Here is an account of my participation in the March Back '08. I was the only member of '57 there. Ray Bell graciously hosted me at his home in Cornwell on Hudson. I will be seeing him this weekend as our guest to the first football game (we play football in August?).
I opted to report at 0400 to Herbert Hall to avoid the less comfortable arrangements at Camp Buckner.

Although this year I had given up my duties as a member of the New Hampshire  USMA admissions team, I still had a kid who was a football recruit from NH and  was selected for the prep school last year and successfully made it into USMA this year. I was planning to walk in with him but when I reached his company I learned he had been required to attend football practice. So I just hiked along with the cadets and enjoyed the experience.

The current March Back route is tough but much more sensible. They start at sunrise and the trails are smooth surfaced and the rest stops were well equipped with refreshments and portalets. The day was sunny and warm.

As the last company to reach the ski area, we were immediately moved to the street to prepare to march the last 2 miles. We had no break and had to rush to grab a drink before starting the march again. I was a little unhappy but we made it to the showers and a nice dinner with some nice guys from the Class of '62. Also the Supe's speech was nice and short.  Went back to Ray's home and slept for a couple hours and then drove to our home in New Hampshire.  I arrived at midnight.

Since next year the March Back will be the tenth one, I plan to attend and then retire from the march. 

We are packing for the first football game!

Cheers,    Wayne Nicoll