Re: [Philmont]: Train travel

I have taken the train from Chicago twice - and I second the notion that a
train trip is part of the Philmont experience. A real fun, once in a
life-time experience.
 
Some love to do the plane and bus drill into Denver and down. Especially the
Advisors. Saves time / a whole day. The train ride back from Philmont is
20+ hours for Chicagoans -kinda similar to coming down off Tooth Ridge into
Base Camp. It's a long, long time when you know the end is almost near.
 
But, the plane is not really for me. I love letting the boys "run loose" a
little on the train. They get to play cards down in the Snack car, watch a
movie or scenery in the Dome Car, go to Breakfast and Dinner in the Diner car
and us Advisors kick back a little knowing they couldn't go much farther. We
set up some rules about being in full Uniform and minding their manners and
told the Crew leaders to keep an eye on behavior. We didn't want to
institute a rule that they had to stay in their seats. How many kids get to take a
real train ride these days? Or will in the future ?
 
Me, I'm on vacation and that train ride is a nice relaxing time. I totally
enjoy it. I don't have to worry about missing a plane, the weather, driving a
van, etc. etc. Yea it's longer and it can run late -but I'm on vacation -
what's the rush anyway. Savior the time I say. I love crossing the
Mississippi at Sunset. I love how the Train chugs slowly up Raton Pass. I love
watching all the towns and train stations go by. I love going thru the tunnels
and the corn fields and seeing the first Colorado Mountains far off in the
distance.
 
And the Train slowly acclimates your body from 600 FASL to 6,000 FASL.
 
Yes - the train can run late. Only drawback. But usually not to bad
outbound of Chicago.
 
In Chicago Amtrak lets our council contingent carry our packs right up to
either the train's baggage car or the individual train car's storage bay. We
put some clear plastic bags around the Packs which helped to protect the Packs
and keep the hiking poles in. We wrote the crew number and NWSC on the
plastic with magic marker for easier ID.
 
At Raton on the return, Amtrak wants to load fast. Get the packs into an
organized line and get yourself ten strong Scouts to load whatever train bays
or Baggage Car the Conductor points to.
 
Ditto on the Diner Car reservations. Tell the Conductor just as soon as you
see him the very first time how many are in your group. We had almost 60.
We got a 6 AM breakfast reservation b4 anybody else and ate as a Contingent.
Same with Dinner.
 
Ear plugs, eye-covers and a sheet or small blanket help you to sleep. It's
cooler at night on the train. We let the Scouts switch out of their Uniforms
at night while sleeping, but Uniforms went back on for breakfast.
 
A Train "Day Bag" is a good idea. Holds your sleeping gear, toiletry kit
for the morning wash-up in the Bathrooms down below, reading book, walk-man,
CD-player, extra underwear, medicines, small pillow, etc...
 
We published a suggested list of items for the "Day Bag" -as Packs are not
accessible until Raton when you get off.
 
Also, I recommend not to bring matches, lighters, canisters of Coleman Max
fuel etc.. onto the train. Not even stoves. Be safe. Pack all that
flammable stuff up 3 weeks before you leave and ship via UPS-Ground to Philmont.
Mark your expedition number and name all over the package. Pick it up at the
Philmont Post-office.
 
(BTW- Some of our Contingents have stopped off in LaHunta, Colorado and
spent the night at the Koshare Indian Kiva. Interesting (500 Eagle Scouts) Boy
Scout Troop dedicated to Indian Dancing Ceremonies in an extremely interesting
Indian Kiva and Museum recently renovated. Allows for an extra night of
acclimation. Costs like $ 5 a Scout to spend the night. Local Jr College has
cheap food service meals available across the street. Reboard the Train the
next morning and ride it to Raton.)
 
Bob McDermott
NWSC Philmont Advisor, '98, '02 & '05
IWTGBTP-OTT!

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Received on Mon Apr 3 14:23:47 2006