Backpacking Trip January 2004

Keeping with a Troop 521 tradition, it was just beginning to rain as we parked at the head of the Montgomery Bell trail. In fact, rain was forecast to continue through the weekend.		We all posed for a photo with the camera propped up on a backpack and then hit the trail. We only had about 5 miles to cover before we set up our camp at the Woodlands Shelter.

We kept our tents spread out in order not to do damage to the campsite.	With the temperature dropping, the Senior Patrol Leader organized wood gathering to get a fire going as soon as possible.	One of our Eagle Scouts demonstrated his foolproof technique for a 1-match fire.
One adult stayed in the shelter. The shelter also turned out to be a great place to get out of the rain and to keep gear dry while tents got set up.
	No, there wasn't a campfire fashion show and it was too cold for a toga party! One of the sleeping bags had gotten wet and was being dried out.
There was plenty of time for a father and son to chat by the fire.
It rained through the night, stopping about daybreak. As the temperature dropped and a cold wind came up out of the north, we fixed breakfast, broke camp and packed up to go, hiking about 5 miles back to the cars so we could go home.