Just ax me

In 1953, my dad, Bob, used a rare work bonus to gain some special training for Scouters, called Wood Badge. The bronze ax was mounted in 1950 at a place called Shiff (I think that's right), a national training center. I don't know when it was moved here. Dad used lessons from his time there at Zastrow the rest of his days. It also set in motion the time he and I would be there together 13 years later, and 30/35 years after that, I would be there with Jesse (2X), and here with Peggy in '04 and now. Early Scouting had a lot of English imagery, the ax was what was awarded to a "freedman," giving him the privilege of "lopping" firewood instead of just gathering on baronal lands. So the ax became a symbol of freedom. On an earlier visit to this site I found the pre-flood creek bed, as well as some ceremonial stonework fireplaces that were likely in place when he was there. Incidentally, his Wood Badge crew went up the Tooth of Time - on horseback. His horse's name was Banjo, and he said he made a number of promises on the way up, and some more on the way down... but I doubt that Banjo ever got the expected oats, carrots, or even one date with the mare.