Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1922-08-03
HIKING DOWN THE
LONG BROWN PATH
facationlSts With Shelter Tents
and Tin Cow Learning to
Walk All Over Again.

oh! It's not the pack that you carry on
Nor the rifle on your shoulder,
Nor the five inch crust OF khaki-colored
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 o. sisters that sraise the
blooming blisters-
IT'S the last long mile.
--Plattshurgh Marching Song
Stringing out from the suburban
transit terminals of New York every
Sunday and holiday goes the army of
khaki-clad mixers There may be an
automobile for every twenty Of the
country's population, but a host of
city folks disprove the theory of
future leg-enfeebled citizenry and are
learning TO walk all over again.
To the more casual minded, the hike
As just exercise, but to those who
catch its real significance the hike
means 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
omusements. 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
real starter for the back to the farm
movement.
Doughboy and Boy Scout Lead 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 is
the ex-seryice man and his friends
who will hear from him the story
of more serious excursions on the
muddy roads of France He tight
ems n 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
singing the pack SO it will not feel
so heavy or interfere with the free
body movement He will pass along
he information, gained in his army
days, OF how that same pack was
to find the easiest way Of carrying
the heaviest load With results he
now compliments. but which he char
acterized when doughboy as
Neutrality-suspicious. total failure"
Then there are the boy scout par
ties. adept at everything pertaining
20 "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
off the train and making ready for a
twelve mile jaunt: Get that can
teen over to the side, Jimmie, and
1t won't keep bouncing off your leg
every step. Is II filled? 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 cow"
Right 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"
We'll, then, let's go!" SOAPS 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
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, hatchets, lanterns, canvas wa
terpails, rubber ponchos, kettles, pots,
new tangled frestand. etc, etc. The
blankets are laid out for a 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
tenements has found a new territory
TO roam and one almost unknown to
his associates. He is introducing them
10 TINS newly ulStoN tttu idhN "AAN
teaching them how to be independent
Of any transportation but their own
good legs and of any subsistence but
what they can carry and prepare
walk, and cook your own" is his
motto.
Who win say the leaven thus fer
mentlng in the city crowds VIII not
bear fruit in keener appreciation OF
country delights, especially as these
are added to by increased comforts
on the farm. With his radio hitched
up. the farmer listens in on the best
entertainment the country has TO
offer. Modern home devices wipe ont
many hardships formerly imposed
upon isolated dwellers. There Is, IN
short rapid cutting down Of the
dlfferential between farm and city
life
In the meantime, knowledge must
precede a true appreciation Of what
the country holds, and this is what
the hike supplies There is more APP
peal in one apple tree in blossom than
in resms of printed matter put out to
tuduce the citizen of the city 10