Troop 78 loaded on the Troop bus Friday November 10 and found its way West Point New York for a weekend of exploring, fun, football and friendship.
The bus was full and so was Mr. D's truck, loaded with 44 scouts and leaders and enough equipment and food to get us through the weekend. We expected low temperatures and we were not disappointed. Friday night we arrived at our campsite late, set up the camp and bedded down, low temperature that night went down to 16!
Saturday morning everyone was no worse for the cold temps overnight and after a breakfast of hot cocoa (or coffee) and oatmeal we were off to the Academy. We broke into two groups for the tour and each group was assigned a cadet who toured us around. Highlights of the tour included the grand vista of the Hudson River and surrounding mountain ridges, the mess hall and statues of some of the famous graduates including Eisenhower and Grant.
For the afternoon we arrived at the football stadium for a game of Army Vs. Duke. The game ball was delivered by paratroopers who dropped out of a helicopter at 4500 ft and landed on the field. Halftime festivities included a tribute to all US veterans (it was actually Veterans Day, November 11th), the unfurling of a huge American flag and playing of the National Anthem, God Bless America and all of the Service Academy anthems.
The final score was Army 21 - Duke 16.
West Point 2017!