Leicester Boy Scout Troop 126
Although the weather was a bit nippy at 10 above on Saturday, there was a good turnout. The Troop met at the Federated church Saturday morning for a hike around Browning Pond to the Probus Building. By late afternoon everyone was at the building, gear was unpacked, and the hardy soles (Brian B. and John S.) who were to dare sleeping outside were setting up tents.
Overnight, the temperature dropped to
about 15 degrees below zero (it was darned cold) and even in the
shed, water froze as hard as concrete - in spite of a wood stove
that strained to keep the temperature around the stove above
freezing. Sunday morning dawned bright and early, and after
counting fingers and toes it was determined that everyone had not
only survived, but had done well at keeping warm and comfortable.
A Warm Probus Building awaits the troop (...warm? HA!).
Inside it is about 30-40 degrees with the stove roaring, outside
even the creek that is
normally running is frozen over solid and the water
well underground. Everything is
crunchy and with clear skies, it will be a cold night.
During the afternoon, the stove provides a place to get warm and
talk about an evening hike.
A few decide to cook outdoors. This is a particulary interesting
test of camping skills since
the temperature is down to about 0 degrees and you can't take
your gloves off to cook.
Lots of hot liquids (as Scout Mom Betsy demonstrates) keeps at
leat in the inside warm.
Later in the afternoon as the sun is going down, I take a hike to
Browning Pond. The sun streams
in on a low angle and is reflected off the water as I hike along
a hillside above the pond.
Later at night (don't be fooled by the flash off the window)
folks sit around and play cards.
My apple pie is cooking on the stove in the foreground (it was
real good!).
Created and maintained by F. J. Looft | Asst. Scout Master - Troop 126 | fjlooft@ee.wpi.edu