T129 November Outing
Autumn is here! It’s a great time to be hiking as a 129er! Mr. Ruder and Mr. Dennison are planning an awesome backpacking adventure starting in Letchworth State Park, crossing the Genesse Gorge and camping at a lean-to on the Finger Lakes Trail. This is lightweight tent camping, backpacking and being mobile. A trail lunch and a dehydrated dinner will be provided, but eat a hearty breakfast the morning prior to departure. There is free time on Sat eve for a troop campfire, games and stories. Sunday morning, we’ll break camp and enjoy a hearty breakfast at Brian's USA Diner in Mt. Morris.
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Estimated Schedule
Saturday, November 8
8:30 AM - Everyone arrives at United Church of Pittsford (123 S. Main St).
8:45 AM - Depart from church.
10:00 AM - Arrive at St. Helena Picnic Shelter
10:30 AM - Start hiking​
12:00 PM - Stop for rest and lunch
2:00 PM - Estimated arrival at start of short hike
4:30 PM - Estimated arrival at lean-to site. Camp setup
4:53 PM - Sunset
5:30 PM - Dinner and campfire time
9:00 PM - Vespers and Taps
10:00 PM - Lights out
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Sunday, November 9
6:55 AM - Sunrise​
7:00 AM - Reveille
8:00 AM - hike out to cars
9:00 AM - breakfast at Brian's USA Diner
11:00 AM - return home
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COST: $30 per scout/adult (includes trail lunch, dehydrated dinner, and breakfast at Brian's)
RSVP: By Wed, Nov 5 to Craig Dennison (craigdflyfisher@gmail.com)
PACKING LIST: A scout is prepared! look at the forecast and dress for hiking and camping. Backpack should weigh less than 25% of scout body weight. Scouts should plan on packing Thurs/Fri beforehand and make sure all gear is contained within the backpack.
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sleeping bag
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camping pad
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shelter (individual tent, shared tent, or lean-to)
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mess kit with a spoon
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headlight/flashlight
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3-4 liters of water
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layers of non-cotton, moisture-wicking clothing for hiking
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winter hat
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gloves
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rain-resistant jacket
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hiking boots (broken in)
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change of clothing for sleeping
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Other Resources:​
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HIKE OPTION 1: 12.8 scenic miles over a slightly hilly terrain with a GREAT group of Scouts and Adults! Start at the St. Helena Picnic Shelter, which is the northern terminus of Trail 1 (Gorge Trail). Follow the trail south through many of the scenic highlights of the park, including Eddy's Overlook, Great Bend Overlook, Humphrey's Overlook, and Archery Field Overlook. We'll take the trail down to the pedestrian bridge with incredible views of the Lower Falls.
We'll have a challenging hike up the other side of the gorge, but be rewarded with views from Trail 6 (Portage), one of my favorite trails in the park. From there we'll connect to the Finger Lakes Trail at the Parade Grounds and follow that to the first lean-to.
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BONUS!! This hike will count as one of the 10-mile hikes required for the Hiking Merit Badge.
HIKE OPTION 1: This 5-mile hike will meet up with Hike Option 1 where the Finger Lakes Trail first meets River Road. It will then follow that trail to the first lean-to.