Boy Scout Troop 325 Scoutmaster Minute
March 31, 2009
Andy Duprey, Scoutmaster
How many of you have heard me "nag" you on a hike-saying "don't run down hill. We have first aid kits, but when you fall and we have to irrigate the road rash you get, you will not be happy"?
Well. Yesterday I went hiking at Mission Peak. A five and a half mile hike, which included a 2100 foot change in elevation. My son and I got to the top in about and hour and a half, walking at about one and a half miles an hour. The views were gorgeous. You could see Mt. Diablo, Mt Umunum, San Francisco, The Marin Headlands and the entire Santa Clara valley, as the winds had scoured the air clear.
On the way down, we began jogging the flat sections, to make up some time. Then I began jogging on the flatter sections to catch up, then decided to go ahead and run down a steep portion.
You can guess what came next.
My right foot hit some loose pebbles and slid out from under me. My right knee hit first, then my chest, then my face. I skidded for about three feet, winding up with my face planted in the grass at the side of the trail with AJ (after he made sure I was ok) laughing hysterically.
I must admit that I am glad that he did not have a camera and that no pictures exist.
I made two mistakes. First, I assumed that I was in control and could stop my downward plunge when I wanted too, and, second that I was more surefooted than I am. I walked away with a torn pair of hiking pants and a good chunk of skin off my knee and calf.
However, that tumble could easily have broken my knee, wrist, rib or cheek bone.
So the lesson I learned is to be aware of my limitations and not let my pride lead me to a fall
Thank you and good night scouts.