Historic Backpacking Report
Weverton Cliffs to BRCES to Keys Gap
April 22-23, 2017
Despite a dire forecast of heavy rains and cold temperatures, 30 intrepid scouts and 15 dauntless adults gathered at Andrew Chapel Methodist Church on Saturday morning. Their destination; Weverton Cliff West Virginia, and from there, the untamed wilderness of the Appalachian trail.
After distributing crew gear the scouts, mustered into their scout led patrols. Zeus Patrol led the way followed by the other five patrols in ten minute intervals. The scouts hiked South on the Appalachian Trail toward Harpers Ferry. Their 10 mile hike began on an easy flat towpath along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. Upon reaching the historic Harpers Ferry, some patrols decided to do some sightseeing, while some patrols pushed on.
The trail was more challenging by the afternoon with an increase in elevation of 1000 feet in the next two miles over very rocky terrain. At the 8 mile mark the scouts reached the landmark of a power line cut and turned east toward the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship.
Finally, after another 1.5 mile hike the scouts reached Demory Field where they camped for the night. In the finest traditions of scouting, the rain finally stopped by the time the last patrol strolled in. The scouts set camp, cooked dinner, cleaned up, and hung “bear bags” while having good time with friends before turning in at around 10 pm.
Around 6:30 in the morning, scouts cooked their breakfast, and prepared to break camp; making sure to observe the code of outdoor ethics. Around 9 am the first patrol, led by the Bob Whites, left the camp site to head back to the power line cut and continued south at the Appalachian Trail for total of three more miles before reaching pick up point.
For many young men, this weekend camping trip might have been an arduous trek in miserable weather. For the Boy Scouts of Troop 1128, it was another fun filled adventure of learning, fitness, and fun; highlighted by good food and camaraderie.