Looking down the Ruby Crest trail from below Wines Peak toward Ruby Dome through
ridge crossing to Favre Lake area
Scouting, as in Boy Scouts of America, has become a way of life for the Smith
family. Two Eagle Scouts and a daughter, who had backpacked 322 miles before turning
16, are some of the product of this scouting family. We can not stay out of the
wilderness areas for long without suffering withdrawal. What are some of the consequences
of this addiction? The oldest graduated with at BS in Biochemistry, all on scholarships,
and did graduate work in education to become a teacher. By 2006 he had finished
his work for his teaching credential and spent the spring substitute teaching.
Most of his substitute teaching was long term 7th grade science. In the summer
he is a ROPES Course facilitator and high adventure backcountry guide, often working
with at-risk youth. In the winter he teaches backcountry skiing and snow backpacking.
Scouting has been his guide to a teaching career. He is now (2007) serving a full
time mission for his church. The second son served a full time mission for his
church and is continuing his education in Engineering, again with the aid of a
scholarship. He is now married, bought a house and is expecting our first grand
child. My daughter is registered at UNR and has received a scholarship. She has
already spent three summers working as a ROPES Course facilitator and backcountry
guide. Many of the things seen on this site represent what I never dreamed I would
be able to do like backpacking and rock climbing. I thought my back would never
allow me to do such things. I was even scared what might happen if I did them.
My children helped me through my fears sufficient to, not only do these things,
but ride a deteriorating disk in my back to the end while doing these things.
Surgery went well and I am back doing these things again. A short recovery was
one of the consequences. I even recovered sufficiently well (fears also) to take
up telemark skiing and break my ankle this year. I managed to spend a couple of
hours skiing after the initial recovery of my ankle. My wife, who was raised in
a scouting family, has received many awards of recognition for her efforts in
scouting. It is a fulfilling family life style.
On 31July2007 I retired. Now I can get to what I enjoy most --- what ever that
will be!
