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The Fifty-Miler
No Good Scoutmaster Goes Unpunished
Story and Photos by Harvey Hughett
If you know anything about Boy Scouts, you’ve probably heard of the infamous “fifty-miler” award for which each participant receives a colorful commemorative patch. These verify that one has hiked or floated at least fifty miles on a single trip.
Our troop had completed rafting the Main Salmon River (one hundred-plus miles) and hiking into the Selway Crags (fifty-plus miles). These are always memorable events and, as scoutmaster, I’ve only had to seek medical treatment a few times as a result of various fifty-milers. Of course, fifty-milers often take place in remote areas and medical treatment is not always available. If lucky, the scoutmaster is able to coerce a doctor or medic into taking the trips. Once a psychologist accompanied us. He came in handy, although he vowed never to go with us again.
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One Response to The Fifty-Miler
Shelley Madeley -
at
Hi, Harvey. I am so sorry I missed your talk at Lynn’s store in Trinity. Appalachian people and culture and environment hold a special place in my heart and my brain. I am reading Musing Appalachia, but I wish so much I could have met you and heard your talk. I hope you can come back soon. I am so proud that I walked The Trail, only lasted 3 weeks, but still!! Hope to meet you some day.