SSScout Posted October 18, 2006 Share Posted October 18, 2006 I seem to remember reading that the Army says a healthy adult can walk 4 mph, at a fair clip. Let's say a boy can average 3 mph. Now, let's say the boy carries a back pack holding a canteen of water, binoculars, a Scout handbook, a poncho, first aid kit and a snack, and let us further say that he PUSHES a non-selfpropelled lawn mower at a steady clip and takes 2 full hours to cut his family lawn (and ends up with a well deserved sweat), CAN HE add the calculated 6 miles to his Hiking Merit Badge AND/OR Fifty Miler patch diary??? UMMMM? YiS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWScouter Posted October 18, 2006 Share Posted October 18, 2006 I used to mow lawns when I was a scout. I must admit I never contemplated using a lawn mowing as a hike. I used to mow my Dad's lawn too (I suppose it was the whole families, but we just called it Dad's lawn). I used a push mower for several years. It took me 4 1/2 hrs to mow the lawn. If I did all the edges and stuff, it would take closer to 6. If I just walked where I mowed without mowing, it would probably take an hour, two at the most. I don't think I would try to equate mowing with hiking. When I left for college, my Dad bought a riding lawn mower for my younger brother to use. He was able to mow the lawn in a couple of hours. Go figure. SWScouter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoutldr Posted October 18, 2006 Share Posted October 18, 2006 The 50 miler award application says, "Make suitable plans for the trip" and "Select a suitable trail or waterway" Based on that, walking in circles around your front yard doesn't qualify. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoPenn Posted October 19, 2006 Share Posted October 19, 2006 I don't think we can really answer this question yet - so much information seems to be missing. For instance, is it raining? What type of rain - a fine mist? A mere drizzle? A steady rain? A heavy downpour? Thunder and lightning with tornado sirens sounding??? What about the mower? Are the blades sharp? Has the mower been properly oiled? Was the mower borrowed from an elderly neighbor? Is the mower rusty from having been left out on the lawn all winter? Is the mower a Sear's Craftsman??? What is the snack? Is it fruit? A banana perhaps? Or maybe an orange? Or an apple? Or maybe even a pineapple (dare I dream)? Or is the snack trail mix? Just raisins and peanuts? Or are M&M's added to the mix? Is it a fancy trail mix with coconut and mixed nuts? Does the trail mix have dried fruit? Or is the snack a package of Ho Ho's??? So many questions.... CalicoPenn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoutingagain Posted October 19, 2006 Share Posted October 19, 2006 While this might be a great activity to prepare for a high adventure hike, mowing the lawn to earn $$$ and wearing a backpack to build stamina, it in no way should be confused with an actual hike. SA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red feather Posted October 20, 2006 Share Posted October 20, 2006 LOL!!! Sounds just like a scheme that our older scout patrol would come up with. Picture a SM with a raised eyebrow and responding with a guffaw! With this criterea I think with a little calcualtion that I must of earned my 50 or 51st 50 miler patch yis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fuzzy Bear Posted October 20, 2006 Share Posted October 20, 2006 If he takes more than 6 hours to complete the lawn he might be considered for the Hornaday Award as well, probably only the first level though. If he mows the other side of the sidewalk, this might also qualify for the Historic Trails award. If he changes a spark plug that has rusted over, this might get him a small engine repair mb. I can also foresee such things as the Home Repair mb if he sticks a piece of downspout back on after it disconnected during the winter. There are more than just a few possibilities. Let's keep mentally alert! fb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevorum Posted October 20, 2006 Share Posted October 20, 2006 Just imagine the possibilities! I could invite the whole troop over to mow the front pasture! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo1 Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 Trevorum, Don't forget your 2 deep leadership. G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffD Posted December 1, 2006 Share Posted December 1, 2006 if he picks up any trash beforehand - i think that qualifies towards the leave no trace award - so long as he also uses a mulching mower and doesnt bag the clippings (leave what you find...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoPenn Posted December 2, 2006 Share Posted December 2, 2006 Oh, let's not forget the Honor Medal with Crossed Palms (saving or attempting to save a life at extreme risk to oneself) for saving his dear ol' dad from a potential heart attack from the physical exertion of mowing the lawn, all while manuevering a dangerous, bladed machine. Calico Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairie Posted December 2, 2006 Share Posted December 2, 2006 Is it possible for him to get lost while mowing said yard? How will he follow the buddy system while "hiking"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now