[Philmont]: Of course morse code IS dead - and - thoughts on pack weight

Date view Thread view Subject view Author view Attachment view

From: w.keller (wkeller@www.mebbs.com)
Date: Tue Feb 11 2003 - 09:33:26 CST

Let me see if I can stir the pot a bit LOL

Of course Morse code is dead, just like:

A single match fire - use a lighter.
Fire without a match - use a lighter.
Compass navigation - use a GPS.
Reading the weather - use a barometric watch.
Altoids Radios (the hams will know) - use a satellite phone.

OK, that's my point. There are always quicker, easier ways to do things.
In fact, I am a tech head from years back. And, I use all these toys: GPS,
Barometric watch, cell phones and a Yeasu FT-817. However, that does not
supersede teaching our troop the basics - go into the wilderness with your
survival kit and thrive, not just survive.

I now step down off the soap box.

-------------------------------------------

Pack weight. We are having a number of boys look at new packs for Philmont.
I have heard the rule of thumb of 4500 cu minimum mentioned in various
spots, and on this list chatter that troop gear averages 24 lbs per scout.
Is any of this accurate?? We have a couple of scouts that will be lucky to
tip 100 lbs next summer even though they will be approaching 15. We have
been pushing a 20lb base pack weight, but with 24 lb troop gear, it could
get interesting.

Just curious what you folks have experienced.

Thanks in advance.

Bill Keller
WB8YHL
http://troop47.com
http://wb8yhl.com

-------------------------------------------------------
Scouting E-mail Discussion Lists @ usscouts.org
Subscribe/Unsubscribe at http://usscouts.org/lists/
Listserv Commands at http://usscouts.org/lists/lc.asp
-------------------------------------------------------
Send listserv commands to: listserv@troop47.com
Send postings to: philmont@troop47.com
List FAQ found at: http://usscouts.org/lists/faq.asp
List Administrator: philmont_owner@troop47.com
-------------------------------------------------------
As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------

 

Date view Thread view Subject view Author view Attachment view

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.7 : Thu Mar 13 2003 - 10:37:51 CST