[philmont] itinerary modifications

My crew hiked this trek in 2003.
 
If my crew was hiking this again, what I would suggest is hiking southeast to Fowler pass, north through Crater lake, and Miner's Park. Another crew from Chicago, that also had #11 at the same time as our crew, did this and got in some extra program. You could even hike over Trail Peak with packs to see the plane crash. That would add something to this trek. Get to Commanche Peak early to get a campsite that is not on a slope.
 
Kim Pigorsch Philmont '99, '03, '07 (724-T) Troop 681 Outdoor Chairmun (sic) www.troop681.com - troop website www.sdicbsa.org - Council Website San Diego, CA

From: bill55@comcast.netTo: philmont@troop47.comSubject: [philmont] itinerary modificationsDate: Thu, 5 Apr 2007 21:34:20 +0000
Kevin asked about whether logistics would countenance a change in campsite, specifically if his crew elected to summit Black Mountain rather than take the North Fork Urraca creek trail.
 
My understanding is that, unlike in the past, logistics will not allow you to change camps. Not a problem in your situation, however. I can assure you that the trail from Shaeffer's to North Fork Urraca camp is one of the nicest, most gradual, switchbacked trail you will find on the Ranch, both in the uphill and downhill directions. If your crew has the gumption to leg it over Black Mountain, they can make it to North Fork Urraca. And back up to the ridge the next morning.
 
At North Fork Urraca camp they will find abundant water. That would be the rub in what you proposed. If the spring at Shaefer's is not flowing, the few miles you save in avoiding the downhill then uphill from North Fork Urraca camp will seem like nothing. Remember, not only will you be pulling into a dry camp after one of your most strenuous days, but there is also no water between Shaeffer's and base. And between Schaeffer's and base, if your guys are real trail hounds, they'll want to sidehike Shaeffer's peak (not to be missed-really) and the Tooth itself . With no water?
 
If they've got the legs, head for the H2O. If they choose to go from Black Mountain camp to North Fork Urraca on the creek trail, they will miss a summit, but will enjoy one of the truly sublime hikes on the Ranch, which crosses the creek in excess of 50 times (by actual count) and passes beneath the Grizzly Tooth.
 
The good news is you can wait till you get to Black Mountain camp to decide what you feel like doing. Either route will be the stuff of fond memories.
 
Have a great trek!
 
Bill Sheehan, ASM
Troop 55, Pitman, NJ
Philmont '70,'72, Autumn Adventure '01,'03,'05
 

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Received on Thu Apr 5 20:30:36 2007