Re: [Philmont]: Autumn Adventure

For those who are thinking about maybe doing Autumn Adventure, let me
help push you towards the yes side of maybe.

If I ever go back someday, it would be during this time of year.

I was blessed with the oportunity to work as an Autumn Adventure guide
in 2001. You could not ask for better weather than what we had. Highs
usually in the 70's and lower 80's An absolute joy to hike and just be
outside in this weather. As the season moves along it gets cooler,
especially as you gain altitude. I can probably count on one hand the
number of times it rained. It did snow lightly twice. If you have
never seen aspen trees in the fall gold, this is a great opportunity if
you can catch the season right.

Any parts of Philmont you have wanted to visit but couldn't land the
itenerary for it? Now is your chance. Just be aware that none of the
camps have program during the offseason. Before you hit the trial, the
crew and the guide sit down to see where it is the crew wants to go.
Unless there is an unforseen danger in the area, you can go to any place
on the Ranch as long as you are willing to hike there. The Elk hunts
are given second priority depending on where you are hiking.

Ever wanted to see a deer with a huge rack? The "old boy's club" as they
are called begin hanging out around the Chapel at PTC during the fall.
You can only look at them, but they are enough to make any redneck like
me wish I had my hunting rifle :)

Have you ever felt that you were crowded while at a camp at Philmont?
This won't be a problem. You will do good to see someone besides your
crew while you are out there. There usually isn't more than a few crews
in the backcountry at any time. It is very nice sitting on the side of
a mountian watching a sunset with no other noise to interfere, staring
up at the night sky, see the Milky Way, watch satelites go by, count the
shooting stars, sit by a moutain stream reading a good book, watch
sunrise with a hot cup of coffee. Philmont is your playground during
this time, you and your buddies chose what you want to do with it.

For you fly fishing lovers, here is your chance to do all the fishing
you can handle. If your crew decides it wants to spend a week at Black
Mountain Camp flyfishing, have at it. I wouldn't plan this for Fish Camp
as scouts have spent the whole summer fishing that area.

Some rules are a bit more "flexable" during the off season. The cabins
are closed (officially) during the fall. However, the porches are
always open. If you planned it right, you could not take a single tent
and go from cabin to cabin sleeping on porches (how's that for saving
weight). It can get cold at night during this time of year so be sure
your sleeping bag is up to the task.

Unfortunately, the food is still the same as during the summer.
However, the smart crews bring their own food. This does cost more as
your fee for AA includes the trail food Philmont provides. There can be
one food drop made in the backcountry during the trip. You can bring
this food and your guide will be sure it is dropped off somewhere along
the way.

Each crew will be assigned a guide to be with the crew for their entire
time at Philmont. Each guide wil have a portable radio to stay in
contact with Basecamp should any problems arise. Each guide has worked
atleast one summer at Philmont previously. They come from all
departments, not just Ranger.

Some of my best crews have been during Autumn Adventure. It is just a
bunch of adult Scouts wanting to get together and have a good time. And
if you are happy with the work your Guide has done, feel free to tip
him/her. They are working for a non-profit organizatio after all :) Cash
is good, and meals at a restaurant are good too. Might I suggest Texas
Reds in Red River for one of the best steaks you'll ever eat..

Interested now? Give Philmont a call (505)376-2281

Jason
><>
Retired Ranger

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Received on Sat Aug 2 13:10:50 2003