Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1922-08-16
HIKING DOWN THE
LONG BROWN PATH
vacatiOnists With Shelter Tents
and Tin Cow Learning to
Walk An Over Again.

OH It's not the pack that you carry on
Nor. the. ride on your shoulder,
Nor the i've inch crust 4 khaki colored
dust
That makes you Zee. your limbs are
And it's not the hike ~ the hard turnpike
Nor the socks Of sif srs that raise the
blooming blister
It's the last long mile.
-Plattsburgh 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 host OF
city folks dlsprove 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 II Is the
cheapest form Of recreation and
therefore appeals to those living In
crowded districts and unable 10 avail
themselves OF the more expensive
amusements. And these people. be
Il noted. are just those the country
Is so anxious 10 have spread out and
settled in the farming sections. The
hike. indeed. has possibilities as a
real starter for the back 10 the farm
movement.
Douohboy and Boy Scout Lead Way
Just a brief survey Of the rollicklng
groups which move on from the out
lying terminals on holidays estab-
fishes a few general types. There Is
the ex-service man and his friends
who will hear from him the story
OK 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
singing the pack so II VIII not feel
50 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
20 find the easiest way OF carrying
the heaviest load. With results he
now compliments. but which he char
acterlzed when a doughbOy as q
''blankety-blank total failure"
Then there are the boy scout par
ties. adept az everything pertaining
10 "shanks mare" travelling and wood
craft. The ex-servlce man and the
boy scout are pioneers In the hiking
game Listen to one Of them right
OF the train and making ready for a
twelve mile jaunt: sect that can
teen over 10 the side. Jimmie, and
II won't keep bouncing of your leg
every step. Is IL filed? Well, then,
we drink How about the eatsf Let's
check 'em OF. 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. pattlng his KNAPP
sack. Switched tile mocha and the
can OF milk when Sis wasn't looking"
"well. then, let's gol" snaps the
commander 81 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
OF because the group is equipped for
an overnight stay with heavy blanket
rolls. hatchets, lanterns, canvas wa
terpails. rubber ponchos, kettles, pots.
new tangled firestand, 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 brlstle all over with
camp tools and equipment.
Back to the Farm
The veteran from the crowded city
tenements has found a new territory
20 roam and one almost unknown 70
his associates. He Is introducing them
10 this newly discovered land and
teaching them how 10 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 win not
bear fruit in a keener appreciation Of
country delights. especially as these
are added 10 by Increased comforts
On the farm. With his radio hitched
IN. the farmer listens In on the best
entertainment the country has 10
49,. t,.,.. das-fnau xUfu.s ouf