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HIKES
Now away we go toward the topmost mountains. Many still, small voices, as well as the noon thunder, are calling, "Come higher!"
—John Muir
Daytime
The daytime hike gives the camper an opportunity to see something of the surrounding country, and to have the experience of following paths and trails, of climbing and coming into touch with the deep woods, and all of their beauties. Also the necessary routine and rules of an organized camp would prove unbearable to the all-summer hiker if she did not get away from them once in a while. The very purpose of the camp would be thwarted. All children are not so constituted or trained that they can go off and sleep in the woods even for one night, but they should be encouraged to take hikes varying in length from five to twenty miles according to the child's ability to endure.
The daytime hikers should leave camp by ten o'clock, each one properly shod and clothed and for convenience carrying her own luncheon either in a knapsack or in a little, well-wrapped parcel. She should have her individual drinking cup, and if the hike is to include a swim in some far-off lake, a bathing suit and bath towel should be taken. There should be an objective for these daytime hikes and the paths and roads should be well known by some member of the party. Two hours is none too long a time for the noon rest and luncheon and the return trip should be planned to bring the campers into camp before supper. It is never wise to start out with a group of girls who cannot keep about the same pace. Nothing is more fatiguing than exerting oneself to keep up to a pace or on the other hand to slacken one's pace for the accommodation of the lagger. There should always be one person in charge of the entire group and she should have as many assistants as the size of the group requires. One counsellor to every ten girls is none too many for a daytime hike. Under no circumstances, even though there were but six girls, should one counsellor assume the entire responsibility for a week-end or overnight hike. There should always be at least two older people. The great opportunity for studying Nature should be taken advantage of and if possible a nature study teacher should accompany the girls. All hikers on return to camp should be examined, and any blisters, bruises, cuts or strains should be reported and properly attended to. There have been cases where from neglect, a blister on the foot has become infected, causing serious trouble.
Girl Scouts when hiking along highways should walk in single file on the left hand side of the way, thus giving them an opportunity to see approaching vehicles.
There are many interesting signs that can be made by Scouts when hiking, to mark the trail or note conditions observed. These signs and their uses are given in the Girl Scout Handbook and should be learned and put into practice. The use of them develops the powers of observation and makes for alertness.
Week-End Hike
No child should be permitted to start out on a week-end hike unless her physical condition is such as to withstand any unexpected weather conditions which might arise or prolonged exposure in the open. Also she should be properly clothed; preferably in thin woolen clothes, wearing as little as possible, yet being comfortable. Her shoes should be stout, low-heeled and round-toed. She should take with her a sweater, extra underwear, stockings, nightclothes, toilet articles, and blankets.
Only sufficient food should be taken to last during the time planned for. This food should be packed in small bags, preferably waterproof. Two and a quarter pounds for one day's rations is sufficient. Cereal in some form, many prefer flour in order to make bread, a fat—such as bacon or butter—rice, for bulk, something to drink, cocoa or tea, a sweet, preferably chocolate, a small amount of sugar and raisins are suggested. Eggs can be added to the above; also salt, baking powder, evaporated milk and dried egg.
Never start for a week-end hike late in the afternoon. Plan to make camp not later in the day than five o'clock. At once build the campfire and start to prepare the supper. Select suitable places on the ground for sleeping. Make sure that the ground is dry, and if possible spread a poncho under the blankets. A hole dug so that the body will fit into it and touch the ground at every point makes sleeping more comfortable. Keep the campfire burning all night, different members of the party, two at a time, being on guard. Do not have the fire too large. One of the signs of a tenderfoot woodsman is a big fire for cooking or the night watch. Not only are they dangerous, but when using them for cooking the cook as well as the food is apt to be burned. Before building the fire, scrape all leaves and dried grass from the ground, leaving a foundation of bare earth. Make sure that every vestige of fire is out upon breaking camp. Also that no evidences of a camp save the matted grass are left behind.
In carrying a pack, place the load high on the back and move the body forward to keep the center of gravity.
Overnight Hike
. . . And when the airs is warming, it's then yourself and me should be pacing . . . in the dews of night, the times sweet smells do be rising, and you'd see a little shiny new moon, may be, sinking on the hills.
—J. M. Synge
The overnight hike is more of a lark than the week-end hike. Its principal features are sleeping in the open and cooking one's food in the most primitive manner. The same requirements as for week-end hikes should obtain as to the number of counsellors and the child's physical condition. Also she should be properly clothed for the trip as to shoes, stockings, underclothes, and so forth. The necessary equipment for an overnight hike such as nightclothes, toilet articles, etc., can be neatly laid in a blanket and the blanket rolled from end to end. It should be tied in the center, about four inches from either end and between the ends and the center with a stout string. Bring the ends together side by side and tie tightly. Throw the blanket over the head, the ends under one arm, the center of the blanket on the opposite shoulder.
The hiker can take more food than is strictly necessary, for as a general thing she walks only a short distance and can thus carry a quite heavy pack. The trip should be so planned that the hikers reach their destination by five o'clock in the afternoon. The following day can be spent in exploring the surrounding country, finding as many points of interest as possible, studying the trees, the flowers, the birds, and following up any trails, paths or streams which look interesting. The day should be so planned that the return to the main camp will be accomplished in the late afternoon or early evening.
First Aides. Several Kinds of Bandages
Camp Fires
There are various kinds of camp fires that can be made and experimented with while off on a hike. The log cabin fire, in which two sticks are laid parallel to each other about nine inches apart, two more laid in the opposite direction on top of the ends of the first two sticks, the square made about three sticks high. In the center of this is laid a small fire of dried leaves and small dried twigs. When the fire is well started larger twigs should be slowly added until there is a bed of coals on which can be put short sticks of wood. The cooking utensils can be stood on the log cabin foundation if it has been made of wood sufficiently large to withstand the heat of the fire, or they can stand on a grating placed over the fire. Never cook over a blaze. Wait until there is a bed of coals.
Another way of building a campfire is to select two large green logs; place them near together at one end, the other ends 18 inches or more apart and facing the wind. Build the fire in between the logs. Smooth off the top of the logs with an axe to form a support for the cooking utensils.
Where large stones are available make a fireplace by putting two stones about ten or twelve inches apart at right angles to a large back stone, or place three stones to form a hollow square, building the fire in the center. Cooking utensils can be stood on a stone placed over the top of the fireplace or on a grating placed across the top, or rested on two iron bars laid on top of the fireplace.
Another fire can be built by placing three medium sized sticks in the shape of an Indian tepee or wigwam. The sticks must be of about the same size and placed so carefully that they will not fall into the fire which is built underneath them. When the dried leaves and twigs have started to burn well, add a little wood of a larger size, thus gradually building up the fire. Over the fire three larger sticks can be placed—those which are three or four feet in length—brought to a point, fastened with rope and a kettle hung over the fire from the center.
One of the best woods to use is scrub oak which is distributed quite widely over the United States. It burns slowly and gives out an even heat.
Another fire, especially useful in the case of high wind, is built in a trench, one end of which is deeper than the other, also wider. Start the fire with dried leaves, twigs, etc., gradually adding larger wood, finally using logs placed lengthwise in the trench. This type can be used very effectively for burning garbage, particularly if the garbage is placed in the trench and the fire built on top of it.
To "Keep the Home Fires Burning," Keep the Wood Pile High
Another type of fire which can be used for warmth even better than for cooking is built in front of three large logs placed one on top of another in slightly slanting formation. The logs serve to reflect the heat.
A few suggestions may be helpful to the young camper. Before lighting your fire have at hand all of the necessary material, dried leaves, tiny dry twigs, twigs of a larger size, small sticks, and finally your heavy fuel. Do not smother the fire by starting with too much material and do not put it out by putting on too much wood at one time. The object is to have a bed of hot coals over which you can do the necessary cooking without either smoking the cooking utensils, burning the food, or burning oneself, or being choked with smoke.
There are various cooking utensils and appliances made especially for campers which are both interesting to use and most serviceable. One is the grate with folding legs which can be stuck into the ground, the grate placed over the fire. Another is the reflector oven made of tin with a shelf holding a pan, the whole to be set in front of the fire, and can be used for baking bread, apple cake, etc.
The greatest test for the camper is the building of a fire in rainy weather when leaves and twigs and wood are far from dry. It can be done and the greatest joy derived in the doing. Choose an old log which is not water-soaked. Split it with an axe; split one-half of it again. With a sharp knife make a little pile of shavings whittled from the heart of the log. Put them in the center of the log cabin formation. Light them from underneath (which is the way all fires should be lighted), and coax the blaze by adding dry shavings as required until there is sufficient blaze to light the small wood which has been collected. This fire takes patience and perseverance.
It is sometimes possible in very wet weather to pick up small wood that has been protected from the rain; also to break off the dead wood of trees or the small twigs on the ends of the limbs to start a fire.
Under no circumstances should a camper use artificial tinder of any kind. No paper, excelsior or oil should be used in building a campfire, and a Scout should need only one match.
Always build a fire where the wind will blow the smoke away from the camp, and never fail to build it on the bare ground where there will be no possibility of its creeping through the grass or underbrush into the woods.
After a meal when necessary to burn garbage, do not throw a quantity right on top of the fire to smoulder and cause a disagreeable odor. Rather sprinkle it around the edges that it may dry before being shoveled onto the coals. When necessary to burn papers, be careful that a burning paper does not blow into nearby brush or woods.
The questions of fires and provisions for hiking are treated at length in the Girl Scout Handbook.
A Deschutes River Fishing Trip in the Deep Forests of the Cascade Range North Western Washington
We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us. Our flesh-and-bone tabernacle teems transparent as glass to the beauty about us, as if truly an inseparable part of it, thrilling with the air and trees, streams and rocks, in the waves of the sun—a part of all nature, neither old nor young, sick nor well, but immortal.
—John Muir
There were ten of us—our chaperones, a man and his wife; a good all-round camp man, capable of instructing in camp life, fishing and wood knowledge of all kinds; our Captain and four Girl Scouts.
We left Tacoma at seven A. M. by automobile, driving three hours to the foot of Huckleberry Mountain from which point we were to hike to camp. Here we were met by a native of the parts who was to carry a pack, as we had not enough men to manage supplies. Pack ponies are out of the question, for the trail leads for six miles over fallen trees and through dense growth. After half an hour, our packs and bed rolls adjusted, we started off at a good even pace for the river.
For one mile hiking was comparatively easy. Then we had to cross the river over a fallen tree. The girls could not do this and carry their packs, so the men made several trips after which we all crossed. The time taken in crossing the river was equivalent to, a good rest, so as soon as the last member of our party was over, we readjusted our packs and started on our way.
The trail now led through a dense fir forest with its scattering spruce and hemlock. For a mile it led along the high bank of the Deschutes River where we could look far down into myriads of jade-colored pools; then for a mile into the very heart of the woods among masses of glassy, dark-green ferns, and clumps of feathery, tossing maiden-hair; through Oregon grape, bright arsenic green and brilliant red. Here and there we came to a fairy-like dell, carpeted with red and green moss, starred with hundreds of flat five-petalled white blossoms. At the far corner of this nook, more unprotected where the sun shone, was a clump of the blue and white butterfly blossoms of the Mountain Lupine. In one of these dells we stopped for our luncheon. It was just past that silent hour of the woods and we could hear twigs snapping under the feet of moving animals. Birds were singing and it was the one time of day when there is a perfume in the dense woods such as we were in; a drugged perfume of sweet clover, the flowered mosses and scattered Lupine. Before leaving we each ate an orange we had been told to bring, as mountain water taken on a hike winds one too quickly. During the hike we could chew dried prunes at any time, but absolutely no water could we have until we reached camp.
The trail then led back to the river bank and along it over fallen logs and among trees deeply laden with hanging silver grey moss. This lasted for two miles, until the river split, forming a small island easily reached by stepping stones, where camp was made.
The very first thing done was to teach the girls how to make beds, which we did, while the men cut hemlock boughs; our extra man remaining long enough for that. The second thing was to pick out places for our beds and as soon as there were enough boughs we placed our bags, already made, upon them. The men then gathered enough wood for that night and the following morning. Pitch torches were made and stacked where we could get them. While they were busy with this heavy work that had to be accomplished before night the girls gathered rocks for the oven, and dug a hole for the cache. This hole was lined with one of the small tarpaulins, all food placed in it, tarpaulin drawn over, and slabs of bark then placed over the hole. This protected food, both from weather and animals. A shelf was made on the side of one of the trees on which the baking powder tins were placed with salt, sugar, part of flour, such things as coffee, jam, milk, etc., that were already in tins were also kept on this shelf.
Around the Campfire
This work was completed by five-thirty, the cook oven constructed and second fire made around which the beds were placed. Dinner over, we turned in early, being exhausted, in spite of the good condition we were all supposed to be in for the trip. We slept in our clothes with cap and bed socks for extra warmth and comfort. The two men did not sit up all night, but took turns keeping up the fire as it needed attention. The only animals are deer and cougar, the former harmless, while the latter seldom come near camp except when it is deserted. They cause little trouble in the woods, as we never go alone, but always in couples. They will track a single person, but never two.
Morning routine commenced with a dip in the river and change of clothes. As we wear our breeches when out fishing and our skirts in camp, no extra heavy wearing apparel need be carried. Immediately after breakfast the beds are always taken apart, blankets folded and placed on second small tarpaulin in lean-to which had been constructed from large slabs of bark against a tree. This lean-to kept bedding protected from the atmosphere and animals, as well as serving a second purpose of camp orderliness and neatness. A second lean-to was made for wood, bark and pitch torches. The first morning it was necessary to complete camp construction before the fun commenced. Shelves were made on the river bank for toilet articles, nails placed for towels, etc., and saplings formed as a screen for fear of a chance fisherman or game protector passing by. On the other side of the island a place was made for washing dishes.
Camp made, we were free to go fishing. So taking a can of unsalted salmon eggs in our pockets, our rods, and a v-shaped twig to carry our fish on, we were off until lunch.
We all assist in making and cleaning up after this meal. Then an hour of rest is followed by fishing, learning woodcraft methods of various kinds, or anything that we may choose to do. Dinner was prepared while there was still daylight, and then the best part of camp life began—telling stories around the fire, studying the stars and singing to the accompaniment of mandolin and ukulele, always carried on a trip of this kind.
The large tarpaulins brought are for emergency only, in case of a thunderstorm. Such occurring we gather all our beds together into one row and the tarpaulin is placed over them, under which we lie until the storm is over. By crawling out carefully we can gather up tarpaulin and shake it out away from our bedding and thus we can keep dry without the shelter of cabin, tent or lean-to.
This is a general routine of a short roughing trip in the deep mountain forests of North Western Washington.
The only addition necessary for the ordinary Girl Scout equipment for a week-end hike is fishing rods and tackle.
Girl Scout "Hayseeds" and the Stack They Made