Trip Report: Phoenix Patrol – Sycamore Shoals State Park
On January 2, 2021 the Phoenix Patrol went on a trip to Sycamore Shoals State Park in Elizabethton Tennessee.
We took a tour of the museum and the ranger gave us a tour of the fort.
Trip Report: Phoenix Tweetsie Trail
Phoenix Patrol went to the Tweetsie Trail for a bike ride. We rode to Sycamore Shoals and had a picnic. Then we rode back to where we started.
November 21, 2020
Trip Report: Wolf Patrol Worley Cave
On Saturday, October 17th, several Wolf Patrol members gathered for some backyard tomahawks, cooking, pumpkin carving and camping. On Sunday, the group explored the dark and mysterious limestone wonderland inside Worley Cave (aka Morrill Cave) in Bluff City, TN. This 7-mile tract near Bluff City was named after the first owner Elias S. Worley. The cave is full of unique columns and contours, a river basin and hundreds of tiny crevices. Nine scouts and 4 leaders, ranging from 11-years old to “seasoned” leaders, the patrol pulled together to climb, slide, trudge, slump, crawl, and generally contort to themselves. The patrol made it through nearly to the back of the cave before we could no longer fit a few through the final tight passages into the last big room. The kids did an amazing job of pulling together, extending a hand, anchoring a rope, providing guidance and encouragement to ensure all of us journeyed safely. The pictures say it all.
Trip Report: Phoenix October Trip to Rock Creek
The Phoenix October outing was a success! We ate well, got some exercise, saw some cool waterfalls and built great campfires to keep us warm.
We set up camp at Rock Creek Recreation area on Friday night, gathered some fire wood and built a fire to warm up and make some s’mores. It got a little chilly that night (in the 30s) but all slept pretty well, even the one in the hammock! Saturday morning our wood gatherers and fire builders were busy again so we could cook our mop-handle biscuits over the fire for breakfast – along with omelets-in-a-bag. We kept the fire going for warmth and because some of us just couldn’t stop adding wood to it! We went for a short exploring hike along the creek and found the campground “pool” that resembled a pond – no dogs or fishing allowed in the pool!
After a delicious lunch of chicken tacos and fruit, we went on a more difficult hike – that’s what the sign said “more difficult” and it proved to be correct. It was a 4 mile roundtrip hike up to the Rock Creek Waterfalls and there were actually several waterfalls along the way. There were a few challenges, like the four creek crossings, very rocky paths and several steep inclines but they were all worth it to see the cool waterfall at the end.
By that evening, we were hungry again so got the charcoal going for the dutch oven pizzas along with fettuccini alfredo, celery and carrots. Everything was delicious – we have some great cooks! After dinner, we had a Campfire ceremony (and another hot campfire) with new songs and jokes. We played the get-to-know-you game we learned at Grayson Highlands and retired to our tents only after burning all of the fire wood we had gathered.
Sunday morning, after a quick breakfast and taking down camp, we had a peaceful church service that everyone got to participate in. Our campfire and church service leaders did an excellent job!
Trip Report: Panther Patrol October Outing
The Panther Patrol cheerfully accepted Mr. Gould’s challenge to plan and execute an October camping trip as documented in this report.
Under the deft leadership of our affable patrol leader, Preston, who could not attend the actual campout, we resolved a location, meal plan, duty roster, and departure time for a camping trip. We unanimously voted to journey to the Natural Tunnel State Park in Virginia.
Upon arrival at the park, our intrepid patrol found the Primitive Campground and claimed our campsite for Troop 48 by hanging the Panther Patrol Flag. Under the supervision of our fearless assistant patrol leader, Riley, we set up family and individual tents, and parked our famous patrol box beneath the sturdily erected dining fly. Completing the camp setup, which took about an hour, we began our activities.
On Saturday we set off on a hike. We trekked approximately 4.2 miles along a couple of circuitous trails on the Eastern side of the tunnel. Along the beautiful, brisk walk through the budding, fall foliage, we encountered several scenic overlooks on the tunnel rim. We also ate lunch at the overlook above before returning to camp. That evening we had campfire.
Following our hike, the hungry crew returned and prepped a delicious pair of Dutch oven stews. Following the highly recommended and carefully selected recipes, our cooks prepared a Chipotle chuck roast and a French onion mushroom chuck roast. Dinner was topped of with rice and everyone ate their fill. Since we used Dutch oven liners and boil in bag rice, the cleanup crew found their chore to be easy.
The patrol awoke to a frigid, foggy Sunday morning and relished a delicious assortment of delectable hot cinnamon rolls straight out of the Dutch oven, washed down with percolated Black Rifle Coffee, orange juice or milk.
The prelude to the Campfire Program Saturday night was the roasting of marshmallows and the consumption of mouthwatering smores. The official program cheerfully commenced with a humorous array of songs, skits and games. Unfortunately, no new members were admitted to The Ancient Order of Siam. No one deciphered the pattern of the Green Glass Door. We also had several failed attempts and one successful attempt to create The Moon. Overall, the campfire program was a huge success, and requirements for the Communications Merit Badge were completed.
Reverently, the mood then shifted to a more respectful tone as the Flag Retirement Ceremony began. We quietly and somberly retired several American flags (and one Tennessee flag) with the honor and dignity they deserved.
Following camp breakdown on Sunday, the crew silently gathered for a traditional Troop 48 church service. We had prayer, reflection, hymns, and fellowship. Sunday morning concluded with final packing and campground cleanup before the patrol went on the tunnel adventure as described above.
Sunday morning, after we had packed up our tents and gear, we rode the chairlift down to the opening of the tunnel and even witnessed a train booming through the tunnel. The last meal of the trip consisted of PB&J sandwiches and Roast beef sandwiches, Pringles, and cosmic brownies.
The Panther Patrol feels they have successfully met the troop leadership challenge for an October patrol outing. Some of the scouts completed rank requirements, and others merit badge requirements. Everyone had a good time.
Trip Report: 2020 Backpacking Introduction
Trip Report: Conservation Project and Orienteering at WPSP
Saturday morning 9/19
The Conservation Project at Warriors Path State Park was first completed… including filling several bags with trash, finding a baby snapping turtle, a mouse and a lost dog that went to the local shelter.
Afterwards, many scouts stayed around to gain training and demonstration of Orienteering skills. We covered First Class requirement #4a: Using a map and compass, complete an orienteering course that covers at least one mile and requires measuring the height and/ or width of designated items (tree, tower, ditch, etc.). This skill demonstration was needed by 28 scouts in the troop. However, it will be staged again for the half that missed this opportunity.
Orienteering merit badge was also offered.
Req. 2 – What is Orienteering?
Req. 4 a.- 4 f. – Topographical Maps (terrain features, symbols, declination, orient map with compass).
Req. 5 – 100-Meter Pace Course
Req. 9 – Older Scouts working on merit badge, Act as an official during the event. Thank you Jack, Josh and Nathan B !!!
Trip Report: 2020 Shooting Fair
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General Photos
Flaming Arrow Photos
Panther Photos
Phoenix Photos
Wolf Photos
T48G Fox Photos
Trip Report: Grayson Highlands Backpacking 2020
See accompanying write up for the Truck-In group
On August 22 and 23 a group of backpackers went on a hike at Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia. Another group went as well, but they went on a truck-in camp out.
The truck-in people set up their camp once they got there. After that they got busy with requirements and other activities. They also went on two different day hikes. Dylan L. led the campfire for the truck-in group. Then in the morning Tanner M. led the church service for the truck-in attendees. (my younger brother attended this part of the trip)
The hike was a 9 miles round trip. The hike was really fun. The hikers got to see many wild ponies and wild cows. After about a mile we stopped and ate lunch on the rock. Half way through the hike we took a break and did a few orientation requirements with Mr. Smith. Then we started hiking again after a nice break and lesson. We learned leave no trace , and many scouts had opportunity to work on several different requirements for both advancements and merit badges. We had elevation changes , and multiple water crossing both with and without bridges.
We learned how to pump and filter our water to make it clean and drinkable. Then we stopped and took a break before we headed up the big hill. After we made it up the hill we were right next to the campsite. Once we made it to the campsite everyone set up their dining fly , tents and hammocks. Then we made dinner as it was pouring. Then it stopped raining and we had a nice campfire led by Bennet S..
We all woke up in the morning and packed up. Then we started to hike after we had a good breakfast. On the way back Caleb M. led the church service for the backpackers. A good ways into our hike we stopped and at lunch. It was an easy and quick lunch so we could get back on the trail. After we made it back we met with the truck-in campers and headed home.
Overall the troop 48 Grayson Highlands trips was a great success.
Trip Report: Grayson Highlands Truck In 2020
See accompanying report for the backpacking group.
On August 22 and 23 many members of Troop 48 traveled to Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia for a truck-in camp out. Another group went backpacking at the same park.
Once we arrived near the camp store at the group camp site everyone got busy setting up their tents and our two combined patrol cooking sites. After we got settled in we ate our packed lunches and headed out to Massie Gap where small groups hiked around the area. Some choose to hike up to the rock formations where there was blueberry picking on the hike up and some wild ponies near the rocks. Other groups choose to hike to the waterfalls which was more challenging but impressive after all the rain recently. We met back at camp at about 5 o’clock for dinner and a planned campfire.
Dinner was enjoyed by all even though it did start pouring. For the most part, our food stayed dry. The rain did not stop our troop campfire, lead by Dylan Lawrence, it just meant we met around a fireless campfire. We had skits, played games, and listened to a dramatic reading of The Raven before turning in for the night.
The next morning everyone got up, ate breakfast and we had a church service, lead by Tanner Mims. The camp was cleaned up, some people headed back home and some went off for short hikes near the visitor center. We met back at camp for lunch where we met up with the backpacking group before finally breaking camp and making sure we left no trace before leaving.
Overall, a great time was spent together at Grayson Highlands State Park.
