Troop 99’s first campout/hike of 2026! Held at the scenic Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains, this was quite the trip to push Troop 99’s adventures into the new year. A hike-in style campout made the perfect opportunity to get many of our new and younger scouts into backpacking and display a small part of what we had to do to prepare for Philmont. It was also a great chance for many of our scouts to experience the trials and efforts of cold weather camping, and the importance of being prepared in dangerous temperatures. After a roughly 2 mile hike to our destination, we quickly started unpacking, eating lunches, and moving into the campsite. This, of course, came with its own struggles as some of us realized we didn’t pack or have some of the things we needed! Regardless, once that was over, some planning was done to go over on a short hike to see the falls, while a couple of the boys decided to stay back to get some well earned naps in for the day. After we eventually got to the falls, it was a really nice place to stop for a break, take in the scenery, and for some others, playing with the ice. (Not the kind for eating!) The hike back to the site was interesting as well, getting to see some pretty cool rocks covered in moss. Apparently, what the moss does is break down the rock, overtime, until it goes away! Fascinating fact from Mr Cragle for you. Anyway, once we arrived back at camp, it was mainly just games until it was time for meal preparation in the evening. Luckily, we were well stocked with food, as two of the older boys were working on their cooking merit badges and had to cook for some of us. After the inevitable difficulties with the stove, it was time to eat, and it felt good to have warm food in your belly after a long day hiking. And before we knew it, it was time to settle in for the night, prepare for the cold that was soon to come, and stay as comfortable as we could through a long, and icy night. At least there was the morning to look forward to when we would pack up, get warm food in our bellies, and head out! The following Sunday morning, after some exercising to get warm and dealing with the common struggles of fidgeting with tents, food, and other necessities, it wasn’t long before we were on the hike back to the parking lot where we started. Now, of course we had to stop at McDonalds, (our favorite corporate fast-food chain) for lunch. Having eaten an actual meal, we were off and back to the Ingles in Ringgold, ready to unload and get back to our daily lives.
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