Back in Texas, early March was known for strong gusty winds which seemed to always calm by month’s end as Spring approached.  Dad always used to say “March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb!”  Well, in a Troop 11, March the Lion comes in and STAYS!  Perhaps “March Madness” is a better term, but whatever the term… trust me, we are all grateful to have such an active troop!

Three Ridges 

The Philmont Crew started it off with a trip to Three Ridges on the AT.  What an awesome prep hike it was.  We knew right away that the weekend was going to be interesting, as underneath the near full moon we hit ice about a quarter of a mile up to our first camp.  Ohhh… that’s what those clamp-on things are for?  Guess I’ll add those to the list.

We all eventually made it to camp with the only casualty being a few sore back sides and a lost water bottle which eventually made it back to us via fellow AT hikers.  The next day we went up and over and up and over and up and… well you get the idea.  Once at the top, after a great gourmet trail lunch including partially hydrogenated chicken and pork parts packed in some kind of clear gel all on a cracker topped with cheese whiz (UMMM! UMMM!), we made it down and down and down to a veritable paradise of a base camp right next to a raging stream.

After a dinner buffet of re-hydrated beef strogonoff and pudding (hungry yet?), and a little fellowship with fellow AT hikers, it was lights out for our crew.  Many thanks to trail guide Mr. Bridger for his excellent leadership, and congrats to the crew for a great overall experience.

Crossover  

The Council Fire was ablaze once again as Akela and his Braves welcomed in eight young Webelos who were awarded their Arrow of Light prior to bridging over to our troop.  Congratulations to those young boys for attaining Cub Scouts’ highest honor and welcome to Troop 11.  Now the adventure begins!

Massanutten Ski Snowboard Trip

Some here in Virginia refer to Massanutten as “Mass of Nothing,” but I’m here to tell you our boys had a great time and have decided to urge the PLC to make this a bi-annual event in December and March. 

I was very impressed as most of the boys had never even been on a snowboard before arrival, but by 4:30 in the afternoon we couldn’t get them off of them.  Yeah, we had some falls, some ditch dwellers and a few ” uh oh, what do I do now’s,” but you could see confidence growing with each trip up the ski lift.  Dudes… Great Job!

The DC Trip 

“Urban” Camping has arrived at Troop 11.  What a fun time we had despite the low temps, high winds and inflated fast food prices.  The museums, metro rides, dinner at the Union Station Food Court (“YOU TRY!”) and the HOTEL made up for it!

After a morning of museum hopping, we headed over to the Boy Scout Memorial (near the Ellipse behind the White House) where I posed for the boys showing them where the artist obviously received his inspiration for the male leader (Yeah right!).  Well on the way to Union Station we came across another statue of a soldier on his steed.  Some found a much closer resemblance of me on the south end of the north bound steed.  Oh what a perceptive group we have!

The next day we found new adventure at Great Falls, MD at the C&O canal.  Pretty amazing to experience the power and majesty of nature so close to our Nation’s Capital.  We will definitely drop in on the C&O again as a weekend adventure.

Three Eagles 

Last but certainly not least were the Eagle Boards for three of Troop 11’s finest.  Funny how things work out, as last year we had three Eagles in the same month.  This time we had three Eagles in two days.  Not sure how we will top that!

At any rate, congratulations to Marcus Z., David Z. and Steven T. for their perseverence and example by earning their Eagle at age 17+++, or is it 18 – - – ?  Guess it really doesn’t matter now, does it? Loren, get the name plates made!

Congrats Guys!!!

Many thanks, as always, to all of the leaders and parents who made March a great month through your attendance and participation.  Without you the boys would be stuck at home trying to reach the next level on Rainbow Six or Halo 2.  YOU make all the difference!  Thanks again for making March Madness possible at Troop 11!!!!

Mr. H