John and all,
Your example of taking a few moments to show the boys something, perhaps helping them learn about or appreciate something small while on the trail, made me think of a couple quotes that I put in my high adventure syllabus, both for Northern Tier and Philmont.
I encourage this at every opportunity so maybe, just maybe, the boys will remember a little more about their trek, thereby making the trip a bit more memorable and special, instead of simply knowing that they did something in the summer from this date to that date.
It's so easy, especially at Philmont, with all it's grand views, to see nothing but the big picture. This is just a subtle reminder that there's more to nature's beauty than the big stuff.
THE VALUE OF OBSERVING
How do you see the trail?
Is merely covering miles with eyes on the ground a journey?
Do you measure the worth of a trip by distance and pace or can you see more by observing and noticing?
The worth of a hike, or any journey, lies in the trip itself.
People met, sights seen, memories...
These are the rewards of a hike.
We value things and acquisitions when it is reflection that we need.
By hiking mindfully, we open up both ourselves and the world around us.
The return on such an investment in awareness is lifelong in value.
~ Written by Greg M. Romaneck in his book "A Superior Journey - Trail Reflections from Isle Royale"
The other quote is from Larry Ricker, a friend of mine and excellent photographer from Rochester, MN:
To really appreciate the wilderness, one must pay attention to the small things, as well as the grandiose.
Pete Swiggum
Green Bay, WI
Philmont 2005
ICWTGBTP!!
John LeBlanc <philmontjohn@yahoo.com> wrote:
Bill Sheehan's reference to the Philont Field Guide got me to thinking and the following is my thoughts which I share.
I know that I along with a lot of others often refer to what used to be and back then and the good old days.
Back in the good old days there was the same material we have today, but it just wasn't as readily available as it is today. Today is trully the information age as it is available at our fingertips.
For example, I've always referred to an item on the 1959 trail menu as the dreaded Seidels Veg-A-Rice. The reason is that one item stuck out above all others as a perfect example of the dreaded dehydrated food we used on the trail. It stuck with you in more ways than one.
A quick look at the Philmont document archives at http://philmontdocs.watchu.org/ then other documents then 1959 trail menus
reveals not only Veg-A-Rice but also included to balance out the diet in supper meal number three was Veg-A-Rice w/Beef, Peaches, Dumplings or Biscuits and Fruit Punch.
Breakfast lists among other things eggs. These were the still dreaded and oft discussed and cussed powdered eggs that when reconstituted appeared as an off colored wall paper paste and tasted similar. I truly thing they were true to rumor WWII Army surplus.
Anotehr entry states that some food items were hard to get and waste was not to be done with the food. It also suggested some items may be substituted which means we don't have is substituted for here you go.
Sometimes you still hear that on the trail, but not often.
One note on the lunch menu suggested you have a liesure lunch and REST. That was preaching to the choir then as today. hen it comes lunch time on the trail NOBODY has to suggest to anyone they rest, it just comes natural.
Elsewhere among the Philmont archives it recognises that traditionally Boy Scouts don't necessarily sleep at Scout camp, an age old tradition, there is just too much going on to waste time sleeping. In many places it suggeste Explorers get eight hours sleep and Boy Scouts get ten.
All this information is available at the Seton library but I as most just don't have the hours of time to spend there when we areat the ranch. There is just too much other stuff to do.
So how do we use this stuff if we are supposed to let the youth lead the crew on trek. We can't follow those principles adn then say "hey, y'all gather round I want to show you this Foxtail pine tree".
Here is something that works and it's straight from Fred McMurray as in follow me boys or rather teaching by example.
When you stop for a break or a photo op along the trail. Take a l;ook at the leaf pattern on a particular plant or as Lady Bird Johnson would have said "a tree, a bush or a shrub" and then get out your field guide to the plants of the rocky mountains and run through the keys. You will be surprised at how the youth see you doing this and those with an interest will learn from you.
Of course not all will be interested and some appear to not have a clue as to what you are doing but as an old science teacher, the ones who you think don't even know what you are saying or doing are the ones soaking it in.
The biggest turnoff when one is tired and needs a break on the trail is for you to tell them "come here I want to show you something". That turns off their light switch.
When you are teaching by example, there is no better way of passing on information from generation to generation. An added benefit is you aer learning at the same time.
Too many times we are in a footrace to get to the finish line and we don't take the time to stop and smell the roses along the way.
God among others will love you for it.
John LeBlanc
Phirst Philtrek 1959
Last PhilTrek 2002
Autumn Adventure 2007
My latest adventure was yesterday
Today isn't over yet
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Received on Thu Aug 9 14:05:43 2007
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