Troop 2 completed the Bedford Flag Trail and the Isaac Davis Trail over the weekend of October 8 - 9. Our trip included stops along the Minuteman National Park Battle Road, and a visit to the Concord Bridge. We also passed the site where the Concord Grape was developed, and many other historic homes, including the home of Louisa May Alcott.
We camped on private land graciously arranged by a former Troop 2 scout, Eagle Scout Jon "Boots" O'Connor, and from that home base spent both Saturday and Sunday touring the area.
When we arrived to set up camp several scouts took time to investigate our campground, which included some water features and ponds. Some scouts made boats from tin foil and had a competion to see which would float the farthest in the running stream nearby.
Scouts then set up their tents and prepared their sleeping arrangements.
After that, a brief meeting with Scoutmaster David Chase, who reviewed our walking plans and expectations for the hike.
We then proceeded to the start of the trail at the Bedford Free Library and Police Station. On our hike we carried the troops Bedford Flag to commemorate the Patriots march on Concord.
One stop along the way was at Meriam's Corner
Another was at a monument to the farmers of Concord
As we entered Concord Center we stopped to rest briefly on the church stairs
And then we took a break for an ice cream at Helen's.
Finally we arrived at the Concord Bridge, where American Patriots fired their first shots at the British soldiers retreating from Lexington Green.
After we finished the hike we headed back to the campground and prepared for a Taco Dinner, campfire, and a game of Manhunt. This game was especially exciting as periodic planes and helicopters flew overhead on their way to the former airbase at Hanscom, adding a new dimension to a familiar game.
Nick worked with the scouts to get a campfire going from scratch. Later on Josh made some spectacular nachos on the grill as the scouts enjoyed the campfire and relaxed after a busy day.
There was also a sighting of Batman, in his batcave tent just after dinner as seen below. This was appropriate given the large number of bats we saw at dusk devouring mosquitos.
In the morning we had pancakes, and broke down our camp
We headed back to Concord Bridge, visited the museum there, and then headed to the Hartwell Tavern, where we saw a demonstration of period muskets courtesy of His Majesty's First Regiment, Foot Guards.
We then headed to pizza in Acton, and finished our hiking of the Isaac Davis Trail.
Our weather was wonderful, bugs were minimal, and the weekend was a blast. Many scouts were excited to see the historic battlefields and to learn more about the "shot heard round the world", and some scouts received the Kings shilling at the Hartwell Tavern after the presentation of firearms.
On a related note - this is not the first time Troop 2 has visited this site. In 1967 the troop visited as seen in the photo below - Ron Parry is on the far left in the photo:
Scouts who attended this weekend were
Jordan
Antonio
Nick C
Michael C
Tom C
Steven D
Tim J
Pat K
Dan L
Andrew M
Tim M
Josh W
Chris Z
Antonio
Nick C
Michael C
Tom C
Steven D
Tim J
Pat K
Dan L
Andrew M
Tim M
Josh W
Chris Z
These scouts will receive a patch for the two trail hikes at a meeting in the near future. They are also eligible to begin work on the American Heritage merit badge. Details on this badge will be available over the next few weeks.
We had a great crew of adult volunteers helping out, including Mr. Jeanjaquet who grew up in the area and was a fantastic tour guide, Mr. Coughlan who helped haul much of our gear to the camp and accompanied us on the hikes, and Mr. McCabe, who was a big help along the trails and in the kitchen.
On behalf of Troop 2 we thank you for your time and energy.
In the future we hope to hike other historic trails. Stay tuned to the BLOG for more details!
