5 Minute blogs with tips on camping, the outdoors, and Scout Advancement.
1- I have been called CHEAP, or FRUGAL. I think of myself as resourceful and cheap and frugal and economical, and thrifty. -) In other words, what can I use on hand before spending money? What can I alter to use in a different way and get a second use (instead of throwing it … Read more
1- This is the best time of year to knock out 3 Merit Badges. All 3 take about 3 months. Family Life, Personal Management, and Personal Fitness are all required for Eagle. I suggest that you set up a record-keeping for all 3 at the same time and run your record-keeping for 14 weeks. (That … Read more
Sharpening an axe or hatchet with a hand file. Part II. Notes and thoughts before we get started: I was taught to file at 90 degrees from the bit/blade of the axe. I will show you below a better and safer method. There are several methods of sharpening an axe – this one below is … Read more
1- Sharpening an axe or hatchet with a hand file. Simple enough – just file away till you get the axe sharp. But let’s take a more in-depth look and refine our technique with knowledge, skills, and practice. I will break this down into 2 Sit. Reps. First the history and foundation information. 2- Back … Read more
Bandanas only today: 1- I think that this is one of the most useful items to have on your person and in your backpack. I like 100% cotton, silk, or wool scarves. I avoid blended material because some of the synthetic blends may melt when heated. Scouts call them a neckerchief and wear the uniform … Read more
1- In this July heat I think about winter camping. It seems to me that it is easier to warm up than to cool down. Unless you are camping beside a body of water that you can go sit in till the heat & sweat are more under control. Winter camping also has fewer bugs … Read more
1- Batteries die even when fully charged because of 2 reasons. Extreme cold stops the chemical reaction from taking place that produces electricity. Or heat that corrodes the internal parts. On cold weather camping trips, keep your batteries in your tent overnight to keep them from freezing. During the day, place your batteries or … Read more
1- When we talked about disasters, I showed that your Scout Skills are extremely valuable in an emergency or in a disaster. How does a stranger know that you are a Scout? Your uniform. Your uniform speaks a million words for everyone to see. It speaks the Scout Law, Motto, & Slogan. All three at … Read more
1- The term Propagation means according to the dictionary is: to disseminate, spread, or circulate. In Ham Radio (and all other kinds of Radio transmission & reception) Propagation means the ways that the RF signal travels from the transmitter to receiver. Line-of-Sight, Ionosphere bounce, Moon bounce (called EME for Earth, Moon, Earth), Meteor Scatter, Ducting, … Read more
Back Packing Gear notes: See Sit. Rep. 43. Your backpack should not weigh any more than 25% of your body weight. Ex: 100 pound Scout, 25-pound pack. 1- NO COTTON, No cotton socks, underwear, jeans, T-shirt. It can take a pair of jeans 14-24 hours to dry if they get wet. NO Cotton blankets! 1B- … Read more