Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Rebelbase
My first Scout troop was in Springfield, VA. I attended my first meeting on Wednesday, May 29th, 1968. There was a hike scheduled for Saturday, but you had to be a Tenderfoot to participate. The next day was Memorial Day. I went to the Scoutmaster's house and passed all my Tenderfoot requirements. It was quite an evening of "cramming" for the test. The hike on the C&O canal was a blast. It was 10 miles of mosquito infested green water.

My first and only scout camp was at Goshen, VA in July 1968. I made 2nd class, earned the swimming merit badge and mile swim patch. After summer camp, I pressed forward to finish my First Class requirements before moving back to San Diego. I joined Troop 857 in Chula Vista and made Eagle in April 1972.

We had a few out of shape kids in both troops. Fortunately, the "shakedown" hikes were structured such that the leaders didn't have to split equipment or physically move them along. By the time we were going up Mt San Jacinto or San Gorgonio, everyone was in pretty good shape. The 30 mile "Camelback" through the Cuyamaca mountains and much flatter "El Camino" hikes were good preparation. The real hiking fans took the 14 day Sierra Trek including a climb to the summit of Mt. Whitney. My lungs weren't up to that level of exertion.

28 posted on 06/16/2009 11:08:19 AM PDT by Myrddin
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies ]


To: Myrddin

I did two trips to Philmont. 10,000 feet is the highest we hiked there. Did a trip in the Rockies once a few years later with a couple of buddies. After 3 days in the car we hit the trail as soon as we arrived. I had to stop about 2 miles from our destination as my legs cramped up bad. Went to sleep and didn’t wake until the next morning. Felt 100% then.


30 posted on 06/16/2009 11:35:48 AM PDT by Rebelbase
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson