Anybody Want a Pair of Pants?


When I was about thirteen years old, I got to go on a Scout troop trip to Mt. Whitney. I was one of the younger ones and excited to go for a few days. We were going to hike up to a place called Peanut Lake. It was quite a hike. The mountain was right next to where the Scoutmaster’s brother lived in California. Our Scoutmaster was Bert Whitney and his brother that lived very near the trail head was Howard.
Ellice Henrie Whitney
One the way there I had ripped out the whole backside of my Scout pants. It was pretty bad. I had torn them out along the seam. When we got there, Howard’s wife Ellice said she would sew them up for me. We went to the back room, and she had me go into the closet and hand my pants out. This was alright, but a little embarrassing. I took my pants off and handed them to her with the door just barely ajar. I think that she thought that it was funny about how timid or embarrassed I felt. She took the pants to the sewing machine and was able to fix them quickly.
It was now time for her to give me back my pants. She said she would take them into the front room where everyone was, and I could have them there. She continued to tease me for a while, and then she let me have them. I thanked her for fixing them, but I wasn’t sure how I felt about her keeping them from me, even if for a little while.
We then headed up the trail to Peanut Lake. It was steep and difficult. I was carrying a large backpack, bedroll, canteen, Scout belt with knife, compass and other items that might be useful on the hike. I had brought way too much equipment and food. I remember I had a lot of canned goods, like Vienna sausages, fruit cocktail, canned beans; I was too loaded down.
Mt. Whitney in California
We started up the mountain, and with many stops and the reshuffling of the backpack, things began to be somewhat easier. The country below was beautiful, and the mountain was daunting, but I finally made it to Peanut Lake, and set up camp. I think I was the last one to make it up, but I had made it. I was later to be taller and larger, but at this point I was the smallest.
It was a great time camped out right there at the lake. The water was ice cold, but fun to jump into and swim a little. I think that everyone knew how to swim. We all lived next to Lake Mead and most spent some time at the lake. We were able to fish. I never caught one, but it was fun to be there anyway. One of the older Scouts and the Scoutmaster were the only ones that I remember catching any fish. We spent a few days there running around swimming and having a good time. We also worked on merit badges for camping, cooking, hiking, compass work, and others. We didn’t have the whole time to do whatever we wanted, but we had enough free time to enjoy the mountain.
I really didn’t take enough time to let those who were spending their free time with a bunch of unappreciative Scouts know how much they were appreciated. Sometimes I think that we all felt that they, along with all adults, owed their time, effort and attention to us. Not just the Scout leaders, but the whole group of adults that I knew gave so much to me and received so little in return. I think that often we do not show the proper appreciation to those who have gone on before us and made our lives easier. I think of all the things that are now available, even our phones are more than anyone could have imagined. Actually, flush toilets are one thing that I am especially grateful for. I thank now all those who have gone on before me and made my life easier and much more pleasant.

Comments

  1. I LOVED my Aunt Ellie!! she was always so fun, and full of pranks and jokes! How I miss her smile!

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