2/28/2005 - Woody Gap to Gooch Gap Backpacking

Rick Farber, Brian Corbett, Pete Corbett, Brian Flamm (photo credit: Eric Flamm)

Although we had a light turn out for this trip I must admit it was the most relaxing camping trip I can remember (at least for myself). Not to mention warm and dry weather!

Several of our 772 scouts including myself have been on training hikes in preparation for our planned trek to Philmont this summer. The protocol to get prepared for such a trip is consuming at best. Lots of details and concerns to prepare to make the trip not only a success but comfortable at the same time.

Our trip to Gooch Gap was just a great laid back time with seasoned scouts and scouters therefore no real pressure for a Scoutmaster. We had a bit of an up to get to our site , however past that the trail was like a city sidewalk. When we got to the camp site we quickly set up camp and our two scouts acted like old men and proceeded to take a long afternoon nap. I must admit I was jealous, however I was enjoying setting up my new tarp from Mr. Fitzner in a single man tent configuration and was admiring my work.

When the scouts awoke we went down to a great campsite we missed right at the edge of a babbling brook…oh well next time…and gathered water for dinner. The scouts made a great campfire which we enjoyed with Mr. Fitzner and his friend “Sarge” and two others just starting North on the 6 month odyssey to Maine.

In the morning the “Through Hikers” and Mr Fitzner got out of camp before we did and we followed after a simple but tasty breakfast. At Woody Gap we ran into a Venture Crew who just went up to Blood for the evening.

Great weather, Great fellowship, Great scouting.

Scoutmaster Corbett

Eric, Brian F, Rick, Pete, Brian C.