Well the Alpine Camping & Hike has come and gone. While we were expecting (yet again) rain, we were pleasantly surprised with the best weather we have seen for a camping trip this year. The clouds moved out and we had the best hiking weather.
For this trip not only did the Troop participate, but so did the Pack Webelos. We had 11 Scouts and 7 Webelos attend this trip. Together with the Adult Leaders and the other dads, in total we had 28 people attend. Everybody pitched in and helped. Once again the boys of the troop showed their true colors by including the Webelos in all they did.
The hike was spectacular. It started at the top the Palisades Cliffs and we had to navigate the cliff side stairs and trail down to the Hudson River's Western shore. A total elevation change of more than 500 feet. We followed the "White" trail south along the Hudson River. Sometimes we were right at the waters edge and at other times we were again elevated by about 50-75 feet. We followed the "White" trail until we reached the "Orange" trail which we followed to move back up the Palisades cliffs. This trail was a constant rise meandering up the cliff side. At the top we again changed our trail to the "Blue" trail which followed along the top of the cliffs back to our starting point. As the "crow flies" the hike was only about 6 miles, but with all the twists and turns and elevation changes it was closer to 7 miles. With the exception of the evil rock which jumped up and took down our fearless leader and some sore joints and muscles (older ones of course), the hike was a great success.
Saturday evening was topped off with a great camp fire, the toasting of marshmallows, and resting of those old bones and sore muscles.
We will be back!
Glen