Winter Shakedown -- 10-11 Dec 11
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1.0 Overview

Holt's Ledge, located north of Moose Mountain, rises to an elevation of 2,110 feet. Although it is not too tall in comparison with other peaks in the White Mountains to the north, Holt's Ledge is a place rarely ventured to by this troop, and so provides new experiances for old and new Scouts. This outing is the annual "winter shakedown," an opportunity to get our winter camping equipment and skills in order before the weather becomes too extreme. The hike will provide a modest challenge.

This outing will offer scouts of all experience levels to get an early taste of winter hiking and camping. Advancement opportunities include first and second class hiking and troop activity requirements, hiking merit badge requirements and perhaps some opportunities for advanced Scouts to cultivate their alpine travel and winter mountaineering skills. This outing is suitable for the second class 5-mile hike requirement provided the Scouts do the necessary preparatory work in advance.

2.0 Concept

2.1 Description

This outing is pretty much a straightforward overnight hike in early winter conditions. We will meet at the Community Center and travel by car to the Appalachian Trail parking lot on Dorchester Road in Lyme. From there we will hike south on the Appalachian Trail to the summit of Holt's Ledge. We will eat lunch at the summit. After lunch we will continue south down the mountain to a shallow saddle where we will set up camp. We will conduct various training activities both during the hike and in camp.

In the morning we will break camp and continue south on the AT to pickup at the crossing of Goose Pond Road. We will then return to the Community Center by car. Click the map to the right to see details.

2.2 Schedule of Events

Saturday 10 Dec
1000 -- Meet at Community Center. Rigorous gear check.
1045 -- Depart for Lyme Center.
1115 -- Arrive at trailhead.
1130 -- On Trail. Climb Holt's Ledge via the Appalachian Trail.
1215 -- Summit of Holt's Ledge. Lunch.
1245 -- Continue south.
1400 -- Arrive at Campsite.
1430 -- Get water.
1500 -- Tents and Campsite will be set up.
1612 -- Sunset!
1630 -- In-camp training and game activities.
1730 -- Dinner.
1900 -- "Campfire." 2100 -- Lights out.
Sunday 11 Dec
0700 -- Wake-Up. Breakfast.
0714 -- Sunrise.
0830 -- Break camp. Police and pickup.
0845 -- On trail to Goose Pond Rd.
1015 -- Arrive at Goose Pond Rd. Debrief.
1030 -- Depart for Community Center.
1100 -- Arrive at Community Center.

2.3 Expected Conditions and Difficulty

Holt's Ledge is not very high, and it is early in the season, but this outing is supposed to be our preparation for more severe winter conditions, so be prepared for full winter conditions. An overnight traverse over Holt's Ledge, especially in this season, must not be taken lightly. Expect the cold-wet-windy environment. Depending on the weather it is possible that we could see high winds, snow, ice, and dangerously low wind-chill values. All participante must be prepared for winter conditions.

Note! There is no water at the campsite. If there is no snow, we will have to get water from the head of Hewes Brook (just east of the campsite) or from farther down the mountain. Bring enough water bottles!

We will not be able to build fires, so plan to cook on your stove.

2.4 Special Requirements

Open to all Boy Scouts, Scouters, and parents. There are no skill prerequisites for this outing, although proper equipment is required.

Experienced Scouts who have completed T45 ice axe training are encouraged to bring ice axes. Experienced Scouts who have completed T45 crampon training are encouraged to bring crampons. Scouts without this training may not bring ice axes or crampons.

3.0 Administration and Logistics

3.1 Announcement Date: 9 Nov 11

3.2 Roster Closing Date: 7 Dec 11

3.3 Costs

None.

3.4 Equipment

3.4.1 Individual Equipment

  • As with all Troop 45 activities, you are expected to be in uniform. If you have the Troop 45 winter tee shirt, that is a good choice for your base layer. If you do not have one, choose a non-cotton base layer and wear your brown uniform shirt over it. A neckerchief is not required. The Personal equipment list recommends wool trousers, but an excellent alternative is nylon uniform trousers over heavy longjohn bottoms.
  • Winter hiking gear as described in the Personal Equipment List. Pay particular attention to the clothing, winter supplement, and survival equipment sections.
    • You must have
    -- Full body wind protection!
    -- Spare gloves or mittens.
    -- Spare hat.
  • Ice axe if qualified.
  • Crampons if qualified.
  • YakTrax, Stabilicers, or similar traction devices if desired. (No qualification necessary.)
  • Food for three meals planned with your buddies.
  • Stove and fuel as planned with our buddies. No fires.

    3.4.2 Patrol Equipment

  • Map. Smarts Mt Quad

    3.4.3 Troop Equipment

  • First Aid Kit.
  • Map.

    3.5 Transportation Plan

    Drop-off Point: Community Center
    Drop-off Time: 1000 Sat 10 Dec 11
    Pick-up Point: Community Center
    Pick-up Time: 1100 Sun 11 Dec 11

    Driving Directions:

    4.0 Leadership

    4.1 Planning Committee

  • Erik
  • Adult owner: Mr. Brown

    4.2 Adult Leaders

  • SMIC: Mr. Brown
  • Mr. Smith

    Approved YJB 7Dec11 -->

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