From: Signe Rogers (HikinGrammy@iGlide.net)
Date: Sat Dec 21 2002 - 07:33:24 CST
I find it challenging to name a favorite camp at Philmont. There are so
many subjective variables that it is impossible to make a blanket
statement. We all have our own esthetic tastes of what we like in a
campsite. I love being surrounded by trees (especially pine), with
little clearings for campsites. Some companions I've hiked with are the
opposite and dislike those little cozy sites & love the big open ones.
I believe what impacts how a camp feels is the dynamics of the crew,
probably equally or more so than the natural setting it provides you.
When the crew is clicking & everyone is having a good time, nothing but
good memories can come from it. Days when you or other crew members are
struggling tend to be less enjoyable no matter where you are camped.
Staffed camps are also hard to predict. It seems every year that
somewhere, there is a less_than_ideal staff at one of the program camps
and a high proportion of crews have a distasteful experience there. But
the Philmont administration tries very hard to correct problems, so
chances are, you won't find those staff members back another year, or at
least in that combination with that camp director. So, what is a lousy
camp one year can easily be the greatest, most dynamic & friendly staff
the next. Vice versa.
Best thing to do is look at the types of "other" activities your crew is
most interested in & find the itinerary that most closely matches your
interests. Or if you have advisors in the crew that have been there
before & know of particularly spectacular trails, (again this is
subjective), then find an itinerary that will take you down that path.
Remember, Philmont is a whole experience, and there are NO bad treks to
choose from. They all afford the possibilities of personal growth &
terrific memories.
As for my favorite trail camp? Aspen Springs. It has not been one very
much used. We hiked thru it going from Cito to Ute Gulch commissary one
year & I was awe struck by it. It was several years later as a Powder
Horn participant that we got to camp there.
Signe Rogers
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