Jackson County sentinel. (Gainesboro, Tenn.) 1914-current, 1922-08-03
HIKING DOWN THE
LONG BROWN PATH
vacationiSts With Shelter Tents
and Tin Cow Learning to
Walk All Over Again.

dust
That makes you feel your limbs are
growing older;
And it's not the hike on the hard turnpike
. That drives away your smile,
| Nor the socks of sisters that raise the
blooming blisters-
It's the last long mile
-Plattsburgh Marching Song
Stringlng out from the suburban
transit terminals of New York every
Sunday and holiday goes the army Of
khakl-clad mixers. There may be an
automobile for every twenty of the
country's population, but host OF
city folks disprove the theory Of
future leg-enfeeblsd citizenry and are
learning to walk all over again.
To the more casual minded, the hike
is just exercise, but to those whe
catch its real significance the hike
means great deal more. II Is the
cheapest form Of recreation and
therefore appeals to those living In
crowded districts and unable to avaii
themselves Of the more expensive
amusements. And these people, be
1t noted, are just those the country
is so anxious to have spread out and
settled In the farming sections. The
hike, indeed, has possibilities as q
real starter for the "back ii 'e farm
movement
poughboy and Boy Scout Ges1 Way
Just brief survey of the rollicking
groups which move off from the out
lying terminals on holidays estab-
fishes a few general types. There 10
the ex-service man and his friends
who will hear from him the story
Of more serious excursions on the
muddy roads of France. He tight
ems strap here and another there
on the blanket roll adjustment or the
shelter half" in which the commits
sary Is packed for the midday feast
by the roadside. Expert directions
come from him on the method Of
slinging the pack so It will not feei
so heavy or interfere with the fres
body movement. He will pass along
the information gained In his army
days, of how that same pack was
evolved after numerous experiments
to find the easiest way Of carrying
the heaviest load With results 10
now compliments, but which he char
acterized when doughboy az Q
"blankety-blank total failure"
Then there are the boy scout par
ties, adept at everything pertaining
to "shanks mare" travelling and wood
craft. The ex-service man and the
boy scout are pioneers in the hiking
game. Listen to one Of them right
eff the train and making ready for Q
twelve mile jaunt: Get that can
teen over to the side, Jimmie, and
1t won't keep bouncing off your leg
every step. Is It filled2 Well, then,
we drink. How about the eatsi Let's
check 'em off. You got the spuds,
Bill the bacon Jimmie. Who has the
coffee and the Borden tin cow3
fright here" announces a freckled
comrade Of the road, patting his KNAPP
sack. Switched the mocha and the
can Of milk when Sis wasn't looking"
swell, then, let's go" snaps the
commander of the expedition.
This party is travelling light for real
distance. Another must expect to
make a shorter hitch or else be count.
ng greatly on Its power Of endur-
ance. Perhaps the camp Is not far
,ff because the group is equipped for
IN overnight stay with heavy blanket
oils, matches, lanterns, canvas wa
erpails, rubber ponchos, kettles, pots.
lew tangled irestand, ETC., etc. The
blankets are laid out for a better
'acking Of the bags and cans of food.
When the party commences to load
Ip the members bristle all over with
amp tools and equipment.
Back to the Farm
The veteran from the crowded city
enement has found a new territory
D roam and one almost unknown to
Is associates. He is introducing them
0 this newly discovered land and
eaching them how to be Independents
any transportation but their own
God legs and Of any subsistence but
hat they can carry and prepare
Walk, and cook your own" Is his
lotto.
Who will say the leaven thus fer.
lenting In the city crowds win NOT
ear fruit in keener appreciation Of
'untry delights, especially as thess
re added to by increased conform
the farm. With his radio hitched
?, the farmer listens In on the best
ltertainment the country has to
fer Modern home devices wipe our
any hardships formerly impos
bon Isolated jewellers. There IL. IN
Tort, rapid cutting down of the
nerential between farm and city
'e.
In the meantime, knowledge :sau
ecede true appreciation Of what
e country holds. and this Is what
e hike supplies. There is more ap-,>
al in one apple tree in blossom than