Shawnee National ForestPhilmont Prep Mini High AdventureJournal
Hikers: Kevin Brewton, Jeremy Craven, Kevin Dabrowski, Cameron Frank, Mr. Frank, Ian Nogle, Mr. Nogle, Jon Parthun (Crew Leader)
Trip Log
Saturday, March 27th
On time departure at 8:15, uneventful trip, lunch at Fazoli’s in Marion (the unlimited hot garlic bread sticks) and to Shawnee National Forest/Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area around 3:00.
1-½ hour hike around GOG to get the lay of the land, learn the trail markings, practice orienteering skills, etc. Trails were well-marked, hilly, muddy and rutted by horse traffic. We got a little turned around at one point but made our way back to the last trail markings and discovered where we were. There was a lot of horse traffic on the trail including a 12+ person co-ed “caravan” with all those on horses drinking Old Milwaukee beer.
We drove to the GOG campground to set up camp but it was full so we set off for Pounds Hollow campground. It was closed due to ice storms over the winter which caused unsafe conditions. Then to Camp Cadiz, a rustic campground with only a couple other sites in use. Dinner was chicken and rice, cooked over a combination of open fire and Mr. Frank’s 25+ year old white gas stove (which performed very well). We were visited by a stray dog at dinner time (and again in the morning at breakfast time). The scouts enjoyed the diversion of the dog.
It started raining right after the scouts started a Texas Hold Em tournament. All rushed to their tents for talking and laughter. It was only 8:20.
Sunday
Stormed most of the night. The rain let up around the time we woke up. Breakfast was oatmeal, and baked apples with cinnamon (cooked in a campfire). It rained on and off as we broke camp. We also learned one of the greatest lessons of the trip…the value of a ShamWow in drying the outsides of tents prior to packing them. Kevin D. had brought a ShamWow and it was used by everyone to dry tents (some needed drying on the inside). We all agreed that it would be required equipment for Philmont. Very versatile.
Drove to Herod and scoped out where we were going to park the cars (at the Post Office). Drove back to a Fast Stop (2-pump gas station and small store) and the scouts purchased an assortment of sugar-filled products, energy drinks and cherished pop-tarts. Back to the Post Office to begin our hike.
Starting around Noon we hike 6+ miles to One Horse Gap. More rain (it rained on and off for the first couple miles of the hike), hills, mud and rutted trails. Personally I was disappointed at the litter that we saw along most of the trails. Nothing excessive but it made me wonder what people are thinking when they drop litter along a trail.
A highlight of the trip was how the crew handled a rain-swelled stream/river we had to cross. There was a spot where rocks could be used as stepping stones about half way across the water. There was also a large tree that had fallen across the river. A couple scouts went to check out the tree. Jon started throwing rocks in the water to complete the stepping stones. Jeremy, Mr. Frank and Mr. Nogle went looking for other places to cross up and down stream.
No surprise, Ian hops on the tree and walks across it. Success, but not necessarily the safest route, especially to walk across with a heavy pack. When Jon concluded it was hopeless to complete the stepping stones, he chose to shimmy across the log on his butt. It was decided that this was the safest alternative. Some scouts shimmied across with their unstrapped packs and for others we formed a pack line to get the gear across, then the scouts would shimmy across unburdened by their packs. It took us 45 minutes from arrival at the water to getting everyone across safely. Once everyone was across Jon realized he left his walking stick on the other side so he went back for it. Conclusion: Scouts do grow attached to their walking sticks.
We were all very proud of the way we worked together to get across the water.
We stopped in route to make lunch. Dehydrated mac and cheese from REI. Easy to make (just add boiling water) but no one was impressed with the taste.
Continued on with the hike and the scenery got better the further we went. Towards to end we were walking besides bluffs, waterfalls (due to the rain) and caves. We finally made it to camp at One Horse Gap. The only amenity at camp was a fire ring. When we made it to the top of the bluff where we camped, Jeremy exclaimed, "This is the best campsite we've ever had!" To me that made the hard slog in the rain and mud all worthwhile.
We set up camp and ate dinner. We had fried ham in mashed potatoes. Again the firewood was wet so we cooked over the Pocket Rocket (propane). Ian and Jeremy discovered a fast moving stream near camp and we used the water for cleaning the dishes (using Camp Suds) and our teeth. Later we purified some of the water with iodine tablets as we were short on water considering that we had to carry 2-days worth for the hike to and from One Horse Gap.
After the sun went down the 8 of us gathered on the bluff and 4 scouts read the Passion by flashlight. (It was Palm Sunday.) It was a scene I’ll think about on all future Palm Sundays.
Monday
No rain for the 1st time since we arrived!
We wanted to get an early start so we had a quick breakfast. Mr. Frank and Mr. Nogle ate oatmeal but the scouts scavenged whatever they fancied from the food available in the bear bag (Kevin D. even had stale garlic bread sticks from Fazoli’s). We broke camp and were back on the trail by 9:00. We hiked back a different route, both for the change of scenery and to avoid the river/stream.
Initially the route was on hilly, muddy trails. We had to cross 3 streams in the process. We used the stepping stone method (aided by Jon throwing heavy stones again). A lot of the route was on gravel roads so it wasn’t as pleasant as the trails. It was warm and we were careful with the water we had for drinking. We would sit on the side of the road in the shade during our breaks. A few cars stopped to check on us. Offers of a ride were rejected (by the adults!).
We arrived back in Herod, filled up our water jug at a spring-fed pump available for hikers and drove to Lake of Egypt to camp for the night. We took a short detour to Harrisburg and rewarded ourselves with a stop at Burger King.
The Lake of Egypt campground seemed abandoned but there were no signs saying it was closed so we set up camp. The scouts, after some serious hiking for 2 days, then spent over an hour energetically chopping and sawing wood for the campfire. I was amazed at their enthusiasm. We ate cheese and crackers and assorted remnants of food. We had a great fire that night.
Around 9:00 the adults retired to their tents. At 9:45 the scouts came for us saying a car had pulled up and someone was walking down the path towards camp. By the time we got out of our tents and were walking up the path the person had turned around, got in the car and drove away. We all spent some time trying to figure out what that was all about. We ended up calling the police to ask if anyone has inquired about us being at the camp. The police suggested it was probably someone coming to the campground to party and when they saw us they left. Another uneventful night followed.
Tuesday
A quick breakfast, broke camp, and drove to Panther’s Den for a short hike before driving home. We stopped at a small general store on the way for water and then we decided on Gatorade instead. Amazingly none of the scouts bought any donuts or candy. The funds must have been running low after the unscheduled stop at Burger King the day before.
We found our way to Panther’s Den including stopping and asking a farmer on a tractor. As we went down a gravel path we stopped to take pictures of a sign outside someone’s property as the sign included the term “funny farm”. We found the trailhead and started our hike. We hiked without packs as they were packed for the trip home and this was a reward after 3 days carrying them. The purpose of the hike was simply to spend some youthful energy and it turned out to be the most scenic hike of the 4 days. We made it to Panther’s Den which included bluffs, fascinating rock formations and caves. Jeremy “the quotable” said, "I can't believe we're in Illinois!"
Everyone enjoyed the short hike. It was a good exclamation point on the 4 days of hiking.
An uneventful drive home and we arrived home at our targeted 5:00.
What we learned
We need practice on fire building especially covering wood in anticipation of rain.
We need to be very careful if using white gas to assist in starting fires.
We need to work on water management and planning.
We learned the importance of the right equipment, e.g., rain gear, pack fittings, ShamWow, etc.
Observations
Everyone got along well. It was wonderful to see the scouts working together and helping each other, sharing gear, etc.
Everyone’s conditioning was good. No one slowed the pace.
The scouts came up with our crew motto. It’s “Don’t worry about it.” It was the answer most given in response to the questions Mr. Frank and I asked the scouts. It did make me realize how many questions I ask that simply may not need to be asked.
Each scout’s unique personality shined through during the 4 days at some point along the trails.
We need to learn the Illini translation for “one who throws heavy rocks in order to overcome obstacles”. The translation will become Jon’s nickname!
Jon has an amazing ability to fall asleep anywhere at anytime during the day. Within 2 minutes of getting in the car he would be napping. It’s a gift.
Link to Pictures Collected so Far:
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