Troop Backpacking Trip

(jp) This Friday/Saturday our troop went on our first backpacking trip as a group. We went to Monkey Bell Park. Because of the Park's rules on hiking we had to split into two patrols, leaving an hour apart. Because it's fall/winter it was dark by the time we started. Since it was fairly cold I wore six layers, jeans, 2 pairs of socks, a wool cap, a scarf, and gloves. We had a fairly uneventful hike (on the same trail me and my dad went on) and got to our campsite on time. We built a nice little fire and talked about past campouts then hit the sleeping bags (only after busting out the hand warmers). I don't know for sure, but I think it was below at least 20 degrees. My toes could feel the chill, as well as my nose. We all slept restlessly. An owl kept hooting and we heard an angry bark right next to our shelter! But morning finally came and we cooked sausage patties with roasting sticks ( they were awesome). After packing up we started on the trail. We met up with the other patrol and a split and hiked together. We took a shortcut ( using our expansive knowledge of the park from past experiences) and got to the parking lot feeling great. After a delicious lunch of chili dogs and water we drove back home.