Cannonball Trail Hike and Camping at YawPaw September 8th & 9th

CANNONBALL TRAIL HIKE AND CAMPING AT CAMP YAWPAW

What: Backpacking Trip

When: Saturday Sept  8^th   3 pm  to Sunday the 9^th  3 pm

Where: Camp Yaw Paw Oakland NJ

Who: Scouts / Parents     No siblings on this trip please.

Typical Weather:   77 degrees daytime 55 degrees at night

Fee: $25.00

Registration Page Link: http://www.troop49oakland.org/survey/index.php/517381?lang=en

Payment Page Link: https://www.thepathfinders.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Yaw-Paw-2018-Payment-Page.pdf

Contact: Lynda Angus, lyndaangus@yahoo.com

Details:

Troop 49 is doing a Backpacking Trip to earn the coveted Cannonball Trail Medal!!!

History of the Trail

During some of the most disheartening months of the American Revolution, Washington and regiments of Patriots sought refuge in the river valleys of the Ramapo Mountains. This area was predominantly Dutch, and this meant that Patriot personnel could freely conduct business without fear of Loyalist interference. The towns Along the Ramapo River between West Point and Paterson became a vital part of the Continental Army’s supply, intelligence, and maneuvering infrastructure. It was dubbed the “Cannonball Road” and ran throughout Mahwah, Oakland, Franklin Lakes, Haledon, Hawthorne, and Paterson following the banks of the Ramapo and Passaic rivers. Between 1776 and 1781 over 25 skirmishes took place in Bergen and Passaic counties. By 1779 the Continental Army was spread thin, under-supplied, and losing ground. The use of the Cannonball Road was vital to the American war effort, providing a more discreet means of transporting supplies as well as facilitating the guerrilla tactics of the Continental Army. The fighting moved away from the region around 1781, but the Cannonball Road is forever a part of New Jersey history.

TRIP PLAN

TRIP DEPARTURE AND PICKUP LOCATIONS ARE NOT YET SETTLED.  Departure is likely from the base of Bear Swamp Road of 202 in Mahwah.  Pickup may be at Camp YawPaw.  Stay tuned for details.

We will hike Saturday afternoon from base of Yaw Paw up to the campsites.  On Sunday the hike is 5 miles with our backpacks returning to Yaw Paw.  This fulfills the hiking requirement for the medal.  Saturday evening boys will have a chance to work on the written part to earn the medal.

Great opportunity for scouts to complete in addition to the medal…

• 5 mile hike requirement.
• Orienteering to help rank up.
• Conservation requirement. If scouts pick up trash.
• Backpacking meal requirement for cooking merit badge.

Camp Sites:  Saturday tenting at Camp Yaw Paw

What to Bring:  Keep it light! EVERYTHING HAS TO FIT IN THE BACKPACK

Gear: Positive Attitude, Adaptability

• Packing
  • Tent –If you need one, borrow one from the Troop. Ask the Quartermaster or Mr. Burns  Sharing a tent?   Terrific … share the load.
  • Backpack with padded hip belt
  • Dry Bag or trash bag for critical items – 1 change of clothes and sleeping bag
• Sleeping
  • Sleeping bag, mummy style (In stuff sack lined with plastic bag)
  • Sleeping pad (Closed Cell or Therm-a-Rest)
  • Sleep Clothes – preferably, only worn only in sleeping bag
  • Light or Inflatable Pillow … not the one from your bed!!!
  • Hand warmers – at least 4 per night!
• Clothing
  • Hiking Boots (Well Broken In)
  • Heavy Socks – 2 Pairs
  • Light Inner Socks (optional but recommended) – 1 or 2 Pairs
  • Sweater/ Fleece/ Down Jacket (Not something too heavy)
  • Long Pants
  • Rain Gear
  • Gloves, hat
• Personal Equipment
  • Headlamp – fresh batteries
  • Hiking/ Trekking Poles (Optional)
  • Water bottles or bladder – plan on AT LEAST 2 quarts of liquid
  • Mess kit – no trailer, so no paper supplies
  • Pocket Knife
  • Matches
  • Compass
  • Whistle

Food:

• We will be eating trail food … the same food backpackers eat on the trail at Philmont. Picky eaters should fill pockets with snacks …