| The canoe group arrived at the dam by about 10am
and unpacked the canoe equipment. Here Mr. Wormald and Mr. Stalker have
Neil Link (in the back on the left) Adam Johnson, Kyle Ryan, and Cyrus
Atkins move the equipment. |
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The hiking group started our hike with a pull check on everyone's backpack.
After the pull check, hike itenerary review, safety lecture, we set out.
Individual scouts led a section of the hike and guided us using the park
maps. |
| We took one of our breaks at the base of Raven Rock. Mr. Fairhurst
demonstrated first aid for blisters at this stop. Fortunately we did not
need to use the technique on this hike. |
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Mr. Wormald and Mr. Comstock were the canoe experts. They assisted
getting organized into the canoes at this quiet spot on the Cape Fear River. |
| As we start the trip down river, here we are on a flatwater area. Everyone
was just getting comfortable with their canoe. |
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The view of the dam as the canoe team left the dam area shows the pure
tranquility of this perfect North Carolina morning. While the temperature
started in the low 40's, it quickly was a 70 degree day. |
| For the hikers, going down was easy, it was the "up" portion of the
hike (with back packs) that proved strenuous. We hiked almost 3-1/2 miles
on this day, full packs all the way! |
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A group photo of the hikers at Raven's Rock. This tree had a significant
root structure. |
| Not everything was tranquil on the Cape Fear. Here Neil Link and Adam
Badders, and Kyle Ryan and Cyrus Atkins, pause on the shore before continuing
through some moderate rapids. |
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Kyle and Cyrus continue past the rapids to lead the group towards Raven
Rock Park. There has been little rain in our part of North Carolina, so
the river was very low, and moving slowly. |
| Adam Johnson and David Carlin make their way towards camp. By this
time we were quite warm, and most of this group had removed coats and jackets. |
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Both teams set up camp on the edge of the woods, adjacent to the river. |
| Having located a suitable flag pole, we held an Opening Ceremony along
the banks of the river. |
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Lunch was prepared over open fires and individual camp stoves. No big
Coleman Propane Double Burners on this trip. |
| Early Saturday morning, the canoe contingent slipped out of sight in
the dense fog. They left behind the warmth of the campfires. |
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The return hike was slightly shorter. The real advantage was "no steps".
Here Aditya, Mr. Fairhurst, and Josh Fairhurst set the pace. |
| Our hike was frequented by breaks. Those packs seemed to get heavier
the farther we hiked. The return hike was a breeze at only 2-1/2 miles. |
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