Troop 398 News - Aug 13

HIWASSEE CAMPOUT
Looks like everything's a "go" for this weekend - We're going to have 75 people and 54 boats of one form or another participating.

Gee Creek Campground is on Eastern Standard Time.  Tom Falana and Dennis Harden will be our advance party departing Thursday evening. They will be reserving a site for us at the campground.

Most are traveling independently to the river - figure on about 3 1/2 hours travel time. Plan to eat supper along the way.

Thom Schnell will be at the Eagle's Nest at 5:00 PM on Friday afternoon to lead anyone who wants to travel with him.

I have 5 scouts who need a ride, If you have room for 1 or more, please email me as soon as possible.  The scouts needing a ride are Asher Paxton, Samuel Phillips, Justin Jones,Devin Bargatze, and Michael Parker. If any of you have already arranged a ride, let me know. Plan to meet Mr Schnell at the Nest at 5 PM Friday, unless I tell you otherwise.

Directions to Gee Creek Campground:
Take I 24 East to Chattanooga. Go north on I 75 toward Cleveland & Knoxville. Get off I 75 at exit # 20 (Hwy 64 bypass). Turn right at the top of the ramp on Hwy 64 bypass. On bypass go 6 miles to Ocoee Exit (Highway 64 East). Turn right onto Hwy 64 East to Ocoee (approximately 13 miles) to  Hwy 411 North exit (Maryville exit).At the exit stop sign, turn left on Hwy 411 toward Maryville,  Benton & Etowah. Go through Benton (well known in the past for its speed traps!). Continue on Hwy 411 about 6 miles and cross the Hiwassee River bridge. Approximately 1/4 to ½ mile after crossing the river go past the Cowboy Restaurant and turn right at an old antique store (there is a brown sign pointing to Gee Creek Campground).. Follow this road until you pass the rangers office. Go about 1/4 mile and then watch for the entrance to Gee Creek Campground on your right. Turn right into the campground then take your first right turn then turn right again into a large field (Overflow/Group camping area). Look for  a bunch of yellow canoes and/or our Troop 398 trailer on the right as soon as you enter the field. To get to Hiwassee Outfitters, go back out to Hwy 411 and turn left. Go back across the Hiwassee River and turn left on Hwy 30 and go to Reliance, Tn (approx. 5 miles). Rafters and Funyakers will be getting their equipment from Hiwassee Outfitters.

Water is available in the camp ground.  Several porta-potties are also located there for emergencies. Showers and restrooms are located about 100 yards away in the regular campground. Be sure to stake tents down well - it can get windy. Be sure to zip up and secure your tents when we leave the campground just in case it rains.

The following times will be "River Time" which is Eastern Standard Time:
Fri.  Supper you're on your own!  If you arrive after 10 PM, remember to be courteous to other campers and keep it as quiet as you can while setting up your tent.
Sat. 7:00 - 7:45 AM  Breakfast 
Sat  8:15 - 9:00 AM  Roll Call and Safety Briefing (report dressed in river clothes with water bottles) Everyone should plan to be present at this time.
Sat  9:00 AM Everyone renting equipment will depart for Hiwassee Outfitters. The outfitter will provide PFD's, paddles and a shuttle ride to the put in point. Troop 398 will write one check to cover all rentals (saves paying sales tax) You will reimburse the troop - see Mike Holtman. We will begin assigning BSA boats, PFD's and paddles at this time also.
Sat 11:00 AM  - 12:00 PM We will all meet up at the put in point and organize into float groups. This is usually when they begin releasing water.
Sat 1:00 - 2:00 PM  Shore lunch Watch for Dennis Harden - he will be directing float groups into the bank.
Sat  4:00 - 4:30 PM Take out at Hiwassee Outfitters.
Sat   6:30 PM Supper
Sat  10 PM Observe quiet time in the camp site
Sun 8:00 AM Breakfast
Sun 9:00 AM Church Service
Sun 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM same basic float schedule as on Sat.
Sun Supper You're on your own!

ADULTS
For a long time, we've talked about having an adult leader cook out.  We decided that we need to break in Gary Whitaker's newly constructed outdoor kitchen on Saturday, September 20. We'll cook some steaks and enjoy each other's company from 6:30 PM till when ever. Spouses are most certainly invited. We're still in the concept phase, so more details will follow. I'd like to get a rough count of how many may be coming for planning purposes. If you think you could make it on the 20th, please send me an email.

KEY DATES
Aug 25 Troop Court of Honor
September 4 District Roundtable for Adult Leaders and Order of the Arrow Chapter Meeting at North Blvd Church of Christ at 7:00 PM
September 5-7 Adult Rappelling Certification Weekend
September 26-28    Troop Campout at Smyrna Airbase.  Service day on Sat. - shoreline clean-up.  Canoeing and fishing.