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Summer 1994 — #78

The Chairman's Corner

Why High Adventure Training?

0ften Scouters will ask me, why do we need high adventure training? With the many training courses the council offers, i.e., basic Scoutmaster training, Wood Badge, train the trainer, etc. Scout leaders should have all the knowledge they need to deliver a balanced and challenging outdoor program to their Scouts. But the fact of the matter is that we still have too many mishaps and inexperienced adult leaders who, without proper training, take Scouts into a high adventure environment with little or no attention to managing their risks within acceptable limits. This is precisely the reason for high adventure training and the sole purpose of the High Adventure Team.

This year the SFBAC High Adventure Team expanded its course offerings to include special seminars in white water safety, mountain first aid and rapelling. These courses will be presented by experts in their respective fields. Typically the courses will be weekend events and costs will be held to a minimum. For example, the white water safety course event held Saturday May 7 involved actual hands on training in white water rafting on the American River. Instructor guides from All Outdoors provided the training and equipment necessary for a comprehensive training event. All adult Scouters successfully passing the course also received a certificate in "Swift Water Rescue Three." Information presented in this course is essential for any Scout Troop, Varsity Team, or Explorer Post planning for a high adventure white water experience.

All who attended were pleased with the knowledge and value they received from this course. However, attendance for this event was a disappointment for those who worked many hours to bring this opportunity to the adult leaders in the SFBAC. Perhaps the notification was inadequate or too late for Scouters who would like to have attended but couldn't because of insufficient notice (we are evaluating changes in our announcement of future courses). Or, maybe we over estimated the desire for such a course. Hopefully, it wasn't the course content and there is some other explanation of the low attendance this time.

Any successful all-volunteer, high adventure training team depends upon the energies and talents of its membership. The SFBAC High Adventure Team has successfully trained over 250 adult leaders in high adventure skills since the recent (in geological time) Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. Currently the Team has an active core group of about twenty members and course instructors who set direction and priorities for high adventure program activities.

But we need YOUR input too!! Accordingly, this issue of Boots & Blisters includes a high adventure Scouter input survey questionnaire soliciting comments from all council Scouters. Please take time to make your needs know by completing and returning the questionnaire to the SFBAC service center, Attention H.A.T. (Ed note: I have told John that he will get less that a 5% return, if that. I'd sure like to see YOU prove me wrong!)

Keep on trekk'in!
— John Bouey

ZIP! There Goes "Spring"

Defying the laws of Nature, there will be no Spring issue of Boots & Blisters. Did you notice that your latest edition - Winter - arrived at least three days after the start of Spring?

Marie Van Patten, our professional Scouting advisor and her staff, have pondered this situation. A schedule has been prepared that will hopefully assure that "seasons" will be respected.

There is a "labor intensive" factor in the publication of Boots & Blisters: first, the minds of Bouey, Davis and Gardner have to be activated to create the copy; then our publisher, Gene Dailey, who has made Boots & Blisters a top quality work, has to find time to work his images and produce ready copy. Then, at the Service Center, that copy must be processed for printing, pages printed, collated, folded and stapled, address labels printed and applied, separated by Zip Code and then to the Post Office. Because of our special postage rate mailing the Post Office can take up to 21 days before delivering.

Under the new plan, the Boots & Blisters editorial staff and Desk Top Printer (Gene) must get copy to the Service Center by January 1st for Spring ( missed ) by April 1st for Summer (just made) by July 1st for Fall and by October for Winter.

Bear with us — things will be better. Hope springs eternal!

Normal Trail Protocol: Co-ed Treks

Explorer Co-ed: How to handle the mix on situations, e.g., personal hygiene, etc.?

That was a subject for review in Boots & Blisters requested by a Scouter at the first Tune Up session.

Because co-ed treks were not practiced in my active days on the trail, a research program was necessary. The Council Exploring Division was contacted and they were unable to provide any help; a check of notes from Sierra Club trek leader training courses did not turn up anything; Philmont, where co-ed treks are held, did provide some help; all of the backpacking books referred to did not address this problem any specific manner.

Although many dwelt upon the subject, none was explicit about a protocol.

One particular good resource was Paul Petzoldt's "The Wilderness Handbook", Chapter 7 Expedition Behavior. (Every trek leader of any group could benefit from the information in this particular chapter). A few examples..." it is unfair to one's companions to neglect personal cleanliness...practical cleanliness is all that is required of an outing. However, clothes must be free of grime and body odor. Even though mountain water is icy, one must bath often. Respect another's privacy. He might wish to be alone at times. There will be more space and comfort dressing, undressing and changing clothes in a tent alone. Maximum opportunities to perform grooming is welcomed by everyone."

Another fine chapter "Wilderness Hygiene" from The Complete Guide to Hiking and Backpacking, Edited by Andrew J. Carra. "On a backpacking trip, your hygiene can be divided into 3 parts; your insides, your outsides, and your gear. Personal Hygiene covers a wide range; showers, bathing, washing face, brushing teeth and calls of nature."

The later is not covered as to mixed groups, in any of the resources referred to. In The Family Wilderness Handbook, by Mary Scott Welch, she writes: "In groups, the custom is to stick the trowel or shovel in the ground at edge of camp, with the roll of toilet paper impaled on the handle. When it's missing, others know not to wonder off in that direction « a concession to privacy." I did recall, "Women ahead and to the right; men behind and to the left." but could not remember source. It was found in print in the Area III Western Region High Adventure Team's outline for Basic Backpack Training, Section Section VI — Co-ed Treks. The source was not given. Although there are constructed latrines on the trails at Philmont, (I have been told that some are without sides) and “cat-holes” which are common on our Sierra treks are not too often required. The best practice is to use the buddy system — where one buddy stands watch to insure privacy.

In discussions of this subject the words and phrases, “Common Sense, Good Judgment, Prudence, Respect for Privacy” were mentioned. There was no single procedure that seemed to be accepted. All of the above should be a part of any protocol developed.

Because there seems little available as resources, it is recommended that co-ed treks have a meeting of all participants to discuss this aspect of trail etiquette and a consensus be adopted that will ensure the right to privacy and comfort that will be accepted by all.

One Scouter, experienced with co-ed treks, advised that male adult leaders often perceive co-ed crew manage-ment as being more difficult to deal with than it is. It is reasonable to expect that co-ed treks will consist of participants who know each other well. Prudence sug-gests that the addition of strangers to the trek be evaluated with care.

As it does appear that there is no universal protocol on this aspect, anyone that can provide information will do a service to all by letting us know sources, etc.

The Fages Trail

At several Roundtables a request was circulated asking for suggestions for articles in Boots & Blisters. One request was for information on the Fages Trail.

The Fages Trail patch

The Fages Trail awards are sponsored by the Oo Yum Buli Lodge, Order of the Arrow, Mt. Diablo Silverado Council.

A booklet describing the history of the trail and a request for patches, etc. can be secured by a phone call to the Mt. Diablo Silverdo Council (510) 674-6100 — ask for the Trading Post.

Briefly, the FAGES Trail starts at Camp Herms, just off Arlington at Thors Ball Road in El Cerritto; follows down Rifle Range Road to Wildcat Canyon, through the turnstile near what was once a Costanoan /Ohlone Indian village. It then climbs Tilden Peak, crosses over to Inspiration Point, then down the ar-royo to Tilden Park, past the Environmental Educa-tion Center, then back up to Rifle Range Road to Camp Herms. Elevation ranges from 400 feet to 1200 feet. The full loop is 10.4 miles. A Junior Segment is 3.3 miles.

The bulletin includes an application form. It is possible to purchase a medal, a pocket patch, jacket patch, and repeater pin. Current prices for above will be on the application form. The material mailed will also include a map and a history of the Trail.

Book Review:

Desert Hiking

By David Ganci

Desert Hiking Third Edition

For those of you searching for a new twist your outdoor adventure, the deserts of California may offer a new chal-lenge. Wilderness Press has again come to the aid of those who have a desire to explore this land, with David Ganci’s third edition of Desert Hiking.

As one who spent 2 years in the Mohave Desert as a guest of Uncle Sam in l943-44, reading this book evokes some memories. Ganci writes: “Backpacking in the desert is a joy. Wildlife is everywhere if you take time to look for it. The desert is a museum of contrast and variety to the foot traveler at a price: thoughtful planning, respect for the land, and a sense of responsibility toward future generations.” A gentle warning; hiking in the desert can be a mag-nificent and exhilarating experience but without proper planning and knowledge, it can contain hazard for the unprepared traveler.

Desert Hiking is one way to gain the information needed in all phases of this activity,

Trek Log Books

The original Outline for Backpacking Instruction that was published by the Southern California Trails Council in 1972, and that has been the foundation resource for the current Basic Backpacking Awareness Training in use today, recommended that a “Golden Log” be kept of each trek. Trek Aid #5 from the San Diego Council also recommended a “Golden Log” and suggested that it be rotated among the crew. They admonished: “Keep it interesting, humorous and informative — it will be read by many.”

A number of Troops have a tradition of an individual Log Book for each participant on the trek. That tradition is that each member will make an entry each day — regard-less of length or content. I have seen some of those log books and they are priceless. The contents vary but generally they contain the names of participants, and the usual, Who Where, What, When, and Why. Any unusual events, any accidents, good meals and otherwise.

In the Backpacking Magazine's booklet, Hints and Tips for Better Backpacking, there is a chapter on Recording Your Trip. It advises -"Keep a journal. Write in a journal to enrich your trail experience. The act of writing forces you to notice things that otherwise might pass in a blur and be forgotten. The moment itself be-comes more intense, more vivid, more lasting because you are paying close enough attention to write it down. When you write about the light reflecting off of the water, the laughter of a loon's call or the crispness in the air, you will feel these moments more distinctly. They are things you want to remember, but that you can't always capture with a camera.

Write down details. That way you can relive them when you read them later. Feel that cook kit jabbing you in the back because you hurried to pack it this morning. Note the sun bearing on the nape of your neck, revel in the cooling sensation on your back as a breeze hits your cotton shirt damp with perspiration,

When the woods are socked in with misty clouds and there are no sweeping vistas to encourage broader thoughts, consider how these conditions drive you into yourself. Think about soggy nylons, wet hair, home, loved ones, warmth " then write it down. Nothing is unimportant. Taken together, the details will capture the essence of your experience"

That may be a little lofty for Scout aged boys, but it is surprising what they do record.

If you do elect to use Log Books on your trek, it is recommended that you supply one that is durable " a "cheapie", with a light weight cover, will not prove satisfac-tory. One I recommend is the 5" x 7" college ruled binder National # 33-502. It has 80 sheets, is wire bound with heavy covers. Another is the K& E " Keufel & Esser " Field Book # 82 0018. It's 4-5/ 8" x 7-1/ 4", wire bound with semi rigid covers and has 32 pages which are quad ruled as an Engineers Book to allow for sketches if users are so inclined. The first is less expensive.

Should you use a lead pencil or ball point pen? If there is a chance that book may become wet or damp, the "ink" might run " also, altitude may effect the ball point. If a pencil is used, it may be well to experiment with a #1 or #2 to see which stands out better.

The first National Binder purchased in 1975 cost $. 45 " the one just purchased cost $1.19. However, it has a decided improvement " the wire binding is secured at both ends and will not snag on clothing. The practice was to carry it behind the belt on the back.

Looking Back a Few Years

This article appeared in The Trail Marker, a newsletter of Troop 35, Oakland Area Council BSA of which I was SM at the time. From vol. 1 No. 3, June 10, 1936. There may be a few veterans around who will recall this trip which was made when Dimond O was composed of provisional troops, Mountaineers, Rangers and Vigilan-tes. The Council owned a big yellow school bus driven by Ed Taylor, who recruited me as an ASM. Here's hoping that you will enjoy this trip down memory lane.

They're off! No. its not the cry of the "Derbyites " at Churchill Downs, but the thoughts of parents and friends as the big yellow bus fades through the gateway at Dimond Camp to begin an-other of its many journeys to Dimond O -175 miles .. up.. up.. up..

Now out along Foothill, snaking along in and out of traffic, out past the Fageol plant onto the straight highway out of San Leandro; too too short.. past the Fairmount Hospital.. through Castro Valley. Now out on the broad highway.. the big bus feels her power.. 40.. 45.. 50.. 55.. the miles pass by.. its beginning to get warmer now.. Altamont is behind us and soon the San Joaquin.. Manteca.. All out for Manteca milkshakes!.. turn off again through the flat valley.. Oakdale.. then the begin-ning of the real trip.. the gang has quieted down now.. some conversing with one another.. others watching along the road.. there's a shrike.. a king bird.. linnets.. meadow larks on the fence posts.. a vulture lazily soaring through the clear blue sky.. Its hotter now.. brighter.. the pockets of many produce dark glasses and green meadows get greener.. moisture appears on brows.. Peculiar formations here -lava.. lots of rocks.. Mother Lode country now.. the paved highway fades out in our fancy.. a dusty road, stage coaches, 49'ers in boots and red shirts, Joaquin Mueiretta and his gang, romance, history.. Back to reality as we pass the apple cider stand.. last year the bus broke down here.. did we drink cider then! lots of snakes in those boxes there.. Yosemite Junction, turn right.. the roads a little less comfortable now .. winding and undu-lating .. there's Chinese Camp.. the new road takes us around it this year..

Chinese brought from San Fran-cisco in '49 gave it it's name.. almost a ghost town now.. beginning to go up now.. more trees.. Live Oaks.. some dig-ger pine.. here's a down grade, plenty steep.. the old bus whines at being held back.. down there is a big mine.. Shawmett.. its noted for something, Oldest, biggest gold mine?? something.. Oh well, here we are at the bottom, across a bridge.. a small creek here.. dry.. on.. on.. past Jacksonville, paralleling the river now, its the Tuolumne.. that river runs right through Dimond O, at least one fork does.. cool.. swell pools.. wonder if there's any trout there? cross the river again.. here we are at Priest Grade.. All Rookies out to push!.. some grade.. 9 miles all up and curves.. slow too.. its cooling off now.. hills getting purple.. down there is Moccasin Creek Power House.. the water that runs through it comes from Hetch Hetchy.. we'll see it.. the motor whines.. shifting, weaving around curves.. here we are at Priest.. and off again.. still going up.. more trees now and thicker.. bigger too.. past Big Oak Flat.. that gives this road its name.. more grades now.. trees.. past Groveland now.. into the real forest.. Groveland, the last town until camp.. There's Brett Hart's cabin.. and right under the hangman's tree.. now you can see the big trees.. almost dark now.. bats flying in front of the bus..

Gosh these seats are hard!.. all suffering from TB now.. the road passes by, the hum of the motor sings a drowsy lullaby that is startled into an angry whine as Ed shifts for a steep down grade.. someone starts up a song.. a flurry of melody.. then back to silent reverie.. wonder how the new mess hall looks.. hope I can get my old cabin.. better get pioneering and camping this year.. maybe bird study too.. wonder where we will go on the long hike this year?.. passed Buck Meadows.. the Cliff House.. won't be long now.. cooling off.. jackets being dug out of shoulder bags.. the curves look like they was too much for some of the kids.. what's that sign say -6 miles to Carl Inn -3 to Camp from there -9 miles to go! the air is scented with a witch hazelly odor.. silhouettes of big trees.. BIG.. didn't seem like it took this long last year.. everybody is fidgety now.. the bus seems to "nose" out.. Gosh, Ed can sure handle that bus.. Carl Inn.. 3 miles more.. like a thirsty horse smelling water the bus leaps out.. the first cattle guard.. Ackerson Meadow.. the second guard.. the bridge.. there's the Gateway.. here we are.. bouncing down the road to camp.. there's someone waiting with a lantern.. Jean Bell, of course and there is Lew.. the new mess hall looms high above us.. inside we go for a hot cup of chocolate.. a few words from Jean.. out again to pick up our packs and then up the hill to the Ranger headquarters.. lay out your bag.. undress in a dreamy sort of way.. feels good to stretch out.. Oh Hum.. breakfast at 7: 30 tomorrow. Can I ever get up .. a swim later.. getting' fixed around camp.. guess I better get some shut eye now.. swell up here.. air feels clean and fresh.. kinda chilly.. snuggle up in your bag... zzz-ZZzzz.

A Climb of Mt. Hood

(Hank Helmholz is one of our long time High Adven-ture Team members and one of our most experienced backpackers. He gave me permission to use this excerpt from his personal log book)

Climbed Mt. Hood yesterday (May 17, 1953) all 11.000 feet of it. Although May 17th is pushing the season, the road is plowed out to the ski area at Timberline Lodge, so

the starting point is still high on the mountain. We set out at 3: 00 AM from Timberline Lodge, temperature about 10 degrees F and by sunrise we had crossed White River Glacier. From here we were on ropes all the way to the summit. I used to think chopping steps was fun but after 2000 feet of it my arms were awfully tired, In conjunction with this I wish women had longer legs! I can space the steps waist high ( stand on one step and make the next one just below my waist, but some of these short 5ft 4 in. gals need them every two verticle feet or so. About 300 feet below the summitt the temperature dropped very suddenly and I looked up to see very big, thin cirrus clouds with a beautiful rainbow around the sun formed by ice crystals. By the time we had reached the summitt 1-1/ 2 hours later (that's right to chop ice steps the last 300 feet) we were in the midst of a full scale blizzard. Temperatures way below freezing, a terrific gale, and so foggy visibility was 10-20 feet! By this time it was 1: 30 PM and we beat a hasty retreat back to Timberline Lodge, descending the 5000 feet, 3.6 miles in an hour and thirty minutes.

Getting and Giving Information

"I know you believe you understand what you think I said but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."

For some reason, the above appealed to me and as I have conducted research on the subject of communication — its message is too often true.

John Bouey mentioned the place of communications on wilderness treks in his message in Boots & Blisters #76 and that motivated this article.

Communication is one of the primary and essential leadership skills. In the first Troop Leader Development course created by National in 1974, a section was devoted to: "Getting and Giving Information."

Not long ago, Dr. Dave Ellis, from the then Stanford Area Council, and I were discussing "why Scouts get lost." He had told me about 2 Scouts who where "lost" on a cycling trip through Palo Alto. It was agree that our training on "lost" dealt with "how not to get lost" and "getting found" but there has never been a discussion of "why." Our mutual first consensus what that it could be due to poor communi-cation " refer to the opening paragraph.

Getting "lost" is not something to ignore. In talking to a number of Scoutmasters about their long term moving camps, quite a few tell me about "lost" members who were found in short order. There was, however, disruption and emotional despair, so while not catastrophic they were disturbing incidents.

In his presentation of Wilderness Navigation, Eric McHuron was quite emphatic that every every partici-pant on a wilderness trek should have a copy of the Topo map of the trek and that a daily briefing for all, of the route and destination, should be held.

In the book: Speech And Man the authors make a strong point: "There are common misunderstandings about the nature of communication that need be laid to rest. Some people think that when they tell a listener something they have given it to him. But messages are not like chunks of cheese to be given and received. They are built of more intangible stuff " the symbol. Those symbols are signals, not substances. And what we try to give our listener " a meaning " cannot be transmitted at all. It can only be aroused. The listener must participate actively if communication is to be consummated... the listener must be turned on and tuned in if any information is to be communicated."

They further state that the more our communications deal with simple, loud ,and clear stimuli, the easier it is to interpret each other. Also, where possible have the lis-tener repeat your message.

Many of you have played the game where a Patrol Leader was given a short simple message that he was to pass on to a member of his patrol; that member to another and so on. The last member tells what he had received " and most often it differed greatly from the original. If you have not used, try it. It will give credence to your discus-sions of communication with them.

One book referred to has 3 pages of references, so this is a subject that can not be expounded in a short article. If we could try to compress it might be: "Say what you mean; mean what you say, and use words your listeners will understand."

The Communications Merit Badge is required of Eagle Scouts and it is recommended for every Scout. It will provide them with a skill that will serve them well all of their lives.

The Bear Facts

Tom McNicholas, who shared the Lost session with me at the last Basic Backpacking Training and concurred in the recommendation that treks stay together, has sent me an article that supports that suggestion.

This article is about Denali National Park in Alaska. Would-be back country hikers there are required to watch a video on bear avoidance, and Glacier Park is considering a rule restricting hiking in certain areas to parties of four or more. The article stresses: "If you are really worried, remember that no bear attack has ever been recorded on a party of six or more."

There are benefits in keeping your trek members in sight of one another.

Garcia Bear-Proof Cylinders

Who gets the gold? Stories still abound of backpackers, well versed in the current techniques of bear bagging, loosing their food to smart bears.

About a year ago literature was received from the Garcia Machine Works in Visalia, describing a product they claimed was the ultimate in protecting food from bears, They stated that the product was being tested by the National Park Service, and being somewhat a skeptic on matters of this kind, I decided to wait for proof.

Apparently their product has passed the test. It is now being rented in Yosemite and recommended by the rangers and it is mandatory equipment in Denali National Park (Mt. McKinley) in Alaska.

Garcia's product is explained: "the toughness and diameter of these containers make it difficult for the black bears or grizzle bears to bite or break them. With food or garbage they should be stored away from campsite. They each weight a little more than 3 lbs.

For backpackers the recommended size is 8" diam-eter by 12" long -Model 812, cost $73.50 each.

How many of these cylinders would be required for the usual size trek? Ed Davis was asked to conduct an experiment to solve that problem,. It was necessary to create a "mock up". Ed reports that his group usually carries 17 fully packed meals. Group size of 4 to 6, for a six day trek.

One cylinder held 3 fall meals for 4 persons plus some snacks, candy bar, gum nuts and hard candy. The mock up cylinder filled his pack with 2" to spare. Based on his test, it would require 6 cylinders for his 4 person group. At a cost of $73.00 each that would be too great an investment, even though that would be a one time invest-ment and they could be re-used often.

The editors of Boots & Blisters would appreciate any information on the use of these cylinder and also, if you know of any stores that rent them.

It seems to appear that Scout treks will have to depend upon the time tested counterweighing method of bear bagging. Failures of that system, suggest it may be necessary to have rotated "watches" during the night. Rangers at Yosemite now advise campers and hikers to yell, scream, bang pots and pans, wave arms and eventhrow a few rocks "from a safe distance" when bears show up.

Once the bear gets possession of the food the actions change. Now it is theirs—they will not give it up meekly.

Scouting's Bargain Outings

"Experience the wilderness on a rewarding and adventurous backpacking expedition. Carrying everything you need for the trip in a pack allows for a degree of mobility and freedom few other experiences can provide. Each trip... seeks challenging routes and out-of-the way places. On all backpack trips participants share cooking and clean up chores and carry a fair share of food and commissary gear in addition to personal belongings."

A number of intriguing trips are listed for consider-ation, many of them in the High Sierra where Scouts frequently travel. However, the quote above is from the Sierra Club's magazine and the costs of these trips are in the $300.00 per trip and considerably above, range.

We are sometimes quite unaware of the opportunities and financial savings that members of the Boy Scouts of America have in Troops that are prepared to make available such High Adventure.

It is true that all are not given to this phase of adventure, but the objective of the High Adventure Team is to create an access to the opportunity for all leaders to participate in training that will open the doors of the out-doors for their Scouts, economically and with knowledge-able leaders, for this "rewarding and adventurous" experience.

To order these cylinders online, see BackCounryStore.com.

The Badges Worn

The badges of rank a Scout wears, indicates what he "can do" " not what he has done.

This thought was triggered by an article in the March-April 1993 issue of Scouting Magazine where a Philmont Ranger wrote that: "As a Philmont Ranger last summer I found I often had to teach basic Scouting skills to boys who were Eagle Scouts."

Any Scouter who passes a Scout on any of the requirements should remember that opening statement. Not only that he had "done" the requirement but how well he had learned the technique.

There is another fact we should all remember " 'Use It Or Lose It" " All of us have had skills in which we were once proficient, and which we cannot now perform due to neglect. It would be well to work with your Troop Leaders Council to plan your program, both indoor and outdoor, to include periodic "re-doing" of the skills not too often prac-ticed.

Scouts who participate in long term moving camps, should be well adapted to the outdoor skills they will need. That is one lasting benefit of the Training hikes, that are required before it is possible to earn most of the patches for High Sierra Treks, but which are also a valuable contributor to the Scout's outdoor prowess.

The purpose of the advancement program in Scouting is not the flaunting of a symbol—a badge, but a well planned access to the opportunity to become proficient and skilled and to grow in maturity and self confidence. In the early days of my introduction to the Scouting Program I was well indoctrinated that advancement was a means to and end " and not an end it itself.

This concludes as it started: "The badge of rank a Scout wears shows what he "can do" not what he has done."

Leave No Trace

Here are some tips to help you put leave no trace principles to practical use in the wild:

• Want to avoid creating a "social" trail to your water source? Try bringing a collapsible water jug to minimize trips back and forth from camp.
• What if there isn't a trail? Have your group spread out so that no two boots land in the same spot. That way you" ll avoid creating a trail in a pristine area.
• Of course, everyone knows the saying "pack it in, pack it out," but surely that doesn't apply to your left over macaroni and cheese?

Leaving no trace means packing out all food scraps as well as other litter. It's important not to disrupt a wild animal's normal activities; it's even more critical not to contribute in any way to helping them be-come dependent on food left behind by humans, a practice which fosters undesirable behavior that can be ultimately fatal to the animal. Besides, who wants to attract ants, bees and other unwanted guests to camp?

Have you ever been turned off by the unsightly view of blacken rocks where previous campers have built a fire? When camping in a remote area, take special care to obliterate any evidence of your campfire. A mound fire is an almost fool proof way of doing this. Select your fire site where it won't damage vegetation. Use a garden trowel and stuff sack to remove soil from a nearby naturally disturbed area. Lay a tarp or ground cloth over your fire site, Build your fire on top of the soil using only dead and downed wood; smaller pieces of wood are ideal because they leave only ashes. When you're ready to break camp, scatter the ashes, return the mineral soil to its source, pick up your tarp and-voila! -you've enjoyed a campfire without leaving behind black-ened rocks or sterilized soil. The beauty of this type of fire is that it can be built on flat exposed bedrock or on an organic surface such as litter, duff or grass, and still not leave a trace.

(From Newsbeat, Bureau of Land Management Newsletter , December 1993)

Survival — Sort Of

In an attempt to point out the fallacy of expending hugh stores of limited energy searching for food in the usual survival situation where rescue can be expected within 72 hours, the story of Ralph Flores and Helen Klaben, who were forced down in their light plane in British Columbia, was used. They spent 50 days without food in below freezing weather.

Not long ago I was told by Pat Magee that when rescued, Flores confessed to a ranger that, in desperation, they had killed and eaten a Barred Owl. (I was listening and believing to that poin.t)

The ranger disabused him of concern as it was no crime in a "life or death" situation. The ranger did ask: " I am curious as to what the Barred Owl tasted like?" Flores replied: "Somewhere between a Bald Eagle and a California Condor."

An Evergreen Attitude

When a friend graduated from college, the graduating address was given by William Jennings Bryan. Bryan gave the graduating class a one word motto which that friend has remembered through the years. The one word motto was: "Evergreen."

Evergreen is a grand motto. First of all it suggests the most important thing in life ... growth. That which is green continues to grow. A person who remains "green" is a seeker of knowledge, He never arrives. He is always learn-ing new truths, making new discoveries, breaking new trails. He goes through life with his eyes and ears open. He practices the philosophy of the open-mind.

Evergreen is a good motto to pass along to the young men and women we know. It is a good motto for us to keep in mind ourselves, no matter how old we are. The motto re-flects a true spirit of humility. . . the humility that caused wise old Thomas Edison to say that "no one knows one billionth of one-percent about anything."

To me Evergreen means a growing mind and a humble spirit... two of the virtues of greatness.

— Frank H. Lennox

Knowledge is Power

By Ed Davis

There is no human today that can expect to be living 150 years from this date, in spite of the amazing increase in life expectancy wrought by modern medical science.

We cannot live a full, enjoyable life if it is harried by abject fear, fear of the unknown.

It has been written that the only antidotes to fear are knowledge and courage. With exposure to knowledge fear leaves and courage enters.

The mission of the High Adventure Team is to offer access to the opportunity to gain knowledge of the out-doors " safety, respect for natural hazards and how to avoid them or if need be, to survive them.

Anthony Greenback, in the introduction to his The Book Of Survival writes: "Instead of being mesmer-ized with fright, you are more likely to be ready and braced in a sudden crisis after reading this book than before." Knowledge Is Power!

The greatest airplane tragedy did not occur in flight. Two 747's, taxiing on the runway at Tenerife in the Canary

A Late Breakfast Sour dough pancakes (made on a cast iron griddle) Real maple syrup Canadian bacon Eggs and hash browns Good ole camp coffee

If you planned well enough, you should be able to take all of the dirty gear home where you can clean it up and put it neatly away for your next trip.

Are you wondering what in the world has come over a "dyed in the wool backpacker" to make him write such drivel as this? Well, sometimes we get tired of the continuous work, and it is work to plan and package everything for a fun-filled trail hike. We need to relax once in a while to rejuvenate our lagging spirits. Try a heavy-weight car-camping trip with all the "fuss and mess" and then go back to all the neatness and fellowship of the backpacker's realm.

"Nuff Sed" Ed.
"All things come to he who waitheth, if he worketh like—while he waitheth."

The Fair Weather Camper

By Ed Davis

Once in a while I try and forget about going camping as light as possible, with all of the preparations such as repacking, double bagging, labeling, etc. I just load my station wagon with a large cooler (loaded to the top), a two burner stove, a lantern, a large heavy canvas tent, a six-pound fill sleeping bag, a cot, a mattress and a chair. The menu will not be light either.

Evening Meal Fresh garden salad Blue cheese dressing A good cheese fondue French Bread And lots of good ole camp coffee

Islands crashed into one another and burned. 581 people perished. One of the survivors claimed hundreds could have been saved if they would have acted on their own to escape. Instead they waited for "the voice of authority" to tell them what to do. Those words were never uttered.

Because I felt that one of the missions of Boots & Blisters was to educate trek leaders about the latent and potential hazards of wilderness treks, for the past many years, news stories about wilderness misadventure and sometimes tragedies were collected.

A few were "so called" Acts of God for which it appears there was no defense. Too many of these happen-ings were avoidable. They were the result of "not knowing" or of not taking proper preventative actions, or of not having the knowledge and skills to alleviate injuries if an when they occurred.

One must be wary of taking credit that may not be justified, but the High Adventure Team can be proud that the certified leaders who have graduated from our Basic Backpacking Training over the past many years, have not had any fatalities nor serious injuries on their treks.

Knowledge is Power

By Ed Davis

"Good fortune is infatuated with the efficient" quotes Colin Fletcher in The Complete Walker.

Trek leaders are taught the dangers and hazards that lurk in the wilderness; not to engender fear, but to create respect for its potential and to learn the methods and procedures to avoid, and the skills to overcome them, if necessary.

The Camping Committee has recognized the need to require tune up training, for those whose certificates are five years old, to introduce them to what is new and to hone existing knowledge and to recall that which may have been forgotten.

There is No Graduation Day in The School of The Woods.

Ed Davis' Cookout Corner

Ham and Cheddar Success

Ingredients

• 2 Bags of Success rice
• 2 Cups frozen mixed vegetables (thawed)
• 1 1/ 2 Cups sliced mushrooms
• 1/ 2 Cup chopped onion
• 1 Tbsp butter or margarine
• 1 -11 oz can nacho cheese soup
• 1/ 2 Cup milk
• 2 -5 oz cans chunk ham drained and flaked

Instructions

Prepare rice according to package directions. Pre-pare mixed vegetables according to the directions on the package, omitting margarine and salt. In a large skillet, saute mushrooms and onions in butter until tender. Stir in soup and milk. Add chunk ham and cooked vegetables. Simmer until thourghly heated. Serve over warm rice.

You can vary this by using sausage cut up or chunks of beef, but if you use raw meat brown it separately before adding it to the cooked ingredients.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Magazine.

I have a question to ask of my faithful readers. Please give me a answer. What is advanced cooking? RSVP Ed Davis (415) 664-4149.