The Voice of Experience (September 2024)

Cleaning Your Gear

I know. You meant to scrub and scour your gear after last campout. But … (insert your excuse
here). Now, set aside one weekend afternoon to get your gear back into action and promise to be
better next time.

TENT
Cleaning
 Pitch your tent in a well-vented spot. Shake it upside-down to dislodge dirt and debris, then
vacuum or sweep the interior. If it’s dirty, hose off the exterior with cold water. Wipe down
with a towel and let it dry thoroughly. Never store a wet tent.
 Brush away mildew by adding a half cup of bleach to one gallon of hot water (1/32
solution), followed by multiple rinses of hot water mixed with small doses of lemon juice
and salt. For serious funk, you need to deodorize in a tub with special chemical. (McNett’s
Mirazyme. Check mcnett.com)
 Scrub off sticky pine sap with a sponge soaked in mineral oil, then rinse the fabric to
remove residue.
 Clean balky zippers with a toothbrush and warm water. Lubricants can attract dirt and
grime.
 Let your tent dry completely. Store loosely in dry, cool place. (I store my tents loosely in
a cardboard box.)
 Replace any missing or worn guylines. Straighten bent stakes.

BOOTS
Cleaning
 Wiping away dirt isn’t just cosmetic. Caked-on mud clogs pores in leather, drying it out
and compromising breathability. Use warm water and a stiff brush to remove what you
can; clay and mineralized soils may require mild dish soap. Use a toothbrush for tight
spaces.
 Scrub especially grungy footwear with water and soap using a brush.
 Dry boots at room temperature. Do not put your boots in kitchen oven or blow with hair
dryer. Let boots dry slowly to avoid cracking.
 Restore waterproofing with a coating specific for the boots. (Leather, suede, nubuck, or
fabric) Nikwax Fabric and Leather Waterproofing Spray for Footwear. (About $12)

(Recipe of the Month) Parmesan Orzo Primavera (Serves 4)

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
2-1/2 cup chopped fresh vegetables, (broccoli, carrots, green onion, red peppers)
1/3
cup grated parmesan cheese
Combine chicken broth and pasta in medium saucepan. Stir in 1/3 cup water. Bring to
boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 7 minutes.
Add vegetables; mix well. Cook an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Stir in parmesan cheese.
Serve with French or Sourdough bread.

Don’t Stop Here

More To Explore

Hypothermia | The Voice of Experience (February 2025)

Hypothermia This problem occurs when weather conditions are such that body heat is lost more rapidly than it can be produced. Body temperature falls first in the extremities, then in the central & “core areas” when irreversible changes due to

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA – Saturday, December 12, 2024 This annual celebration, Wreaths Across America started in 1992 when someone in Maine took the time to place a wreath on the grave of a fallen veteran. For several years a small

FOT26 End of Year Newsletter | 2024

Scoutmaster Minute Hello friends of Troop 26, We have had a year full of great outdoor adventures and public service! Read Full Article Our Scouts plan the event calendar 12-18 months in advance. With the help of our uniformed Scoutmasters

Big Sur Backpacking 2024

Silver Peak Wilderness Troop 26 did a 5 day 4 night backpacking trip! View Interactive Map Day 1 | Spruce Creek Day 2 | Lion Den Camp Day 3 | Lion Den Camp Day 4 | Buckeye Camp Day 5

COURT OF HONOR

COURT OF HONOR, DECEMBER 10, 2024 The 50-star American flag was officially adopted on July 4, 1960, and was first raised over Fort McHenry National Historic Site. At the Court of Honor Tuesday night, we recognized the 65-year history of Troop