[Philmont]: RE: Burro Packing

I actually posted this last week, and much of it probably was covered in the
exchanges since then.

But the message bounced on me (sending it via my provider's webmail option)
and this is my first chance to try from home after being out of town for a
long weekend.

I am trying again to test if it works from here.

Al Thomson, Troop 236, Schooley's Mountain, NJ
Treks 1999, 2001, 2003
Autumn Adventures 2000, 2002, 2004

-----Original Message-----
From: abthomson@comcast.net [mailto:abthomson@comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2005 9:33 AM
To: Philmont List
Subject: RE: Burro Packing

An exchange from last year regarding burros...

*** Message 1 ***
Charles Goodwin writes...

Yes. You can choose to use or not use the burros. Burros are a once in a
life time opportunity, but are very difficult to work with. Our crew that
used them in 1996 missed the program both days they had them, and this was a
very strong crew as far as backpacking. We have chosen to not use them
subsequently in 2000.

Comment...

Definitely a crew decision. My crew in 2001 chose them and loved it. It
did not cost them any programs, but it definitely takes more time. For
instance, we did not leave Ponil until 11 a.m. because you go to pick them
(actually, only one) up at 9 a.m., then get instructions, have to catch and
pack, etc. You get more animals per crew if you pick up at Miranda, since
there are more routes that take them from Ponil. As each burro carries 50
pounds, it does not make a big difference in each crew members pack weight.

It would not have been my choice, but I didn't get a vote. I just gave them
the advantages and disadvantages (hopefully unbiased - I guess so since the
vote didn't go my way...)

*** Message 2 ***
Al Thomson said "I just gave them the advantages and disadvantages ..."

Okay, for the newbies, lets list the advantages and disadvantages of taking
burros.

Advantages:
- Once in a lifetime experience (yes, Philmont itself often is, but
experiencing burros is even more rare).
- An intimate working experience with an animal - closer than one's typical
horse trail ride.
- Learn new stuff (the diamond hitch that I learned so very well back in '63
and that used to be a Camping MB requirement, I have actually used in
non-Scouting situations).

Disadvantages:
- As Al Thomson described, for the 3 days or so that you have burros, your
schedule is on "burro time", not your own.
- As Charles Goodwin described, you might lose out on a program (but
remember that having burros is a unique program itself).
- As I mentioned in an earlier post, you are restricted as to the trails
that you make take with them.

Are there any others that I missed?

*** Message 3 ***
Dave Martin writes...

<snip>

Are there any others that I missed?

Comment...

I'd list a pack weight reduction of approximately five pounds per crew
member per burro as an advantage, especially if you get more than one.

--
Al Thomson, Troop 236,
Schooley's Mountain, NJ
Treks 1999, 2001, 2003
Autumn Advenures 2000, 2002, 2004
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