While in Scouting, I was on a contingent which spent three weeks driving to, backpacking around, and driving back from Philmont. Philmont is an enormous Scout Ranch near Cimmaron, New Mexico. It is an area of wilderness, and a wonderful experience. This picture was taken at the top of "The Tooth of Time", a large mountain with an impressive sheer face. Here I am stylishly attired for the bush with my Jungle Combat Boots, branded walking stick with blue feathers, useful wrist adornments (the large rubber band actually took a cut that would have gotten my skin when I was kicked by a cow), and coral snake necklace. I don't want to seem vain, but I tend to be more photogenic on mountain tops.

    This is myself and a host brother in Japan on top of Mt. Fuji (note the shadow). We had climbed to the summit the day before, backed down to a hut for the evening, and were then up at the summit again for the sunrise the next morning. Doing a 12,000 foot altitude climb in five hours when you're sick I do not recommend, but I had a good time. The weather at the top was very flighty- seconds after this picture was taken we were in a cloud. You see me in my Carolina Mudcats baseball cap (which is very well broken in), and my blue jacket (which is old AND broken in), you don't see it, but I'm wearing jungle boots again, I'm wearing a favorite blue flannel, and the hiking stick got different brands at each station up Mt. Fuji.

    Well, this picture scanned pretty bright. Anyway, this is Cadet Derrick, United States Army (Me, back when I was in Army ROTC). I can not speak highly enough of ROTC, and especially ARMY ROTC. I learned the things necessary for time in the Military (how to pass a PT test, throw a grenade, fire an M-16...), things necessary to be in any major organization (how to work with others, work for others...) and things you need for life in general (the things you can't learn in a book- determination, dedication... all of which comprise "Heart", which is the most important thing of all).
    I did Ranger Challenge, an Army skills team competition which included a grenade assault course, M-16 marksmanship, M-16 disassembly, reassembly, and functions check, a PT test, an orienteering course, a one rope bridge competition, written tests in patrolling and land navigation and a 10k ruck run with full combat gear. My team came in second in our division, and brought back the first trophy a team from UNC-CH has ever brought back for Ranger Challenge.
    I also got to jump out of a tower at Ft. Bragg and do lots of other fun stuff. But I have bad enough astigmatism to flunk a commissioning physical, and there is no waiver, so I am out. But still I had a great time, learned a lot. I highly recommend the experience, eve if you don't want to go in the Army. For the first two years there is no obligation of service. But don't take it from me. Much better sources include Captain Davis and the UNC-CH Army ROTC webpage. Hooaahh!
 
 

    Here are my Parents, Jack and Dagmar, taking a break from working in the yard to strike an "American Gothic" pose. This picture is taken in front of a place on the Pamilco River that my Grandfather built out of WWII surplus. It is a wonderful place, part of a great and stable community of close family friends who built places at the same time. The place is a bit rustic for most people of my generation, but I would not have it otherwise.

    At the place mentioned above, we can go sailing, which my Dad really enjoys. Here he is out on our sunfish.

That's it for now. Wanna return to the Zoo?