The American Spectator

p> THE GRAND OUTDOORS br> Re: Bill Croke’s High Country Hikers : /p>

Bill Croke describes that the population of Cody, Wyoming, is changing as “Baby Boomers have started retiring, and are coming here in search of ‘recreational amenities.’” How sad it is that these people do not pursue these same types of outdoor activities in their own home areas, and contribute to those communities in the process, by volunteering as Scout Leaders. Mr. Croke notes that participation in the activities he describes include “No kids, as a rule, though they are welcome.” Kids can normally only be present when adults make the effort to schedule events when the kids are available, and take the time and effort to provide transportation and support for them. Scout Troops (and their overworked Scoutmasters) would gladly welcome experienced trail hikers to educate the youth in their organizations, and to lead them on a challenging outdoor event.

p>Even better would be for these outdoor enthusiasts to make a continuing commitment to participate in the operation of these units. Scouting teaches its youth members the concepts of character, participative citizenship, and physical and mental fitness. The method it uses to keep the Scouts interested while these concepts are being taught is by providing challenging outdoor activities. If we want to continue to have undeveloped natural wonders to experience, we need to have responsible individuals who can appreciate the need for them, and who will participate in the effort to preserve them. Scouting provides just these types of individuals to our communities, and our nation. br> — Harry E. Rimmer /p> p> I enjoyed Mr. Croke’s article on hiking Greater Yellowstone; I suppose I’m naive, but I would want to pack one more thing for any hiking in areas frequented by dangerous mammals, like wolves, mountain lions, and large bears: a short-barreled revolver, preferably in .44 magnum caliber or larger — just in case. Here in California, aging boomers who think of wild animals as simply “teddy bears and big kitties” have been seriously injured and in a few cases killed while indulging their fantasies that “nature is safer than Los Angeles.” The latter may be true in a larger sense, but for the typical greenie/liberal, most have no sense of the personal danger they might encounter on wilderness trails. In the city, predators may only want your money; in the wild, you may just be lunch. I understand that most National Parks do not allow firearms; but in many cases it might be prudent to carry one anyway — out of sight in a backpack. Incidentally, Cody is also home to one of the finest firearm museums I have ever seen — The Buffalo Bill Cody Museum. br> — Dave Repke /p>