make our our orange subcamp in the distance.  Trust me.  It's there somewhere.

Here is a shot of six of the eight Connecticut Yankee Council adults who participated in the Shakedown on our way back from the Overlook.  Don't we look like an energetic group of Scouters?

On our trek back down the mountain, we passed this active construction site which will be a lake by this time next year. That tower on the left-hand side is the base for a bridge that will cross the lake.

Here we are - at the bottom of the mountain having successfully completed our round-trip trek.  Look at those smiles.  We were tired, but proud of our accomplishments.  A ten (or twelve) mile hike up and down a mountain is a pretty good accomplishment.  We learned a lot about hydrating, using electrolytes and distractions while hiking up, up and up.  I can hardly wait for next year's hike.  I'm definitely going to get in some more practice hikes before the actual Jamboree in 2013.  It was a great adventure and I can't wait for more.

During the 2013 Jamboree, there will be many exciting adventures happening at the Garden Ground to include:

• Pioneering
• Buckskin Games
• OA Indian Village
• A barbecue to end the day - for all those hungry hikers!
• and so much more!

Please get your hiking boots on and get ready for the adventure.  It's going to be Big and Wild. 

Comments

[Rebecca]

practice hikes?

[kathy b]

Jennifer I am SO ENJOYING these posts! Wow that' quite a hike!! I LOVE your knitting at camp picture....I would have been sad if one was not included!