Dear Pedro, The "Trail Tips" in December suggests that when melting snow to make water you should add water to the pot so the snow does not get scorched and end up tasting funky. I cannot believe you could make such a ridiculous statement. Please explain to me how snow can be scorched.
-- Rond H., San Pedro, Calif.
Snow is a solid, Rond, and it can scorch if the pot is hot enough. It not only tastes funky, it smells funky, too.
Dear Pedro, Have you always worked for and appeared in Boys' Life, or had they already started the magazine before you were shipped to their office?
-- Jonathan F-E., Columbia, S.C.
Just how old do you think I am, Jonathan? Boys' Life celebrated its 100th birthday in 2011. (But I tell The Boss he now couldn't publish this magazine without me—and, of course, he snorts.)
Dear Master Scout Pedro, I have a friend who I want to join the Boy Scouts because I know he'll love it, but he keeps putting me off. I tell him about all the fun he will have, he says he will join and he doesn't. What should I do?
-- Leo K., Chicago, Ill.
Have you invited him to attend a meeting to check it out, Leo.? Letting him get to know the other Scouts might light a fire under him.
Dear Pedro, You said there are videos of how to tie knots and lashings on this web site. How do you find them?
-- Sam B., Bristol, Tenn.
Just type "learn to tie knots" in the search engine, Sam (it's in the Video section). That's one video I'll never be able to use (these hooves).
Dear Super-Awesome, Outstanding Mailburro, How long have you worked for the cantina?
-- Daniel B., Minot, N.D.
I don't work for the cantina, Daniel, I'm just the best customer (and The Boss says it shows).
Dear Pedro, My favorite pastime is playing video games. How hard do you think it is to get a job designing video games?
-- Austin R., St. Louis, Mo.
I got my job toting the mailbag because I learned how to tote heavy loads at Philmont, Austin. I guess if you learn how to design games, you'll have an easier time landing a job. (Sounds more fun than this mailbag gig.)
Dear Pedro, I really liked the article "Stressed Out?" (November '11). It gave me valuable information. I didn't know working out could relieve stress. I will tell my friends about it when they have trouble.
-- Jonathan S., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
I guess carrying this mailbag does have a benefit, Jonathan. Maybe I should suggest that The Boss lug it around to keep him on an even keel. (He'd never do it, but I'd like to see the look on his face when I suggest it.)
Dear Pedro, I wanted to write about how Scouts should prepare for a trip to the Northern Tier High Adventure Base. If you get hungry, you have to fish (and fish is a tasty snack). You have to be fit, because you'll carry from 45 to more than 100 pounds, and you should practice canoeing with your crew.
-- Michael H., Blue Bell, Pa.
You've made me hungry, Michael—and tired. But thanks for the tips.
Dear Pedro, Is it possible to get issues of Boys' Life that have been lost? By the way, I love the purple sweater. You should have it trademarked as a Pedro original.
-- Jim N., Atlanta, Ga.
According to The Boss, my sweater is definitely trademarked (he says the smell is, um, distinctive). You can get a back issue (if it's not too far back) by sending us the month you're looking for along with $3.95 to Boys' Life, 1325 West Walnut Lane, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079.
Dear Pedro, Why is the Boys' Life mascot a donkey? Shouldn't it be an eagle, or something like that? Just wondering.
-- Jimmy Z., Glendale, Calif.
Whoever heard of an eagle toting a mailbag? The Boss makes this mascot earn his keep, Jimmy (believe me).
Dear Wacky, Alfalfa Milkshake-Loving Mailburro, I live in Nevada where tons of alfalfa grow. There are plenty of female burros on the way to Las Vegas. You should visit.
-- C. J. T., Fallon, Nev.
Sounds great, C. J. But that's a long walk for a small burro, and I don't think The Boss would put me in a crate and ship me there.
Pedro's Space Adventure 2
Pedro and the Lair of the Swamp King
Pedro and Ordep's Space Adventure
Pedro's Pancake Panic
Pedro's Horseshoes
Merit Badge Challenge
Pedro celebrates the 100th birthday of Boys’ Life magazine with this exclusive look behind the scenes of how the Boy Scouts’ monthly magazine is published. And don’t miss the last scene for a special bonus!
I do not know how to fish