You may have seen this week's article about the hiker who survived after being lost for ten days in Big Basin Redwood State Park in California. During a hike that should have taken three hours, the hiker stated that he became disoriented because the trail area was damaged due to a previous wildfire. With very little on his person (a multi-tool and a flashlight) the hiker said that he foraged for wild berries and drank a gallon of water each day. How did he get this water? Well, he took it from waterfalls and drank it from his boot. This means that he went on a hike, through canyons, in the heat of June, with NO water bottle or canteen. Also, with no rain gear or jacket, he slept on wet leaves at night. It is fortunate that he was spotted by a drone and subsequently found by rescuers.
We practice hiking with our Ten Essentials: Pocket knife, First Aid kit, extra clothing, rain gear, water storage, flashlight/headlamp, trail food, matches/fire starter, sun protection, and map and compass. Imagine what a difference these items would have made for this lost hiker. Yet, we sometimes see those among us that either forget to bring a day bag to carry Ten Essentials or choose to forgo the bag and opt to strike out with just a water bottle. Note that we are going to summer camp this week, and you will see some walking back and forth to classes and areas with no water bottle at all.
Ten Essentials are just that. They provide capability during contingencies and emergencies. Be Prepared!
Monday, June 24, 2024
Monday, June 17, 2024
Scoutmaster Minute -- 18 June 2024
On September 7, 2018 news agencies around the world reported the story of an emergency that took place in space. The Soyuz MS-09 spacecraft, which was docked to the International Space Station, was losing cabin pressure at an alarming rate. Since it was connected to the ISS, this meant that its air was leaking into space as well. Once NASA informed the combined crews of the situation, they scrambled through the Soyuz spacecraft to locate the leak.
One of the astronauts was Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency. He discovered the source of the leak – a two-millimeter-wide hole. At first the crew believed a small meteorite or a piece of space junk had struck the spacecraft. Further investigation, however, has concluded that the hole originated on Earth – either during the spacecraft's manufacture or set up.
But how does one deal with a hole that is allowing life-giving oxygen to escape into space? Does he or she cite protocol or turn to "battle drills" as specified in a manual? Does he or she wait for guidance from the ground-based mission control? Does he or she look for the technical expert on spacecraft-leaks or, conversely, dump the problem on the junior member of the crew?
Well, since Gerst was the "first responder," he found his own solution. He placed the pinky finger of his left hand over the hole – and held it there. Of course, NASA experts on the ground grumbled, "I don't think that's the best remedy for it." But that's the remedy Gerst used – until the other astronauts found some "industrial space tape" to plug the hole. The story is reminiscent of the folklore about the little Dutch boy who saved the day by plugging a leaking dike with his finger. That of course was not "the best remedy," but it was only one available.
Sometimes perfection can be the enemy of good enough and sometimes the perfect solution is not the timeliest. It is during these times we must apply our best judgement and act.
On my honor, I will do my best.
One of the astronauts was Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency. He discovered the source of the leak – a two-millimeter-wide hole. At first the crew believed a small meteorite or a piece of space junk had struck the spacecraft. Further investigation, however, has concluded that the hole originated on Earth – either during the spacecraft's manufacture or set up.
But how does one deal with a hole that is allowing life-giving oxygen to escape into space? Does he or she cite protocol or turn to "battle drills" as specified in a manual? Does he or she wait for guidance from the ground-based mission control? Does he or she look for the technical expert on spacecraft-leaks or, conversely, dump the problem on the junior member of the crew?
Well, since Gerst was the "first responder," he found his own solution. He placed the pinky finger of his left hand over the hole – and held it there. Of course, NASA experts on the ground grumbled, "I don't think that's the best remedy for it." But that's the remedy Gerst used – until the other astronauts found some "industrial space tape" to plug the hole. The story is reminiscent of the folklore about the little Dutch boy who saved the day by plugging a leaking dike with his finger. That of course was not "the best remedy," but it was only one available.
Sometimes perfection can be the enemy of good enough and sometimes the perfect solution is not the timeliest. It is during these times we must apply our best judgement and act.
On my honor, I will do my best.
Monday, June 10, 2024
Scoutmaster Minute, 11 June 2024
This week, I am back in school. Albeit just for a week, the eight-hour-a-days being chained to the computer to listen to audio lectures remind me of how draining it is to sit in class all day, particularly when it is nice outside. How I want to play hooky and do things outside instead. For you, class is out for the summer. This is a great time to take full advantage of the sun and the warm weather. It is a time to soak up some Vitamin D, get some exercise, and either practice an existing or learn a new outdoor hobby. Yet, some will waste the summer break by sitting behind a screen and playing computer games. I can assure you that no matter the resolution of your graphics, no screen will provide the detail and beauty of the real world. Go out and enjoy what God has given us.
I will keep myself physically strong.
I will keep myself physically strong.
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