Trek Poles (opens in a new tab)
My sons got me these Outdoor Products trek poles for Christmas and today I tried them out for the first time. I was a little clumsy. I hit my foot with the pole a few times. I kicked the pole with my foot a few times.
The Bloggers
Scoutmaster Musings
- Active 2008–2019
- Posts 711
- Words 168,138
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Showing 351–400 of 711 · page 8 of 15. Each title opens the post in a new tab.
Just Training (opens in a new tab)
How did you spend your Saturday? I had a great (but long) day doing Red Cross Training. I presented CPR/AED in the morning and then Wilderness and Remote First Aid all afternoon and evening to a great bunch of Scouters preparing for high adventurs this summer.
SNOW (opens in a new tab)
Finally, finally, finally Snow, snow, snow Well, it's actually just a dusting but we're supposed to get more tomorrow and it's just super! When I got back from my morning hike, I just had to do this creative masterpiece in our driveway. Scout On
Online Cub Scout Handbooks (opens in a new tab)
I knew Spanish versions of the Cub Scout handbooks were online, but I didn't realize English versions were available also. Browsing around scouting.org I found these huge PDF files. These are the 2008 printings, except for Wolf which is 2006.
My Lil Friend (opens in a new tab)
I had a friend join me on my hike yesterday. I was very surprised to see him since he's usually just a summer hiking buddy and doesn't enjoy being out at all once it frosts up. I can't recall if I've ever seen a mosquito out on the trail in January before, but this guy…
Can You See Me Now? (opens in a new tab)
A headlamp is a great outdoors tool. It frees up both hands, lights your way or work area, and is convenient. I've got a few different ones (one I even found ontrail at Philmont) that have evolved from incandescent bulbs to LEDs, reducing the weight and power usage.
IAT Segments (opens in a new tab)
I got to hike 30 miles on the Ice Age Trail last week while visiting relatives. This was done as two separate 15-mile day hikes, one on the north-west part of the trail and the other on the south-east part.
Resolve to Volunteer (opens in a new tab)
I'm thinking the Scouting program in the UK will see a sharp membership increase this year. The Duchess of Cambridge has signed on as a Scouting volunteer, helping at local cub pack events. Scouting UK is working hard to get more volunteers, offering flexible opportunities to fit in where it makes sense.
First Gear Project (opens in a new tab)
This 4x3x2 inch bag contains my latest MYOG project that weighs 1.4 ounces. My wife showed me how to use the sewing machine this weekend and I made this myself - I'm so proud! :-) Sewing is actually a lot easier than I expected.
Who Does That? (opens in a new tab)
What do cigarettes, guns, spray paint, knives, and rocks have in common? They account for the majority of vandalism and litter I see on the trail and at trailheads. I often wonder what person does this. Maybe I know him.
Resolve (opens in a new tab)
Another year about to begin - endless possibilities and opportunities ahead. Over the holidays, I've been enjoying time with relatives and away from computers. I got in a couple 15-mile hikes in the snow, received a few very cool hiking/camping items, and ate way too much.
Holly Jolly Christmas (opens in a new tab)
The Rudolph animated classic is one of my favorite shows ever. A small band of outcasts brave the wild world, bond together, and save the day. How cool is that? Rudolph starts out as a teased, klutzy little guy but turns into a strong, confident leader at the end.
Homecoming (opens in a new tab)
The next few weeks are a perfect time to check in with past scouts that are home for the holidays on break from college to enjoy time with family. Our troop has a special meeting early in January where they recap the year and get commitment to the year ahead.
Notification of your pending transaction (opens in a new tab)
View my Hike Progress...
Scout Knife Sale (opens in a new tab)
The best all-around, most useful knife I have is my Victorinox Tinker with BSA emblem. I use the small blade on it for all my whittling and to carve fire pistons. I've used all the gizmos on it at some point except the wire stripper.
The Cold Won't Kill Ya ... (opens in a new tab)
On this hike, it was 5 degrees - see the frost all over my head? :-) I've decided 5 degrees is about as cold as I enjoy being out hiking miles. Colder and the layers of clothes make walking less enjoyable. But, down to 5 and my trail shoes, longjohns and nylon pants, fleece jacket and rain…
YAES (opens in a new tab)
Yet Another Eagle Scout - yesterday was his ceremony and I gave him this fire piston which I carved. The kit is from wildersol.com . You remember Hannibal Smith's favorite line on A-Team? "I love it when a plan comes together." You usually hear it right after everything goes completely wrong and things finally just plop into…
New-Skin Sweepstakes (opens in a new tab)
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of New-Skin for SocialSpark . All opinions are 100% mine. FCFY - Free Contest For You Read to the end for the bonus This Sunday, a scout that I've known since Tigers will be having his Eagle ceremony.
Scout Pack Troop Gifts (opens in a new tab)
Need a unique gift for a scout or for the Pack/Troop? Here's a few items I've tried out this past year that might fit the bill. Just click the name to read more about the product. Woody Dutch Oven - As I've used my aluminum Woody dutch oven this year, I've come to really appreciate the…
Cairns (opens in a new tab)
I'd like to elaborate on two points that came up in the comments of my last post - and thank you for all your thoughts. Cairns vs. Art Some people mentioned that rock cairns are useful for marking the trail so the rock stack I found should be left alone.
Appropriate Art? (opens in a new tab)
After my hike last weekend, I'm pondering something. I found this, and a few more, balancing rock formations that someone created along the trail. I think they look pretty neat and I've seen them done as art before. The quandry comes from the location of this person's efforts.
First Steps (opens in a new tab)
After just researching, planning, and training for the past few months, I finally set foot on one of the national scenic trails I plan to thru-hike in 2012. Over Thanksgiving break, I got a taste of the trail by hiking the Kewaskum and West Bend segments of the Ice Age Trail plus the connecting routes…
Team Activities (opens in a new tab)
When the dreary drudgery of indoor scout meetings during the long winter months start getting to your scouts, remember that poor weather means a perfect opportunity to develop teamwork. Sure, it's discussed at Troop Leader Training and the Patrol Leader Council agrees that it's important, but how about incorporating some team development activities into those…
Deer (opens in a new tab)
I was planning on hiking 6 miles this morning, but when I hit 3 miles it just seemed like I needed to go further. I'm glad I did. Click the image to see a short video of the three deer I saw, plus one.
OA in Space (opens in a new tab)
I think this one image is probably the best promotion of Order of the Arrow and Boy Scouts to come around in a loooong time. Click the image to see it full size or View Gallery on facebook. Mike Fossum ( Meechgalane Sakima ) took his Vigil OA sash into space this summer aboard the space station!
Rodent Rescue (opens in a new tab)
I personally appreciate this service project by scouts of Troop 747 out of Tucson, Arizona. The project involved making and installing wildlife escape ramps in livestock water troughs. This lets rodents climb out rather than drowning and rotting in the water.
Camping Gear Winner (opens in a new tab)
Back at the beginning of October, I posted about a contest being sponsored by the BSA to promote the Be A Scout website where interested parents can find a local pack, troop, or crew. The 1 minute opening video on the site is waaay cool with lots of action and some neat stop-motion scenes - you…
Training Weekend (opens in a new tab)
Spent yesterday and today presenting Red Cross CPR/AED and Wilderness First Aid training to scouters getting ready for Northern Tier, Sea Base, Philmont, and troop-planned treks over the coming year. One participant was a Cubmaster preparing for pack camping which I thought was pretty cool.
11:11:11 11-11-11 (opens in a new tab)
Where were you at 11 minutes and 11 seconds after 11:00am on November 11, 2011? My son (who had the day off from school) was playing xBox and I was right here preparing for Wilderness First Aid training tomorrow. Fortunately, he hollered at me in time so I could open the PC time and save…
Eagle Project Done? (opens in a new tab)
I think my son finished his eagle service project yesterday, but I'm not sure. He's out helping another eagle candidate this morning, so I'll have to ask him when he gets home. All I know is he put a bunch of tools in the Honda Odyssey (official vehicle of scout troops) yesterday and was gone…
Be One With the Wild (opens in a new tab)
Well, here's a wild one for you. Click the image for a much larger version. I read a rumor this morning that these photos are part of a new Boy Scouts campaign created by Ogilvy & Mather, called "Be One with the Wild".
Crisp Hiking (opens in a new tab)
Yesterday's 8-mile hike was mostly just covering miles. It was dreary, even a few drizzles of rain. Not much to see. But, when I stepped outside today I was greeted by Orion, Cassiopeia, the Pleiades, Ursa Major, and Polaris. A perfectly bright, crystal clear night sky making it easy for a quick review of the…
Two Winners (opens in a new tab)
Ah, you all know that you're winners in my book, but Lucie and Michelle are special winners today. Michelle was selected this morning to receive the ClassB.com $50 coupon and Lucie got the $25 ScoutStuff.org gift card. Congratulations, ladies! I appreciate the rest of the 1500 entries this month and in just 30 days you…
Boo (opens in a new tab)
BOO Watch out for goblins, gremlins, and ghosts on your way home from work tonight. Scout On
Quilt vs. Bag (opens in a new tab)
Here's my sleeping bag replacement for my long hikes starting in the spring. It's a quilt rather than a bag, well, it will be a quilt when I finish. Right now, it's just instructions, a bunch of black yarn, some thread, a few yards of silver grey nylon fabric, and a big bag of polyester…
Sharing the Excitement (opens in a new tab)
You never know what animals, scenery, and cool stuff you might see while hiking or camping. I get excited with the anticipation of seeing something new each morning of a campout, especially when I'm up early before the bugler. It might just be crystals of frost or a foggy sunrise, but there's always something - if…
Where's that AED? (opens in a new tab)
Have you seen this sign before? It's the ILCOR approved universal AED sign. It indicates the presence of or direction to an AED. ILCOR = International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. AED = Automated External Defibrillator Keep your eyes open for these signs whenever you enter a public building and see how many you find.
Heading Out in the World (opens in a new tab)
A past scout was in town this week so I got to have coffee with him today (well, I had cocoa). Turns out he's heading to New Zealand tomorrow morning, taking a semester off from college to see the world.
Loon Migration (opens in a new tab)
Last day to Win $500 Camping Gear - don't miss out. I heard and then say the first Loon migrating south on my hike this morning. You can watch individually banded loon migration activity at this USGS page . Over the next month or so, the loons will be heading south to the Gulf of Mexico - smart…
Animal Behavior (opens in a new tab)
On the trail this morning, there was a big dark blob far ahead. In the early morning gloom, I couldn't make it out but it was certainly not there yesterday. It moved. Oh, just a rodent, another raccoon scrounging around getting into mischief.
LNT Camporees (opens in a new tab)
I met with our council's Outdoor Ethics Advocate and a couple other Leave No Trace master educators last night to discuss ways in which we might get LNT more integrated into the local Scouting program. One idea that came up was to have Leave No Trace themed camporees.
New Guide to Advancement (opens in a new tab)
The 2011 Guide to Advancement is ready. It has a few significant changes and gives individual units more room to define their own expectations: Active Participation requirements updated. Units can set their own 'active' expectations. Position of Responsibility requirements updated.
Trail First Aid (opens in a new tab)
Yesterday was almost the last day for a German vistor hiking the White Mountains in New Hampshire. He apparently suffered a heart attack on the trail and went down. Fortunately, he is in a hospital in stable condition instead of a morgue today.
Be A Scout (opens in a new tab)
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Boy Scouts of America for SocialSpark . All opinions are 100% mine. Joining the Boy Scouts of America is the best way to expand a boy's social, physical, and personal health and skills.
The Scouting Canvas (opens in a new tab)
I'm going to an Eagle court of honor this evening. It's for a terrific scout in a different troop than my son. He's been highly active in OA and a great scout. He has contributed tons of time and effort to Scouting in our district.
Land of Adventure Contest (opens in a new tab)
Hey, Scouts! Three days to enter this way cool Land of Adventure Boys Life contest. You could win it all, but at least get a free patch for entering! Check out Boys Life Contests for a half dozen other contests going on at the BSA. Scout On
My Walking Stick (opens in a new tab)
When it comes to hiking sticks, it seems there's three ways of thinking: Hiking Sticks - natural, wood, outdoorsy Hiking Poles - light, commercial, hi-tech None - we don't need no stinkin' help If you get out hiking much, I'm sure you've noticed most people now have hiking sticks or poles, especially on mountainous trails.
Training - IOLS and ILST (opens in a new tab)
Saturday was a perfectly beautiful fall day, great for being outside. The district had it's Camporee and I held Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills training at the same time and location so adult leaders could camp with their troops and spend their day getting trained while the scouts were doing 'stuff'.
Good Deed on the Trail (opens in a new tab)
The last few mornings hiking have been pretty empty. There's normally quite a few people out getting some exercise, but with drizzle and wind, it seems everyone finds something better to do. Today I got a nice surprise. As I was almost done with my 8-mile walk, I heard a bicycle coming up behind me…
Unit Flag Decorations (opens in a new tab)
Our troop flag is fairly bland. Red and white with the BSA emblem in the center. But, here's a flag from Pennsylvania celebrating the troop's 75 year history. There are three flag decoration items that can be added to a flag, if desired.