[Philmont]: trek 808m

Our group returned yesterday from a short trek (8 days of hiking). This was
the first time for all to attend Philmont and a great time was had by all. The
trek consisted of 9 boys ages 14 - 15 and 3 adults. The trek was designed by
logistics based upon the areas that we had requested and included everything
the boys had expressed interest in at planning meetings. A synopsis of the trek:
 Day 1 Start at Turkey Creek and hike to Vaca, dry camp. Ranger training with
Quincy Nickens and hike over to Harlan for shotgun program and water pickup.
Day 2 Hike to Ute Gulch for food, then back and over to Lower Sawmill for
camp. Water access was to stream.
Day 3 Hike through Cimmaroncitto to Hunting Lodge for cons work. Continue
upon completion to Cyphers Mine. Started raining and became cold, staff greeted
boys with invitation into lodge with hot choco or cider. Mine tour,
blacksmithing and a great Stomp after dinner. Favorite camp of everyone for the week!
Staff was excellent!
Day 4 Hike over Thunder Ridge, Comanche Peak and Phillips to Clear Creek.
Participate in program activities then continue to Comanche Camp for night.
Day 5 Hike to Phillips Junction for food and on to Beaubien for horseback
riding. Big disappoint as the trail ride was lame by our standards. Had
chuckwagon dinner, great!, showers, more great! and campfire, not so great.
Day 6 Hike over Trail Peak to Crater Lake. Lodge pole climbing everyone
kissed the carabiner and other lumber camp activities. Campfire and Philmont story.
Great staff and excellent campfire.
Day 7 Hike to Miners Park for environmental program but staffer had left and
no one could do program. Continued to N. Uraca and cooked dinner for lunch as
last 2 camps were dry. Hiked to Shafers Pass for camp.
Day 8 Had large elk herd pass through camp around 2. Hike over Shafers Peak
and Tooth Ridge. Climb up to Tooth then proceed into base camp.

Total trek 52 miles in 8 days with no layovers. Left base camp with boys
packs ranging from 25 lbs (smallest guy) others 32 -35 lbs. Mine was heaviest with
44 lbs. with 4 lbs of instant pudding as special treats along the way and to
replace the strawberry cheesecake.

Thanks for all the insight and sharing of information as our group really
benefitted from the experience of everyone on this list.
 Any one wants more info contact me at gbeaglegolf@aol.com.

Garry Black
Troop 718
808M, 2003

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Received on Mon Aug 18 15:07:31 2003