Troop 50: Sunny Catskills
— Photo by Sam Dikeman
Sunshine on Van Wyck Mountain: Troop 50 Scouts visited two plane-crash sites on their Catskill hike. From left are: Erin Dikeman, Asa Guntert, Dan Cortelyou, Brian Muller, Riley Mitchell, Kevin Ericson, Jay Butler, Cameron Burdgick, Joe Reluzco, Bob Mitchell, Matt Hesler, Matt Cortelyou, James Plummer, Don Hesler, Sean Butler, and Matt Mitchell.
On Saturday, April 16, seven adults and 10 Scouts from Troop 50 journeyed to the Catskills. We could not have asked for better weather for a trip like this.
The goal was to hike to the top of Van Wyck Mountain and find two plane crashes along the way. It was known that the planes had crashed along a particular ridge that led to the base of the mountain.
After finding a good place to park on Peekamoose Road in Sundown, everyone strapped on the packs loaded with tents, food, and their personal gear. This particular trip was different in that there was no trail to follow.
The Scouts used a topographical map and compass to determine where they were located along the way, and to ensure the correct direction was maintained. After hiking nearly three miles with an ascent of 1,300 feet, they found the first plane.
It was an old military jet that had crashed many years ago. The tail, engine, and fuselage were still quite visible and the Scouts enjoyed looking at the many parts that still remained in the debris field.
While at the crash site, we enjoyed a quick lunch and then continued along the ridge looking for the other plane. It was found in short order but the crash site was more of a subdued event. The names of the five people who perished in that crash had been preserved on a nearby tree.
The trip continued for another half-mile until the Scouts reached the base of the mountain. They unpacked gear, set up camp, and took a quick rest to get ready for the final climb. The Scouts were able to determine we only had another 1,000 feet to go, but it included a 500-foot ascent that required climbing on all fours to make it up the face.
At the top, they were able to enjoy great views of Peekamoose Mountain, Table Mountain, and the surrounding valleys. To be safe, we took a much longer but less steep hike to our campsite and enjoyed a great hot dinner and fire to complete the day. The next morning, it was time to pack, eat breakfast, and again work the compass to find our way back to the cars.
Troop 50 serves youths from 11 years of age to 17. The troop meets Wednesdays from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at the St. Madeleine Sophie Parish Center on Carman Road in Guilderland. For information, contact me at 577-0434.
Editor’s note: Sam Dikeman is Troop 50’s assistant scoutmaster.
