Location: |
Alder Creek Cabin ( ),
Cedarlands, Long Lake, NY |
Dates: |
February 12-13, 2011 |
Who: |
Scouts: Mike M., Chris S., James S., Nick M.,
Oliver P.
Adults: John Koslosky, Brian Pratt, John Ivory
Dogs: Nola (Pratt) |
Notes: |
This was our first visit back to Cedarlands since
May of 2008 |

In all honesty, this trip was an absolute blast. We
trekked our way in for only about a mile, from the parking lot right
next to the juncture of three roads, all the way to the Alder Creek
Cabin, right next to the main waterfront of Cedarlands (near the big old
fireplace). Depending on the route that was taken, it was about 90
minutes of hiking.
As you can see here, we were equipped with snow shoes and XC skis.
Good thing, as the snow was roughly 2 feet deep in spots. If you
fell over, it was pretty tough getting back up.
Three sleds of gear (mostly food) were brought in, in addition to our
back packs. The boys all did great. The temperature during
the day was in the 20's, but well into the single digits during the
night. |

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Nola
Nola is a new addition to our troop, joining the ranks
of other such noble beasts as Shelby, Nova, Max, Chance, and Trip.
In this case, she carries a special honor. She
comes to the Pratt family by way of
Freedom Guide
Dogs, and will someday be the mother of future generations of guide
dogs.
She did just wonderful with us, and we look forward to
her joining us on many other adventures.
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As is also becoming tradition for us, we ate like kings!
These outings are not weight loss clinics. For lunch, we had
pierogies and bratwurst on a bed of fried onions and green peppers.
Dinner was a killer white chili, on a bed of crushed spicy Doritos, and
layers of melted Colby cheese. All cooked in only two pans with easy
cleanup.
Desert and general snacks included amazing chocolate cookies (Ritz
crackers & peanut butter, dipped in Almond Bark), clementines,
pepperoni, cheese, crackers, and trail mix (the last mostly for Koz).
Breakfast was hot oatmeal and donuts. As a complete surprise, there
was even a microwave in the cabin!
The accommodations were snug, but we could easily have supported 2-3 more
people. The boys did a great job of finding firewood for the stove
that kept us warm.
And a growing troop favorite is the game of "Go",
courtesy of Oliver. It takes moments to learn, but a lifetime to
master. |


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And as much as I'd like to tell you what it was we were all looking at in
the night sky, we've sworn an oath of secrecy. Suffice it to say we
had 8 for 8 success. |
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