From: John LeBlanc (philmontjohn@yahoo.com)
Date: Tue Feb 18 2003 - 13:49:02 CST
Airlines:
What they did last year with backpacks will be different than this year. A lot changed on Jan 1, 2003. Contact the individual airlines well in advance for their policy. All are different.
The Transportation Safety Administration is charged with checking baggage. I have always been treated fairly and courteous by them.
However, what one agent does isn't necessarily what another will do.
Just because the rule will allow it, that doesn't mean the agent that checks you will interpret it that way.
For example, knives, scissors adn fingernail files are forbidden. fingernail clippers are OK. I choose not to puch the issue and packed mine in checked baggage.
when I go through a TSA chek station, I put everything metal in a clear 1 qt zip lock I keep in my carry on and set it in their tray. They ALWAYS thoroughly look over my Glucometer as though it might explode. The cell phone and pager could conceal plastic explosives a lot easier, but those whizz right on by. Everything goes though the machine except the Glucometer. ON one trip, it got zapped and I lost 3 weeks worth of valuable medical data. Now, I request a hand scan. They do so courteously.
Stoves including fuel bottles:
Just don't do it! ship them ahead of time to Philmont.
There are all sorts of stories of "I got away with".
Don't try it. Value your fellow passengers more than that. There is no such thing as a "properly purged" stove as far as airline travel goes.
JUST SHIP IT VIA USPS OR UPS GROUND
In the end, know that Philmont Tooth of Time traders sells replacement stoves for the non believers. They sell quite a few in fact!
Travel by car:
For those not used to travel in the Southwestern US, it is hot. It is brutally hot. That is very taxing on automotive cooling systems, belts and hoses. Batteries too.. Be sure yours is in good condition before you leave home.
I am always amazedatf the Scouters traveling with Scouts in their car without jumper cables, readily accessable flashlight, a set of common tools and spare car keys hidden on the vehicle for immediate use.
If it can be done, a Scout or Scouter can do it and will. Examples are locking the vehicle with your keys inside. Leaving the dome light on all day and draining the battery, not replacing the gas cap. The list is endless!
Just be prepared.
The absolutely least hassleable way to travel to Philmont is by charter bus.
Packs, stoves, empty fuel containers, trip pillows and blanlets, coolers of drinks all get to go along and you can leave thm in the compartments below while on the trail.
They are not without their problems though.
Pack buckles get broken siply by sliding it in the compartment. I know that first hand! Shelly stocked the right buckle. Thank you Shelley.
Some bus drivers can't read road signs nor do they carry maps. do they Chas?
Some busses break down. I know about that first hand.
And yet through all of it, we still get to Philmont safely and have the time of our lives.
All the planning and research is well wprth the effort.
John LeBlanc
Eagle Class of 1959
Phirst Phil Ptrek 1959
PhilTrek 2002 630H2 Trek 16
My latest adventure was yesterday,
Today is not over yet!
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As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
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