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Trek Poles
![trekking poles](http://hikingdude.com/i/gear/poles.jpg)
Now, don't think I'm complaining here - I'm just letting you know that there's a short learning curve for any new piece of gear and gear should be used as intended. The rails-to-trails path I used today was flat with no need for the extra push or support from the poles - I was just trying them out. I'll just compress the poles and hook 'em on my pack when going along a path like this on my long hikes.
I expect I'll find them very useful when I start my rough trail practice next month. For now, I'd like to let you know my first impressions. And, basically, I think these would be great for scouts/scouters heading to Philmont or other backpacking treks.
![trekking pole cam locks](http://hikingdude.com/i/gear/poles2.jpg)
- They are aluminum with rubber handles and cam-locks. I like how the locks flip and hold rather than screw. You will need to adjust the cam-lock mechanism to ensure it clamps down hard enough to hold.
- There are three sections to the pole so they compress down to 25 inches which makes stowing on a pack pretty easy when not being used. Since they are easily adjustable, they can be shared with others without much hassle. The sections come completely apart so I really have 6 short aluminum tubes for emergency use.
- Without the rubber foot and basket, each pole weighs 9.7 oz. I don't plan to use the basket since it will just catch on brush and my pants.
- The rubber handles feel good to me, but the dense plastic makes them heavy and I'm anxious to see how they feel on hot, sweaty trails.
- The shafts adjust from 25 inches compressed to 54 inches extended. The carbide tips, baskets that easily unscrew, and rubber foot covers are all pretty nice.
- These poles will also be my shelter supports on my long hikes and they seem solid enough for that job.
- I like the metallic green color - it's pretty low-impact. They come in blue, too.
So far, I think I got a great present here! I believe they're a good item for folks like me that haven't used trek poles before and are learning how it all works. The $30 for the pair makes them a scout-affordable item as well. You can get poles that weigh half as much, but justifying the $$$ to ounces exchange rate can be a challenge.
Scout On
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Posted: 15:37 01-17-2012 733
Just Training
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. Some are going to Philmont, others to Seabase, and a couple to Okpik at Northern Tier next month. There were a couple of Venturing folks preparing for a canoe trip, too. I'll be completing the class tomorrow afternoon.
It's fun to hear the adventures different troops are planning and to discuss how to best prepare. Each BSA high adventure base requires a WRFA certified person on every crew, so don't wait too long to get your crew ready. Sometimes the WRFA classes are hard to find.
The Red Cross could always use more instructors, too. If you like to teach, have some outdoors experience, and would like to do first aid and CPR training, consider contacting your local Red Cross chapter to find out more. It's another good way to spend your Saturdays, or other days of the week.
Scout On
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. Some are going to Philmont, others to Seabase, and a couple to Okpik at Northern Tier next month. There were a couple of Venturing folks preparing for a canoe trip, too. I'll be completing the class tomorrow afternoon.
It's fun to hear the adventures different troops are planning and to discuss how to best prepare. Each BSA high adventure base requires a WRFA certified person on every crew, so don't wait too long to get your crew ready. Sometimes the WRFA classes are hard to find.
The Red Cross could always use more instructors, too. If you like to teach, have some outdoors experience, and would like to do first aid and CPR training, consider contacting your local Red Cross chapter to find out more. It's another good way to spend your Saturdays, or other days of the week.
Scout On
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Posted: 23:00 01-14-2012 731
SNOW
![SNOW](http://hikingdude.com/i/blog/snow.jpg)
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
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Posted: 10:05 01-13-2012 730
Online Cub Scout Handbooks
![online cub scout handbooks](http://boyscouttrail.com/i/tiger/tigerbooksm.jpg)
These are the 2008 printings, except for Wolf which is 2006.
Note: The English versions have been removed from scouting.org but they've been copied to many other locations. The links below go to a few locations that may remain active, or not.
All these handbooks will be obsolete soon, when the new Cub Scout program is released.
Click on a link below each image to open the PDF, and then wait.
English versions of handbooks
![](http://boyscouttrail.com/i/tiger/tigerbooksm.jpg)
online Tiger Cub Scout handbook - scouting.org - Pioneer District - Pack 262 - 4.8MB
![](http://boyscouttrail.com/i/wolf/wolfbooksm.jpg)
online Wolf Cub Scout handbook - Pioneer District - Pack 262 - 12.9MB
![](http://boyscouttrail.com/i/bear/bearbooksm.jpg)
online Bear Cub Scout handbook - Pioneer District - Pack 262 - 9.2MB
![](http://boyscouttrail.com/i/webelos/newbook100.jpg)
online Webelos handbook - Pioneer District - Pack 262 - 9.7MB
Spanish versions of handbooks
![](http://boyscouttrail.com/i/tiger/tigerbooksm.jpg)
online Tiger Cub Spanish handbook - scouting.org - 9.6MB
![](http://boyscouttrail.com/i/wolf/wolfbooksm.jpg)
online Wolf Cub Spanish handbook - scouting.org - 12.6MB
![](http://boyscouttrail.com/i/bear/bearbooksm.jpg)
online Bear Cub Spanish handbook - scouting.org - 9.3MB
![](http://boyscouttrail.com/i/webelos/newbook100.jpg)
online Webelos Spanish handbook - scouting.org - 10.1MB
Scout On
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Posted: 11:49 01-12-2012 729
My Lil Friend
![hot winter hiking](http://hikingdude.com/i/blog/mosquito.jpg)
I can't recall if I've ever seen a mosquito out on the trail in January before, but this guy was out and about due to the record high temps this week.
Click the image if you want to see a very short video of his dance moves.
Actually, the weather has been great for getting in more hiking. I'm off now for 8 miles and it's 34°F but snow's expected and the temp drops throughout the day. Back to real January tomorrow. Unfortunately, that's not enough for the scouts going on their Okpik campout this weekend. Looks like no quinzee huts or Zero Hero awards this year. But, they've planned a 5-mile hike as an alternate activity, so that'll keep them moving and warm.
Scout On
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Posted: 7:00 01-11-2012 728
Can You See Me Now?
![ultralight light](http://hikingdude.com/i/gear/lite1.jpg)
I received a Photon Freedom LED light. It is a single LED but is dimmable so I can choose the brightness, and corresponding power consumption. I can't show you how bright it really is, but this tiny light delivers as much light as my previous 4 LED headlamp.
It weighs just 0.25 ounces and is as bright as my 7.6 ounce headlamp. When I add the clip, it weighs 0.4 ounces. To reduce weight, I removed the keyring, cut the tiny magnets off the clip, and left the lanyard on the table.
I'm impressed (it has a big 'fun factor') and am very excited to use it on my long hikes. I don't expect to do any night hiking, instead using it for a camp light. The clip allows the light to swivel around into any position, and is tight enough to hold it in position.
![photon freedom light](http://hikingdude.com/i/gear/lite2.jpg)
I'd prefer rechargeable batteries and Photon has a version that can be recharged. There's also a solar charger accessory which could be useful, but may weigh more than carrying a few extra batteries.
I also received an ultraviolet version from my brother, concerned about scorpions on my Arizona Trail hike - he figured I could use it to see them before stepping outside or into by shoes. :-) For the extra .25 ounces, I'll probably take it along - who knows what I'll find with it.
Scout On
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Posted: 13:53 01-08-2012 727
IAT Segments
![Ice Age Trail](http://hikingdude.com/i/blog/iat_cedarlake.jpg)
I did the Grassy Lake and Timberland Hills segments up north and Cedar Lakes, Slinger, Pike Lake, and Holy Hill segments down south. Segments vary in length, anywhere from 1 to 15 miles on this trail, so they are mostly useful for just tracking progress.
![Ice Age Trail](http://hikingdude.com/i/blog/iat_pikelake.jpg)
I know my hiking will be quieter - every footstep was a crackling of ice and snow or shlurping of sucking mud on the sun-softened southern slopes of hills.
I have to say again that the IAT volunteers have built terrific trail through their hours of relentless effort. Here's an example of some of their more impressive construction - a boardwalk over a swampy area. I'm looking forward to finding more little surprises like this one along the trail.
![Ice Age Trail boardwalk](http://hikingdude.com/i/blog/iat_boardwalk.jpg)
Scout On
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Posted: 14:47 01-07-2012 726
Resolve to Volunteer
![duchess of cambridge](http://staging.scouts.org.uk/images/content/2012news/050112/image2.jpg)
Scouting UK is working hard to get more volunteers, offering flexible opportunities to fit in where it makes sense. I believe this lets folks know they are welcome to help as much as they can rather than getting tied into a position with no known exit strategy. It sounds like thoughtful positioning and good marketing to me.
Can you volunteer some of your time this year? If you don't already have a role in Scouting, how about letting the scoutmaster, or crew advisor, or cubmaster know that you'd like to help out in some way.
If you are in a position already, how about going through the unit roster and contacting a few people that could help spread the work a bit this year? Somebody needs to organize that Blue Gold extravaganza, that week of summer camp, or maybe that Camporee.
Read the UK Scouting article about the royal volunteer.
Scout On - and Volunteer!
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Posted: 16:36 01-05-2012 725
First Gear Project
![homemade lightweight gear](http://hikingdude.com/i/gear/hat4.jpg)
Sewing is actually a lot easier than I expected. The seams aren't perfectly straight, but it turned out like it was supposed to.
And, it only took about 2 hours for the tutorial and completing the project.
Now I'm looking forward to seeing what else I can create.
![MYOG insulated hat](http://hikingdude.com/i/gear/hat3.jpg)
It's mostly intended for sleeping when winter camping, or at elevations such as those found on the Pacific Crest or Continental Divide trails which result in freezing nighttime temperature. I was expecting to use it this winter, but we've had much warmer than normal weather.
As you can see, the hat expands and has about an inch of loft all around. The drawstring is to hold it as snug as you like.
It is reversible so I can wear it with either my blue or grey outfit and stay fashionable. :-) As a matter of fact, it is so cool, I had to wear my shades when modeling it here.
Scout On
![lightweight MYOG hat](http://hikingdude.com/i/gear/hat2.jpg)
![sleeping hat](http://hikingdude.com/i/gear/hat1.jpg)
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Posted: 21:16 01-04-2012 724
Who Does That?
![trail vandals](http://hikingdude.com/i/blog/iat_route.jpg)
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. Maybe he's a friend of mine.
This Ice Age Trail route sign is a perfect example of someone with a gun, boredom, and low braincell counts. OK, that wasn't very nice, but really? I mean, Come On!
This was at a point where the trail crosses a fairly remote dirt road and that small yellow sign makes a great target.
I also imagine the vast majority of trail vandalism is done by males, and probably young males. Does this sound like a good opportunity for discussion the next time you go hiking with some youth? Keep your eyes open for vandalism and ask what they think of it.
Who does it effect?
What cost does it have?
How does it diminish the outdoors experience?
What can we do about it?
![trail vandals](http://hikingdude.com/i/blog/vandal.jpg)
Now this one will take volunteer time and money to replace - efforts that could have been spent on trail improvements elsewhere.
Scout On
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Posted: 17:09 01-03-2012 723
Resolve
![Happy New Year](http://hikingdude.com/i/blog/newyears.jpg)
It's always a good thing to take some time to reflect on what you've accomplished and make goals you'd like to attain. January 1 is a perfect date to do this, being sort of a reboot of time each year. Being resolute is a characteristic of good leadership and self-discipline - defining success and then pushing ahead until success is reached.
If you've not made any new year's resolutions yet, take ten minutes and jot down a few so you can check your progress over the year. Here's a couple of mine:
- Walk 3000 miles - that's 800 on the AZ Trail, 1100 on the Ice Age Trail, and 1100 on conditioning hikes.
- Blog 300 times - this will be the most difficult
- Make 30 new friends - not Facebook friends, real people. I hope to meet them on the trail, at presentations, church, and in business.
Now, I need to set my resolve and make these more than just wishes.
Scout On
(and have a Happy New Year)
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Posted: 9:36 12-31-2011 722
Holly Jolly Christmas
![Merry Christmas](http://boyscouttrail.com/i/blog/rudolph.jpg)
Rudolph starts out as a teased, klutzy little guy but turns into a strong, confident leader at the end. Ring any bells?
Hermy wants to be something more than just a toy maker. He doesn't fit in with the crowd. Too bad they didn't have the Dentistry merit badge for him. But, he practices his skills, accepts others, and is brave through the challenges.
Santa is shown as a cranky, worried, unaccepting grouch - but he eventually learns that everyone is valuable. Hopefully, our adult volunteers are more like Yukon Cornelius - out on adventure, ready to help, and afraid of nothing.
Good ideals and lessons are sprinkled throughout the show, along with some fun old music.
Check out Google's holiday doodle - click the button under each letter to animate Google's holiday doodle.
After enjoying the show, search for let it snow and see what happens. Be patient for 15 seconds then click and drag your mouse around.
Or, gravity and click the I'm Feeling Lucky button.
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas this year!
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Posted: 11:06 12-24-2011 721
Previous PostsComments:
Â
Feb 25, 2023 - Joe Patterson
Just out of curiosity, are the Rockwell paintings  on exhibit anywhere
Mar 16, 2023 - Adam John
Great question Joe! Â Have you checked out the Norman Rockwell Museum in
Stockbridge MA? Â (nrm.org) There is also the Rockwell Museum in Corning
NY. Â (rockwellmuseum.org) I believe the latter has more art. Â Hope this
helps!
Jan 21, 2024 - Johnna Downing
The Scouting museum at Philmont, Cimmaron, NM hopefully has the ones that
used to hang at the museum in Irving, TX. Â Good luck. Johnna
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