[philmont] philmont alternatives

If you're looking into, as Keith is, do-it-yourself backpacking expeditions into the National Forests or parks, check out Backpacker magazine or its website for ideas. Their hike plans are often very detailed, with campsites, water sources and mileage all set out.

Also, when looking at a particular park or forest, get the phone number of the Ranger station and give the Ranger a call. I've found these folks to be extremely helpful and willing to give you the time to really impart some information. The only downside is that sometimes they may point you to the most popular trek, when that is exactly what you don't want, if all the permits are gone before you get there.

One of the best tips I ever got for a hike was in Carson National forest from a lieutenant in the State Police in Taos ( I had to report the theft of my tent in a campsite I thought was pretty remote--big mistake not taking it down and taking it with me).

One of the real problems in the do-it-yourself trek area is food re-supply, unless you want to carry all of the food for the whole trek the whole way. Not a problem for a canoe trek, but definitely a consideration for a backpacking trek.Years ago, I used bearbags slung up every three days on the AT in New Jersey, but that assumes that you can get to the trek area the weekend before. If anyone is interested, I can relate the story of how not to use your car keys as a weight to set the bearbag. One solution might be to do two 3-4 day treks rather than one six-seven day trek.

A letter to the park or forest asking for information will get you a big manila envelope of handouts, with government paid postage. In a few day's time. It's really incredible. Worth paying taxes for.

It's Department of the Interior for National Parks and Department of Agriculture for National Forests. Don't forget BLM land, which is also Interior. These websites will give you the addresses and phones of the local rangers.

Also don't forget treks that include archeological stuff. Makes for interesting "program" along the way. Do the research ahead of time (or,better yet, have the youth do it), so you can make it a real presentation, even if the authorities have not provided interpretive signage. Geological stuff, same advice. There may also be some forestry stuff in the materials the park or forest will provide you.

Well, I'll probably post more later.

Bill Sheehan, ASM
Troop 55, Pitman, NJ
Philmont '70,'72, Autumn Adventure '01,'03,'05,'07

-------------------------------------------------------
Scouting E-mail Discussion Lists @ usscouts.org
Listserv Commands at http://usscouts.org/lists/lc.asp
-------------------------------------------------------
Send listserv commands to: listserv@troop47.com
Send postings to: philmont@troop47.com
List FAQ found at: http://usscouts.org/lists/faq.asp
List Administrator: philmont_owner@troop47.com
-------------------------------------------------------
To Unsubscribe send text email to:

     To: listserv@troop47.com
     Subject: unsubscribe
     Body: unsubscribe philmont@troop47.com
-------------------------------------------------------

As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------

 
Received on Wed Aug 22 09:39:45 2007