Article

With the D.O.C

August 1942
Article
With the D.O.C
August 1942

Freshmen Attending Summer Term Visit Moosilauke; Year-Round College Program Calls for New Activities

THIS YEAR, the DOC's annual trip to Mt. Moosilauke for incoming freshmen was a summer event. Due to the curtailment of transportation, the trip had to be drastically limited in number and was considerably smaller than the trip of 1941> when 50 men were turned down and 125 made the trip.

Of the 211 incoming freshmen, 33 left Hanover on Friday afternoon, July 3rd. Arriving at the foot of Moosilauke in the late afternoon, they still had plenty of time to get acquainted with the Ravine Camp, and see the wonderful possibilities it has to offer when the war is over. The trip went up to the Summit via the Snapper Trail and the Carriage Road.

Saturday was spent exploring the mountain and getting acquainted with the many trails. Dorkey, Thede and Silverstein took a group of freshmen down the Tunnel Ravine Trail and returned to the Summit by way of the Benton Trail. Although some of the trippers lost the seats of their pants while sliding down the rocks, they all agreed that it was a wonderful trip, and seeing the damage done by landslides as. a result of the recent cloudburst was quite an experience. Some of the freshmen, led by Syd Bowers, went down the Beaver Brook Trail to Lost River, while Bob Cate led another group bushwhacking to Mt. Jim, Mt. Blue, and to Sally Bishop Mountain.

The Summit Crew entertained the boys during the evening with their choice repertoire of songs. On Saturday night Ross McKenney introduced the boys to "Baptiste," who told some of his experiences in the woods, and then the famous Ghost Story was told by Bob Straub, the Hutmaster.

Sunday the boys relaxed on top while a few brave souls, led by Bob Thede, climbed down to the Ravine Camp for a swim. That evening after supper, all hands left for Glencliff and Great Bear cabins, to spend the night. Sleeping on floors and porches, some without mattresses, proved to be a high spot of the trip and a new experience for many of the freshmen.

Monday morning everyone was up early and hiked into the Town of Glencliff to catch the train back to Hanover.

CABIN & TRAIL SUMMER PROGRAM

The adoption by the College of a yearround schedule has given Cabin & Trail many new responsibilities and opportunities. Cabin & Trail has made extensive plans to offer diversion through its facilities to the summer classes.

Carried over from the spring, but on an increased scale, are trips to the 20-odd cabins and shelters maintained by the Outing Club. These trips are more than ever in the DOC tradition, due to the necessity of reaching them by bicycle or on foot. The loss of both Cube and Franconia cabins by fire during the winter has placed an additional load on the remaining cabinsparticularly those nearest Hanover.

For those who like to get away from the city, but have limited time at their disposal, Cabin & Trail has gone over and made a list of some of the lesser known but interesting trails within a six-mile radius of Hanover.

Since many of the members of Cabin & Trail are also members of the Ledyard Canoe Club, these two groups have been working to encourage not only short afternoon paddles, but many longer weekend trips. For those who like to cool off with a refreshing swim, there is Storrs Pond which is a short two-mile hike from the campus. The swimming holes at Pompanoosuc and West Lebanon can be easily reached in an afternoon by bicycle.

Fishing is becoming increasingly popular, since many of the best spots are located near enough to give anglers a full day's sport. To stimulate interest in the many opportunities offered by Cabin & Trail and the Outing Club, numerous "feeds" are being sponsored which include swimming followed by an outdoor supper and several rounds of songs. The townspeople and faculty have participated in and enjoyed these feeds equally as much as the undergraduates.

THE GENERAL'S NOW A PRIVATE

By this time the news has gotten around that Johnny Rand, our General Manager, is in the Army. The question is arising as to what the Outing Club is going to do without someone to take his place while he is away. There has been a lot of guesswork and speculation on the matter, so here are the facts:—the members of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee have taken over for the time being. John trained his boys well, and they all seem to know their jobs. This is a new experience for everyone. Because of the number of students in Hanover, and because the Club is now running on a year-round basis, we are meeting new problems. The DOC can no longer think only in terms of snow and cold weather. We have to contend with the dust and heat of summer, as well as the apathy of the student body.

John had his hands full these past few weeks. If you were lucky, you might catch him between trips to Moosilauke and the Outing Club House. He could be seen jumping into his car, racing up-country to put his finger in the dike, or checking up on a forest fire. It seems that John did his job too well, for Uncle Sam figured if he could accomplish so much as a civilian, he could really do a job in the Army. The latest report from the front has it that John is now located with the 87th Infantry Mountain Regiment. Anyone wishing to contact him can reach him through the Outing Club office in Hanover.

STORM DAMAGE Torrential rains last month converted theCarriage Road of Mt. Moosilauke into arock-jammed trail, creating more hercu-lean work for the Outing Clubbers.