Bigfoot Seen in Foothills

Posted on 6 June, 2013 by Heyjt

If there is any question in your mind about the legitimacy of Bigfoot, hopefully this story will help you become a believer.

One summer back in 1973, my buddies and I went to see a Saturday matinee: The Legend of Boggy Creek. We were about 12 years old and full of anticipation of seeing the Bigfoot monster. When the creature finally appeared and put its arm through the window of a single-wide, all of us screamed, almost as loud as the cry from the creature. Nevertheless, the creepy images and unnatural sounds from the cheesy documentary kept my imagination alive for a long time.

I was constantly aware of shadows and sounds in the night that could be Bigfoot. A few years later, I was on a backpack with the Boy Scouts. All of us Scouts swore we heard the eerie cry of something big, dark and abnormal. One boy claimed he saw a shadow of what he described as Continue reading →

Is Less Better?

Posted on 29 May, 2013 by Heyjt

Proper planning helps avoid heavy loads

When I first started as an Assistance Scout Master (ASM) with our Troop, there wasn’t a strong emphasis on backpacking. Backpacking was one of many events the boys participated in; some Scouts embraced backpacking while others dreaded it.

Not that there wasn’t an interest in backpacking, there simply was not an emphasis on decentralized, self-sufficient camping.

Recently, however, a few enthusiastic leaders among the Troop surfaced which has seemed to kick-start the backpacking program into a higher gear.

In the last few months, over 25 Boy Scouts have gone on at least one of the backpack trips I’ve led and show interest of going again. Out of the 25 boys, at least half of the group want to explore ways to reduce their pack base weight Continue reading →

Avoid The Crowd — Go Stealth

Posted on 28 May, 2013 by Heyjt

One of my “stealth camps”

Fortunately, I live 5 minutes from mountain trails that lead hikers from desert-like chaparral to cool, riparian canyons, streams, rich wildlife and… lots of people. Hey, it’s LA after all

The farther I hike into the hills, the thinner the crowds. Most of the local backpacking camps are about 3 miles in from the trailhead. By Friday night, most camps are full; on Saturdays, finding an actual campsite (picnic table, fire ring and tidy, tent-size dirt lot), is nearly impossible, especially during warmer months.

One way I beat the crowds, tent cities

Continue reading →

How To Make a Freezer Bag Cozy

Posted on 27 May, 2013 by Heyjt

Step-by-step video on how to make a cozy

If you are an ultralight backpacker, you probably already know the benefits of freezer bag cooking. For those looking for ways to save weight and simplify your back country meals, you may want to consider freezer bag cooking and making your own freezer bag cozy.

In this video, I show you step-by-step instructions on how to Continue reading →

Mt. Zion Loop Backpack — 11 Miles

Posted on 12 May, 2013 by Heyjt

May 10-11, 2013

Ten Scouts from Troop 4 pose before completing the Mt. Zion Loop. Click here for all images.

Within minutes after my trailhead briefing, the boys were on their way down the trail. Out of the ten Scouts, the average base weight weighed in at 14 pounds, with some tipping 18 lbs and one a little over 10 lbs. It’s satisfying to watch boys hike unencumbered by heavy packs, practically jogging up the trail. From my experience in lightweight backpacking with Scouts, Continue reading →

Teaching Boys To Fish

Posted on 8 May, 2013 by Heyjt

Evan, a Scout, volunteered to be the Grub Master. He did extremely well and should be proud.

One of the more tedious jobs of preparing for a group backpack trip of 16 is meal planning and preparation. It takes a lot of thought, planning and staging to prepare for even a weekend.

Due to time, Amber and I usually do all the work. This time, I asked for a volunteer and one of our scouts raised his hand. Continue reading →

Shakedown and Cozy Building

Posted on 8 May, 2013 by Heyjt

Here I am explaining to the Scouts and parents the advantages of freezer bag cooking and cozy

We had a full house of scouts and parents as we picked through each pack to help determine what gear is best for the upcoming backpack trip. I tell each Scout that I only make suggestions and leave it up to them to decide to take my advice or not.

I was proud to see that no scout showed up with more than 16 pounds of base weight. Granted, no shelters were handed out as of tonight, but weather permitting, we plan on bringing a few tarps and calling them “home” and “shelter.” Continue reading →

Summiting Mt. Wilson with Scouts — April 12-14, 2013

Posted on 15 April, 2013 by Heyjt

Chantry to Eaton Canyon via Mt. Wilson

Assigning the Pace Setter, Navigator and Sweep. Click here for all photos.

All us backpackers met at Chantry Flats and did last shakedown in the parking lot. I handed out crew gear and had the four scouts decided themselves Continue reading →