The 2011 Muscoot District Klondike Derby was held on January 22 at Durland Scout Reservation at Clear Lake. Weather conditions were perfect for the Klondike, bright and sunny with a healthy snow pack on the ground. The "Transformers" event spawned many interesting sled designs. Mount Kisco Troop 1 took first place in the event, followed by Mahopac Troop 271 and Katonah Troop 1. Photos by Otto M. Vondrak.
When I arrived at Durland to set up for the event, the moon was still up and the sun had not yet risen.
The Mad Monkeys Patrol prepares their sled for the day's events.
Billy leads the Swamp Chickens Patrol at the event check-in.
Troops lined up at the starting point of the event.
Troops lined up at the starting point for the Klondike Derby. More than 250 participants were at the event.
After a few words from Otto, the troops hit the train to begin the Klondike Derby.
Troops hit the trail!
The Snowshoe Relay Race was conducted by Vista 101. Each patrol had to construct a pair of snowshoes and run a relay race. Each racer was required to tie a knot before handing the snowshoes off to the next racer.
Mike Cunningham and Troop 14 Lake Carmer ran the Klondike Games station, one of the activities was the Caber Toss.
The other activity at Klondike Games was Tomohawk Throwing. Each participant had to lash a wooden blade to a handle, then properly throw the tomahawk the greatest distance.
Since they were camping out, Vista 101 spent most of the day constructing an igloo.
The Muscoot District flag was flying at Site 40, the official end of the Klondike Trail.
Scouts on the trail.
Scoutmaster Hank Tschorn enjoys his lunch break in comfort at the Ice Rescue Station.
Carmel Troop 1 had a creative patrol flag.
Senior Patrol Leader Peter proudly displays the flag of his former patrol.
Lewisboro Troop 1 ran the Emergency Shelter Station. Each patrol was to construct a sled in a way so that it could "transform" into an emergency shelter for three.
The Emergency Shelter Station.
Scouts waiting their turn at the Emergency Shelter Station.
Mount Kisco Troop 1 ran the Two-Man Saw competition.
Scoutmaster Jon Meres from Mount Kisco Troop 1, who helped organize and run the Two Man Saw Competition.
SPL's Nick and Robert helping out at the Ice Rescue Station operated by Katonah Troop 1.
Dean Pappas and John Albert work over the pot of Group Soup, a hallowed tradition of Katonah Troop 1.
Assistant Scoutmaster Dennis Winthers keeps watch over his outdoor kitchen.
Scouts demonstrate tossing a rope in a simulated ice rescue.
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Kyle with Assistant Scoutmasters Dave Tschorn and Otto Vondrak at the Ice Rescue Station.
Dave Tschorn watches as a patrol demonstrates basic first aid at the Ice Rescue Station.
The Swamp Chickens Patrol had a very innovative sled design that could be quickly converted into an emergency shelter.
Muscoot District Chairman (and Asst. Scoutmaster) Chris Kristensen, District Commissioner (and Carmel Troop 1 Scoutmaster) John Bauer, and District Executive Bob Willett.
The Gleebas and Venture Crew 2088 ran the Firebuilding Station.
The Swamp Chickens Patrol arrive at the Firebuilding Station.
The patrol assembles their fire. They are being judged on the time it takes to construct their fire and burn through the top string.
The Swamp Chickens achieved a record time for the station!
The Caber Toss at the Klondike Games.
By the end of the day, Vista 101 had their igloo nearly complete!
After a long day on the trail, Scouts from Troop 1 Katonah prepare to depart the Sperling Center for home.