As we wrapped up the Duncan Knob Hollow backpacking trip last Sunday afternoon, I think James summed it up perfectly when he said, "this is the smoothest backpacking outing we've ever done."
A crew of 24 scouts and 9 scouters assembled at Redeemer for a very civilized 10am departure time and re-convened at our usual provisioning depot (gas station mini-mart with attached Subway). After a quick lunch and some final candy/coffee reloads, we made our way to the trailhead to find Mr. Salt eagerly awaiting our arrival. Despite overnight forecasts in the low-20s, warnings of multiple stream crossings in our water shoes, and extensive bear bag training, the scouts cheerfully bounded down the Massanutten Trail as the adults wobbled their way behind along the rocky path.
Imagine the serene winter forest in its deafening silence, fallen leaves carpeting the ground and crisp December air motionless throughout the valley. Then imagine Troop 1916 stomping through the fallen leaves, piercing the calm with tales of Fortnite and recounts of Bohemian Rhapsody echoing through the valley.
The trail follows the valley along Little Passage Creek the entire way, so navigation was a piece of cake. The only major obstacle was the first stream crossing, which some scrambled across on the few rocks that were there and others opted for their water shoes. After a slow recovery from the crossing, repacking shoes and shedding excess layers, we were back on our way.
The grade of the trail was fairly shallow for most of the afternoon, but the sun and the temperatures began to drop just as we approached the first large campsite on the trail and just as some of the scouts started slowing down - about 3 miles into the hike and shortly before the next major stream crossing. While we certainly could make the next site before dark, it was probably a smaller site than the first one and the last mile to the third site at the saddle would be pretty tough. So we opted to just settle in to the first site to give everyone plenty of time to set up camp and get plenty of fire wood for the evening and everyone was very happy with our decision.
With tents pitched, bear bags pre-staged, and campfires started, the meal preparation began and this was easily the biggest variety of backpacking food we've seen. In addition to the usual ramen and freeze-dried backpacking meals, we saw a smorgasbord of soups, sandwiches, and stews, not to mention the Ross Family's epic cornish game hens wrapped in bacon with a side of buttered potatoes, all cooked over the hot coals.
With dinner wrapped up at the late hour of about 5:30, most everyone migrated towards the sprawling fire to soak in the heat as the temperature dropped quickly. Daniel brought Hanukkah candles and fashioned a menorah out of aluminum foil so several people enjoyed watching and learning about the celebration. Some played cards and others just enjoyed hanging by the fire until we got to the end of the firewood we had prepared. Patrol leaders finished hoisting all the smellables in their bear bags and everyone filled their pots with water so they wouldn't have to fight with frozen water bottles in the morning, and then tucked in for a calm night with no wind and the only sounds were from the creek next to our site.
With temperatures in the 20's, not many were eager to leave their sleeping bags, but eventually the camp stoves fired up and a new campfire was lit which coaxed everyone out. Since we didn't make it to the summit on Saturday, a smaller group (8 scouts and 5 scouters) headed out to climb the last mile to Duncan Knob while others enjoyed taking their time eating and packing up their gear. The stream crossing was much easier than our last visit, but the climb was just as steep as everyone remembered. We scoped out the campsite at the saddle for our next trip, then scrambled the last 200 yards to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys before heading back to camp.
When we returned to the campsite everyone else was ready to go, so the climbers joined in the police line to clean the site, grabbed the rest of their gear, and we all set out for a gentle downhill hike back to the trailhead. Other than marvelling at the `frost flowers` (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frost_flower) , the trip back was uneventful and enjoyable with more perfect hiking weather. A quick round of Roses, Buds, and Thorns to debrief the trip and we were on our way, just as a few snowflakes began to fall.
Thanks to all the scouts who enjoyed the trip: Ian, James, Jonathan, Teddy, Patrick, Nick, Cy, Chris, Daniel, Graham, Helen, Brayden Brandon, Jordan, Kalen, Jack C, Jack T, Ethan, Mateo, Noah, Scott, Luke, Owen, and George. And to the scouters who helped get them all there and make it a safe and fun outing for all: David, Ed, Mike, Ben, Matt, Jason, Kate, Phubinh, and Mitch.
Echoing James' comment, this was a great trip and will certainly be on our repeat list!
Enjoy the pix over here.
-Mike Touse