yes!
Troop 1 Scouts Climb Mt. Washington 3-Day New Hampshire Trip Successful
The date was Saturday, August 19, 2000. The troop had journeyed quite far north on Friday, and was tenting at the U.S.F.S. Dolly Copp campground near Gorham, New Hampshire. The time was early, quite early. There was no need for Reveille, as Scouts were up and about around sunrise. There were two reasons: first, Scoutmaster Mr. Bartley had promised them that if they completed breakfast on time, he would do the KP; second, they were anticipating a climb of the highest mountain in these parts. Or maybe was it the other way around...
	The knapsacks were all stuffed with things you would never think to bring on a day hike in August... Do we really need that winter jacket? yes, it's cold up there with wind chill too, you will see. And how about this flashlight? I can understand the compass. what's the Scout motto: "Be Prepared." And refreshment for climbing, such an assortment of energy bars you never saw, and even bags of trail mix (thanks, Mr. Merriman). And to drink, how much water do we need? Lots, but remember you have to carry it, and has your water bottle passed the upside-down leak test?
So it's off to the trailhead at the visitors' center at Pinkham Notch. Everybody have a ride? How many are we, count and re-count. Just to occupy time at the starting point, what do you think they had? Yep, a hanging scale to weigh your pack for bragging rights. Darn thing went way over a hundred pounds, so you could interpolate any convenient number for your sack. Are we ready, where's Mr. Roberts? he just came out of the store. Hope nobody bought any souvenirs, you'll have to carry them up. Ready set, it's about 8 o'clock, go.
	The Tuckerman Ravine Trail started out like a typical walk in the woods, but instantly changed to an unrelenting steady uphill climb. To make matters more interesting, somebody (trail maintenance crew) seemed to have located every last rock from either side, and planted them all in the trail. Part of this phonomenon is caused by erosion, and the other part is to prevent more erosion, so they say. Big rocks, little rocks, round rocks, flat rocks, sharp rocks, crooked rocks... watch your step. And be careful for rocks that move when you step on them. Not that they're alive, but a body could get hurt. And how'ya gonna call 911? this is rough territory.
The zig-zag switchback trail doesn't appear that at first, but as the sun starts to show thru more, you eventually realize first it's on your back, then on your side, then almost in front of you... this causes universal raiding of your backpacks for H2O, boy I needed that, but while your heart and lungs and legs are cooling off, you get passed by others, but you retaliate later.
	Seems like you have seen almost everybody on the hill at least a couple times, met some of them and swapped stories, too. What an experience. Whenever necessary, our lead coaches Mr. Murdzak and Mr. Merriman would find a spot wide and level enough to gather the clan for a brief respite, and perhaps some briefing as well. We are still on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, but almost up to the base of the ravine, where there is a shelter, facilities and refills on drinking water.
Wait a minute, there it is... Tuckerman Ravine. A giant stone bowl carved into the side of the mountain. You could put Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium both together in here, and they would hardly be noticed. Of course the sides (walls) are too steep for the seats... You mean people actually ski here? yes they must be die-hards to carry their skis up the same trail you just hiked. So, is everybody got filled up on water? Let's go back a bit, to the junction of the Lion Head Trail which we are going to hike to the top.
	As you get a last drink of water and finish adjusting your pack shoulder straps and checking your shoelaces, there is always one wise guy in the crowd who wants to think about math, and you weren't expecting it for another couple weeks. "You know, we have come more than half the distance, but climbed less than half the height..." and you know what that means. Harder and steeper, possibly more dangerous. Looking around at your companions, you realize this is one of the best parts of Scouts, having friends you know you can trust, and they can trust you, all prepared with previous training. More than a couple Eagle Scouts in there, too.
Buddies and team leaders chosen, up the trail go 11 of the happiest guys, intent on conquering the summit. From an overlook on the trail part way up, comes a radio message to the crew down at the Ravine shelter, "Is that you, wave your hat." And the red and white Troop 1 hat was seen from above. The guy on the mountain however, well he didn't have to wave anything... his jacket was so bright they could see it in East Hartford. Rocks, more rocks and less trees. Eventually there is was a point where there weren't any more trees, appropriately called the "Tree Line." Definitely more balance required here, nothing to hang on to, or use for visual reference.
	Has anyone seen a summit, there's supposed to be one around here somewhere. What's all this fog? Oh, we're in the clouds... better stay closer together, careful to follow these rock markers. It's getting steeper, what's that? Looks like A SUMMIT. Now we can have our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to celebrate? Reportedly, some guys pass on PBJ for the mountaintop chili in snack bar. Hey, somebody please find that live web-TV camera, they're watching for us at home on the internet.
How's the view from up there? The clouds are really cruising by, and part of the time, you can see (forever) the valley, but most times not. So after the strenuous journey up, and a brief but rewarding sojurn at the top of the 1,905 meter peak, it was time to think about returning to the bottom. The Tuckerman Ravine trail had been chosen for the descent, so with buddies and team leaders picked, down they went on the zig-zag course near the edge of the headwall. Someone must have forgotten to pull the drain plug, because this trail was a little more wet, but it led easily down to the shelter at mid-mountain. Everybody was accounted for, and then it was down the now-familiar narrow rock garden all the way to the bottom. So much easier, guess the law of gravity is right.
	Completing the ascent to the top were scouts Brett C,  Patrick M,  Alex M,  Jesse M,  Danny N, and Eric D.  with leaders Josh Greenier, Brian Fish, Joe Murdzak, Dave Merriman and Phil Ward. Other hikers and support team included Lew Roberts, Rich Wolos, Frans and Olga Jacques, Jonathan J,  Michael J,  Melissa J,  and Scoutmaster Warren Bartley.
Back at the campsite, some the boys/leaders took a nap [?] and some of the Scouts played frisbee [?]. Some Scouts went down and soaked their... feet in the cold stream [T]. After dinner, everybody sat around campfire telling stories [?], nobody had any trouble sleeping that night [T] and the group resolved to do it again next year [T].
	This story is not is not about data, it's about spirit, the Spirit of Scouting that has kept Troop 1 active and involved since 1910. If you want to catch this spirit, and follow the Eagle trail of outdoor skills, adventure, service to others, and youth leadership, contact Scoutmaster Warren Bartley or any member of the troop. Meetings are on Tuesdays, at First Congregational Church corner Main Street and Connecticut Blvd. at 7pm.