Dick Smith

  • Genealogy
  • Backpacker
  • Zion & Grand Canyon Trip
  • Photo Gallery
  • Backpacker Wood Stove
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Retired!
  • Mt. Rose Wilderness Project
  • Troop 110
  • Training Attempt

  • 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!

    dickasmith@sbcglobal.net

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