Garland Ranch Hike Sat 18th. (update: 2pm)

We are hiking Garland Ranch in Carmel Valley this Saturday March 18th at 10:30am. (update: 2pm)
This is part of our Trekker patch series.

We will meet in the parking lot at Garland Ranch at 10:30am, then walk to the Ranger Station to visit restrooms before the hike. The hike is around 2.5 miles and takes the Waterfall Trail to the Mesa pond, then loops back down again. It is listed as "easy to moderate". There are some steps and a steep climb for a short part of the trail. It is appropriate for Tigers, but if you are bringing younger children, you might consider taking a shorter loop around the park. 

Please dress in light layers, bring water for the hike. If you want to picnic after, you can pack a light lunch or leave your lunch in the car.

Webelos will be leading the hike and will be expected to attend as part of their patch requirement. Please contact me if you can't make it. 

Lucy.

Monday Meeting, hike and family camp update

Hello everyone,

Just a reminder we are meeting Monday night at 6pm at the Church.

Also our next outing is a hike at Garland Ranch in Carmel Valley on Saturday March 18th.  More details coming shortly.

At Monday's meeting we will have a  representative from our council make a presentation on the annual friends of scouting fund drive.  This effort raises money for council operations.

After reviewing the Scout camping web site, there are not enough spots left for us to go. We are attempting to contact the staff to verify open slots. If we can not camp at Cheese-bough we will investigate other options for camping.

There have been a couple questions on the cost.  We are charging $55 per person ages 6 and over, which includes food.  The price for just the Scout campground is $40 per person 6 and over.  If you would prefer to prepare your own food, then you only need to pay the $40 rate.  Let us know if that is the case.

This price is set by the Council.  We do not have any leeway to change it, even if you only come one night.

If you have any other questions, please let us know.

thank you
ST

Family Camp Memorial Day weekend

Hello everyone,
As you know Pico Blanco is closed for family camp.  This year we are planning to go to Camp Chesebrough in the Santa Cruz mountains.  The camp website is here for those who would like to check it out.

http://svmbc.org/svmbc/campproperties/chesebrough-scout-reservation/

Family Camp has been the highlight of our Cub Scouting year for several years now.  It is a great weekend full of fun activities.  The boys talk about it all year and can't wait to go back next time.

The camp is filling up quickly so we need to sign up soon to ensure we can get a spot.  I  have added a page to the sign-in spreadsheet.  Please go there right away and sign up.  We have to list who is going by categories, so you will notice the sign up sheet has those same categories.  Please add your info by those same categories.  If anything is unclear just email us.

The cost is $55 per person for those 6 and up.  Anyone 5 and under is free,  Because many of our new families do not have a lot of camping experience, we typically take care of providing all the food.  We will ask families to help with preparing meals and cleaning up, but the only things you will need to bring is your own camping equipment: tents, sleeping bags, clothes, toiletries, utensils, plates, etc.  As we get closer we will provide a more detailed list.  You will not need to bring any cooking gear like camp stoves.

Please sign up right away. The deadline will be Wednesday March 8.  If you sign up after that we may still be able to add you, if there are openings.

Thank you
Steve T

Blue and Gold dinner - Sign up! Sign up!

Hello everyone,
We are only a few days away from our Blue and Gold dinner and so far only a handful of families have signed up.  Please sign up right away so we can get a good idea of how many are coming!!

thank you!

Blue and Gold Dinner Monday Feb 27

Hello everyone,

Our annual Blue and Gold potluck dinner will be at the Church on Monday Feb 27.  Blue and Gold are the Cub Scout colors.  February is the anniversary of the start of Cub Scouts. 

Everyone is invited.  This will be a potluck dinner.  We have divided up the Pack into three groups and are asking each group to bring a specific dish.

If your last name is in the range of A - H please bring a side dish/salad
For those in the range I - P please bring a main course
For the Q - Z group please bring a dessert.

The Pack will supply water to drink.  If you would prefer something else that is up to the individual families to bring.

Please go to the sign up sheet and indicate numbers of people attending, and what you are bringing.

thank you
Steve T

Pinewood Derby, Church Pancake breakfast, Blue and Gold dinner

Hi everyone,

Pinewood Derby Feb 13.

Our exciting night of racing our cars in the pinewood derby is this coming Monday, February 13 at the church at 5:30pm.  Hopefully the boys and parents have been working hard to make fantastic cars!  We will be providing hotdogs, chips and water.


Church Pancake breakfast Sunday Feb 26
The church is hosting a pancake breakfast starting at 8:30 followed by a Jazz service at 10:00 with the Monterey All Star Jazz Band.  All Scouts and families are invited to participate. 

Blue and Gold dinner Monday Feb 27
Our annual pot luck dinner in celebration of Cub Scouting will be at the church starting at 5:30.  This is an event for the whole family, and is a great time to focus on the great things the Pack has done, recognize the boys, and enjoy some songs and skits. 

This will be a potluck with families bringing main dishes, sides/salads and desserts.  We will create a list on the sign up page, divided by family last names, with what you should bring.  The sign up page will  be updated soon.  Pack will provide all plates, napkins, cutlery, and water to drink. 

Upcoming Events
We will have regular meetings March 13 and 27
We are planning a hike to Garland Ranch in Carmel Valley on March 18

See you all Monday night!

Steve T

Fishing this Saturday + Scout Sunday

Hi All,

Sorry for the late post regarding the fishing expedition this Saturday, February 4th.  I had a little difficulty establishing contact with the representative at McAlpine Lake, but our group reservation is now confirmed for Saturday.  The owner told me he stocked the lake with trout twice in January and that there should be plenty of fish for the boys to catch.    

A signup sheet has been added to the Attendance Spreadsheet on the blog.  While not critical, if those of you who plan to participate can sign up, that will help us establish numbers so we can get the greatest price reduction since prices have gone up a bit since last year:

Adult (Limit 4 lbs*) $30
Youth (Limit 3 lbs*) $20
Day Use (No fishing) $10
*$6 per pound over limit

If we have over ten participants, we will get a 10% discount with a potential for a bigger discount for a larger group.   

The website for McAlpine Lake can be found at:  http://www.mcalpinelake.com/ .  The site includes directions and lots of other information.  The lake will be open at 7:00 am and will close at 5:00 pm.  Please feel free to arrive and depart between those times as desired.  It's best to get an early start since fishing is typically best early in the morning (or at dusk, if you want to stay that long!).

For those who haven't been to McAlpine Lake, they have a small bait and tackle shop which sells night crawlers and other bait.  In addition to worms, PowerBait or lures work well for trout, depending on conditions.

Park Rules Are as Follows:

Everyone that enters McAlpine Lake must have a pass.
All persons must wear the pass at all times on the Lake so that it is visible.

McAlpine Lake Safety Rules:

• We do not allow pets, bikes or vehicles on the Lake at any time. 
• There is no swimming or wading.
• Do not disturb, feed or injure the wildlife, break limbs/branches, throw rocks, disrupt the landscape, damage property or litter.
• All children must remain within the immediate care and supervision of an adult. Do not leave children unattended.
• You must stay on the trail around the Lake. Walking into other areas is prohibited. 

McAlpine Lake Fishing Rules:

• No catch and release of Trout. Every Trout you catch you must keep.
• You may use only one fishing pole per pass.
• No snagging or netting.
• Fishing pole is required. Fishing with just string is prohibited.
• One stringer per person is required. You may not fish without it.
• Your "Fishing Pass" is for Trout, Bluegill, Bass and (Catfish under 3 lbs.). Catfish over 3 lbs. are catch and release only.
• Weight limit for an Adult Pass is 4 lbs., weight limit for a Youth Pass is 3 lbs. Any weight beyond the limit of the Pass is $5 per lb. You are responsible for all of the fish that you catch.
• Any fish caught may not be transferred to another fisherman, thrown away or stolen.
• We do not allow cleaning fish in or around the Lake.
• Turn in your Pass and have your Trout weighed by staff upon leaving.
• All backpacks, coats, coolers/containers and tackle boxes are subject to search.
• There are absolutely no refunds or rain checks.

Thank you for joining us! McAlpine Lake & Park does reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at anytime, or ask you to leave if you are disturbing the peace. The rules of the Park are for your safety. Any persons violating the Fishing or Safety Rules will be asked to leave.

McAlpine lake is located just north of San Juan Bautista:

• Take Hwy 101,
• East @ Hwy 129 Exit,
• Right @ Anzar Road.

**Finally, while we didn't advertise this well, the annual nationwide Scout Sunday is this Sunday, February 5th.  Boy Scout Troop 93 will be leading a flag ceremony at the beginning of the 10:00 am service at Church of the Good Shepherd.  The boys of Pack 93 are welcome to attend and follow the Boy Scouts as they lead the ceremony.  If you would like to have your Cub Scout participate, please have him wear his uniform and be there at 9:30 for a short rehearsal.