January Camping

January 21/22 2012: Troop 770, Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch, Elbert, Co

The troop went to Peaceful Valley in preparation for next months Klonderee.

We arrived Saturday morning and quickly set up camp and started on the days activities. Our first class scouts worked on their orienteering skill in preparation for the afternoon hike. The younger scouts worked on setting up tents and preparing meals for their rank advancement.

After lunch, the scouts headed on their five mile hike led by Joe and James. We had a little problem with and adult leader getting them lost. Don't send and artillery officer to do a job that an infantry NCO should do. I always like to see officers fall on their asses only to be saved by a lowly NCO. I got them out of trouble by teaching them how to negotiate on an over land route. We successfully made it through the woods and back to camp.

The weather was awesome seeing how it was January in Colorado. Temps during the day where well in the 50's with bright sunshine. I spent most of the day in shorts and a light jacket only putting on pants after the sun went down. The night was cool, down in to the high 20's but I was very comfortable in my 3 season tent and a 30 degree bag.

The next morning, we woke to a nice dusting of snow, and much cooler temps. We had breakfast, broke camp, and was back at STM by 11 am. It was a very good weekend. Winter camping at it's best.