GernBlansten
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Any pointers for canoeing?
GernBlansten replied to WildernesStudent's topic in Camping & High Adventure
Canoeing in Georgia? I think there was a pretty good movie/documentary back in the 70s about that. Check it out at NetFlix or Blockbuster. I think it was called "Deliverance". -
For Pack and Merlyn.... I contend we are both atheists, I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours. (Stephen F. Roberts)
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What would you think of an Eagle never getting a COH?
GernBlansten replied to Joni4TA's topic in Advancement Resources
Our unit leaves it up to the family to plan the ECOH. If they want the troop to do it, thats fine but it will be just part of our standard quarterly COH. Never had one claim he didn't want one at all, but about half of our Eagles just include it with our regular COHs. -
At Philmont, One of our scouts just unzipped the legs and let them bunch up around his boots. Looked like leg warmers from the 80s. Too effeminate for me. and they took alot of abuse, both the leggings and the scout from his crew mates. We came across a pair of switchback legs, no pants laying on a log. Presented them to him on the last day so his parents wouldn't kill him for ruining his scout pants.
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Any pointers for canoeing?
GernBlansten replied to WildernesStudent's topic in Camping & High Adventure
Two words. J Stroke Draw Stroke. Ok three words and a letter. Google them. Learn them. Live them. Love them. -
Why would I want to publish my favorite, most precious, pristine hiking sites to a bunch of anonymous people? Self defeating.
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Back Pack Stoves - What to buy
GernBlansten replied to TheCommish's topic in Equipment Reviews & Discussions
Jetboils are great, EXCEPT... the ignition system. Won't fire if wet and break easily if you attempt to "adjust" it. But I just throw a lighter in the case. -
Any pointers for canoeing?
GernBlansten replied to WildernesStudent's topic in Camping & High Adventure
Keep the pointy end forward. Either one. -
You know, I noticed it wasn't easy to figure out which party Mr. Spitzer was affiliated from the news story. I assumed since it didn't involve gay bathroom sex, male prostitutes, or under-aged congressional pages, he was a democrat.
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So, how would you go "off trailing"?
GernBlansten replied to WildernesStudent's topic in Camping & High Adventure
I understand the allure of staying off the beaten path. However, you must be careful, not only for your own safety, but that of the environment too. First off, you shouldn't do it alone because if you get hurt, it will be nearly impossible you will be found alive, if at all. Second, if you go with someone, you shouldn't follow in a single line. Spread out a bit to reduce your compression of the ground. Especially if you are doing an out and back route. You and a friend will leave 4 sets of prints on the same path and create a new trail. There should be no trace that a human crossed that area. If you do, others will follow, creating new trails. Third, because you are off trail, be very aware of your impact. Wet soggy areas will be extremely impacted by your foot prints. Lightly vegetated hillsides will begin to erode after your feet slip and dig them up. Thick woods should not be cut to satisfy your sense of adventure. You won't be able to take the B-Line, you might have to take the long and windy road. If you can do all three of those things, I say have at it. Otherwise, stay on the beaten path. -
In our state, I think it only takes a petition of signatures to warrent your own plates. I have Pioneer Plates. It means I can trace my ancestors back 100 years here in Colorado. Its cute, got a horse and buggy with the word PIONEER on it. I proved it to the DMV, paid my $35 and got my plates. We have plates from all the state Universities, Knights of Columbus, Remember Columbine, Air Force 50th Anniversity, Breast Cancer, etc. Actually I'm surprised that the BSA doesn't have one yet and that they need state congressional support to get one.
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ASM915, The Hornaday project involves one scout doing the lobbying on his own initiative. This issue here is the council enlisting scouts to do its lobbying.
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That scout must have been cooking along pretty good when he fell to burn a hole in them. How's his skin?
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Then the community and the scout camp should bear the cost to repair the dam, or drain it. They are the ones who benefit from it.
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So if during a routine fire inspection, the local government determined the dining hall to be unfit for occupancy, it would be the governments responsibility to repair it?
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Who said the English don't know cheese? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3c3qJIwMDc
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OGE, I'd be very unconfortable with that scenario. Public funds to bail out a private organizations camp? Unless of course, they agree that the camp becomes public property and available to all equally.
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I used the term pushing the envelope because I do beleive the council is operating within its guidelines for the political use of the uniform. I just think its on the very edge of it. First its something as harmless as a vanity license plate. Next its supporting some other cause the BSA has an interest in. Next its supporting some legislation banning gay marriages. Where's the line? Is there one? I agree on the benefit to the Citz badges. I think every scout should visit the state capital and sit in on committee sessions. I even think they should do so in uniform. But where this crosses the line is that the council is recruiting uniformed scouts to make a point on a particular piece of legislation, perhaps create such a scene as to get media coverage. Is that what we are all about?
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My point is that the council is playing a role in recruiting scouts and scouters to lobby the state house for it. I really don't care if they introduce legislation, its using the scouts as lobbyists that has me bothered.
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Just got this email from our council. Seems to me that it is pushing the limits of using the scout uniform for political gain. What say you? Greetings to all, In January Representative Kent Lambert, Senator David Schultheis, and Representative Terrance Carroll (all Eagle Scouts) began the process of our State request for a Scouting Centennial license plate. WE AGAIN NEED OUR SCOUTS ASSISTANCE! We want to pack the State Capital and the room where the Senate Transportation Committee will read the bill on Thursday, March 13th. We need as many Scouts and Leaders/parents in uniform to meet at the State Capital at 9:30 am. The reading will take place in Senate Committee Room 352 on the 3rd Floor near the elevators. If there is time before the bill is read, there has been a special tour of the capital arranged for participating Scouts and leaders. If the bill is read right at 9:30 the tour will be conducted after the reading. Please enter the capital through the visitor's entrance on the south side of the building. Thanks in advance for support of this important event!
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I really don't consider myself a "snob" but I do like a good cup of joe and think I can tell a good cup from a lousy cup. I really like Starbucks (fourbucks) latte. Their standard cup of joe is a bit burnt, but I don't mind it, just can't drink a lot of it. I hate HATE hate flavored coffees. Hazelnut, french vanilla, et al. I'll even forego my morning joe if that's all there is. For camping, I'll pick up a few of those tiny vacuum packed store brand Columbian Roast sleeves at Safeway. Use one pack per batch. Makes for the freshest, cleanest and easiest to pack.
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JAVA HERESY! Coffee bags? Perhaps between my cheek and gum. I can use the string for floss. But only one grade above instant for flavor. Brewing the night before and reheating? That's just nasty. Chef reconstituting old coffee? And he calls himself a professional. Coleman drip? Glass carafe just begging to get busted. Here's my hoopty. http://www.rei.com/product/765757 makes 50 oz in one batch. Unbreakable lexan. The plunger is a bit tender and care must be taken, but REI replaces no questions asked. They make a smaller version for backpacking. The great thing about the press is you heat water for everyone in a big kettle/pot, then draw off it just like the cocoa, Tang and tea drinkers.
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Cowboy coffee is Freedom Press coffee, just hold the grounds. Or Freedom Press coffee is cowboy coffee when the screen breaks or doesn't seal properly. That is of course if you don't boil the water. Might as well boil your socks too if you let it reach a boil. Flavor is the same.
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Two words. French Press. OR Freedom Press for those who watch FoxNews. Perculating is torture for the flavor of the bean. Please think of the bean.