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| EXP 617-R |
The entire crew came together on Memorial Day weekend for a hike and training at Chewacla State Park. We started with a brief map and compass class. Crew Leader Davis explained magnetic declination, the difference between true north and magnetic north. The variation in Auburn is 3 degrees 51 minutes west but at Philmont the difference is 8 degrees 21 minutes east. Thus knowing the figures and being able to correctly orient the map is critical. It was noted that as an added benefit, a map and compass do not require batteries.
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| Map training |
With Cameron in the lead, setting the pace, we began another hike that took us around the back side of the park next to the quarry fence line. We stopped for lunch at the two mile mark and also trained in the use of our new gravity water filter. The system filtered about four liters of creek water while we ate our lunch.
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| Lunch by the creek. |
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| The gravity filter at work. |
After lunch we continued along to the dam then circled back around for another loop of the same area. By the time we returned to our starting point, we had covered 5.57 miles at an average speed of 2.6 mph. Looks like the entire crew is in good shape. More photos are available
here.
After a CPR class on Tuesday, we will return to Chewacla on Wednesday for another hike. Next weekend will involve a bigger test as we backpack on the Pinhoti Trail over three days and two nights.
