From: Joyce and Jerry Johnson (jjj39@IDT.NET)
Date: Tue Jun 27 2000 - 17:22:56 CDT
My walking staff is loaded only with memories!
Acquired on a Troop Hike in 1987 - this stick I stripped off
remaining bark - cut out a weak spot - carved an Eagle Head on top.
I whittled the dates of various hikes, (50 & 20 milers), Summer
Camps, Ordeal, Brotherhood & Vigil, name, troop logo and have placed
a few of the tin logos; Wood badge, etc.
My fondest memory can't be carved. A young scout was very tired. We
were on a switch back towards the end of a 20 miler. I had him hold
on to one end of the walking staff as I held the other and pulled him
along. It gave him a little boost. Just at the top of the trail,
where to the right was a wall of rock and to the left a healthy drop
into the valley, the young scout let go of my staff and then said,
"Thanks Mrs. J". My heart left me - but always I will remember the
smile on the young mans face. He was going to make the hike. The
little pull was all he needed. (Yell before you let go next
time!)(Please!)
I couldn't imagine having anything for survival attached to a staff.
I was born a klutz. I need my walking staff - and that more than
likely would the first thing I lost down a hillside. The staff is
great to push away foliage that is on the trail, help stir the ashes
in a camp fire, have a lean upon when going up a steep incline during
a two minute break, etc. I keep essentials attached to my person by
fanny pack.
I marvel at the imagination and inventions of modern man. Guess I am
too practical. Thanks for the smiles.
In Scouting,
Joyce Johnson
Chief Seattle Council
