From: Greg Leuch (backpacker005@yahoo.com)
Date: Mon Dec 10 2001 - 21:32:04 CST
David, as a crew leader this past summer, I can probably help you out. Being
crew leader is fun, but it comes with a risk! As I had been to Philmont once
before that, and the rest of my crew hadn't, they had to understand and
believe what I told them. There were numerous times when my crew "wanted me
dead", especially when I persuaded my crew to eat breakfast on top of the
Tooth, and after an hour or so, they were ready to throw me off the ridge.
Fianlly making, it, they realized their mistake and glad they waited. You
will learn! Every day is a new obstacle there. As to your questions:
> We're taking the train, any suggestions on what to bring for the long
ride?
22 hour bus ride. CDS, books, pillows, summer reading.
> How and when was planning the trek done? Topo maps...
It was done by the crew and leaders ahead of time. You will learn more about
that sometime in March.
> I know my dad, if we say go left and its wrong we still go left and it
becomes a longer hike than planned. So any good suggestions to make sure I
know where we are going? Did a GPS help?
Didn't use a GPS. No need. Trails are marked, staff can help you out. The
maps, especially the sectionals are helpful.
> Cool things to try outside of the normal stuff?
Many things. If you get a chance @ Mt. Phillips, get campsite #1 and play in
the snow!!!!
> Clothes that you really didn't need?
none. Follow the list that you will get in March. It will give you a
checklist to follow.
> Clothes you really wish you brought?
Extra pair of socks!!! Maybe a bit thicker jacket, even thoigh the cold
doesn't bother me much
> Types of packs or equipment used?
I use internal pack. Can't stand external. That is one of those "touchy,
personal opinion questions".
Stove: MSR whsiperlite and Peak 1 Apex II
You will get some equipment @ basecamp. The guidebook you get in March will
explain more
> How much did your pack weigh?
Mine weighed around 50-55 lbs with almost a gallon of water. I am able to
carry quite a load!
> Did you use the Phil tents or your own?
The way everyone paired up, I was lucky enough to be able to tent by myself
in my own 2 man, 3 lb, one pole tent! Philmont prefers that the youths sleep
in pairs. I recommend that you bring your own tent.
> Anything other than bears to worry about, like scorpions, snakes,
spiders... anything we can get bit by?
Bugs, mosquitos in the south, biting flies in the north. After two times, I
havent seen any bears, but for some reason, both of the sister crews in 2000
and 2001 did. I guess that can be a good and bad thing!
> The best food, the worst food, and some don'ts for preparing?
The dinners are real good, especially when make a one=pot meal, including
mixing your dessert in too! If someone on this list can explian to him the
easy cleanup, i.e. the turkey roasting bag routine again!
> How often do you get to wash your clothes, or even yourself?
I took one shower, and had the chance to do the sweat lodge at Apache!
> How much of the day is spent hiking? How much of the day is open for us
to
> do what we want?
Depending on the trek will depend on how long you will be hiking. All of
that will be determined in March-May, and you will recieve the full rundown
in boring, dusty, dirty basecamp. Backcountry Rocks!!!!!
Hope this helps. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to email me
@ backpacker005@yahoo.com, on- or off-list.
Greg Leuch
727-P1-2000 (Trek 24); 618-G1-2001 (Trek 11); Hopefully Rayado in 2002,
Backcountry Staff in 2003!
Chickasaw Council, Memphis, Tennessee
Check out my sites (still in beta stage):
http://cordovajcl.port5.com
http://chsart.port5.com
http://philmont.port5.com
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