The Hope pioneer., 1922-09-14
HIKING DOWN THE
LONG BROWN PATH
vaoationists With Shelter Tents
and Tin Cow Learning to
Walk All Over Again.

and Tin Cow Learning to
Walk All Over Again.
OH 1t,s you9 not It'll. the pack that you carry on
Nh Nor ~ the . rine on on your shoulder.
That makes you feel your limbs are
And .Gwns not shs slSfF S;f: on tn. hard turnpk.
Nor the socks Of sisters that raise the
IT.. estSSomiinE sSs Ing S1istersM Iant n,,;.
-PlattshurHh Marching Song.
Stringing out from the suburban
transit terminals Of New York every
Sunday and holiday goes the army Of
khaki-clad hikers. There may be an
automobile for every twenty of the
country's population, but host Of
city folks disprove the theory of a
future leg-enfeebled citizenry and are
learning to walk all over again.
To the more casual minded, the hike
Is Just exercise, but to those who
catch its real significance the hike
means a great deal more. 1t is the
cheapest form Of recreation and
therefore appeals to those living in
crowded districts and unable to avail
themselves Of the more expensive
emusements. And these people, be
1t noted, are Just those the country
10 90 anxious to have spread. out and
settled in the farming sections The
hike, indeed, has possibilities as a
real starter for the "back to the farm"
movement.
Deuohboy and Boy eceut Lead Way
Just q brief survey Of the rollicking
groups which move off from the out
lying terminals on holidays estab-
lishes few general types. There is
the sx-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 IL packed for the midday feast
by the roadside. Expert directions
come from him on the method Of
singing the pack 80 1t will not feel
20 heavy or interfere with the free
body movement. He will pass along
the information gained in his army
days. Of how that same pack was
evolved after numerous experiments
to fnd the easiest way Of carrying
the heaviest load. With results he
now compliments, but which he char
acterized when a doughboy as 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
Of 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 of your leg
every step. Is 1t filed? Well, then.
we drink. How about the eats? Let's
check 'em off. You got the spuds,
Bill; the bacon Jimmie. Who has the
coffee and the Borden tin cowf"
Fright here" announces freckled
comrade of the road, patting his KNAPP
sack. "Snitched the mocha and the
can Of milk when Sis wasn't looking"
"well. then, let's go" snaps tho
commander Of the expedition.
This party is travelling light for real
distance. Another must expect to
make 4 shorter hitch or else be count
ing greatly on its power Of endur-
ance. Perhaps the camp is not far
off because the group is equipped for
an overnight stay with heavy blanket
rolls, matches, lanterns, canvas wa
terpails, rubber ponchos, kettles. pots,
new tangled hrestand, ETC.. etc. The
blankets are laid out for better
packing Of the bags and cans Of food.
When the party commences to load
up the members bristle all over with
camp tools and equipment.
Back to the Farm
The veteran from the crowded city
tenement has found new territory
to roam and one almost unknown to
his associates. He is introducing them
to this newly discovered land and
teaching them how to be Independent
Of any transportation but their own
good legs and of any subsistence but