From: Justin Dolske (justin@dolske.net)
Date: Sat Apr 06 2002 - 14:50:47 CST
William Bryans/hist/cas/Okstate wrote:
> I am pleased too because when I first went to Philmont in 2000 with my
> oldest son, we primarily hiked the north country. Now I will see some
> of the south.
We did trek #1 in 2000, my previous trek ('92) was also up north. Next
time I'm hoping to venture up into the Vale. :-)
> I would welcome any insights, helpful hints, or other words of wisdom
> from those who have experienced this trek, and/or any of its camps and
> programs. I have consulted Selden Ball's web page and others, but I
> suspect there are members of the list who can add to the information
> found there.
A fairly complete (some may say exhaustive!) brain-dump / photo-journal
is on my web site at http://www.dolske.net/scouting/philmont_2000/
I'll add a couple thoughts here...
> I would particular welcome individual opinions about the best route
> from Clark's Fork to Black Mountain, as there seems to be several options.
Well, it's probably fair to say that there is no easy route! Our crew
chose to go over Black Mountain, as the trek doesn't have any other
major peaks on the route. But if you prefer hiking along a stream or
have knees that disagree with steep uphill grades, then an alternate
route may be in order. Our crew discussed the options in the days before
the Clark's Fork, and made the final decision the night before.
> I also wonder how realistic a side hike to the Tooth is during this
> particular day.
I'm not so sure it's realistic, unless you have a crew with lots of both
experience and endurance... Especially if you're going over Black
Mountain. As others have noted, you're likely to miss the trail down,
and will eat up time and energy bushwhacking down the mountain.
Don't let the bad trail scare you off, though! The 'shwacking down the
mountain was a memorable hilite of the trip, and I'm glad we did it. It
can be a good experience if you're prepared for it.
I just got back from a 3-day trip in the Adirondacks, and we did our
fair share of trailblazing (in the snow, no less). Back at the Loj, we
were reading through some trail journals, and came across an amusing
cartoon for a "gravity compass" to be used when bushwhacking your way
off a mountain... Hold at arm's length, and just follow the arrow
(down)!:-)
Justin
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