Re: [Philmont]: Double H

Can any tell me what the Double H program is?

The Double H Ranch is the newest addition to the Scouting High Adventure
Program. It is run by Philmont but takes place on a 100,000 acre plus ranch
SW of ABQ between Datil and Magdalena, New Mexico. The Plains of
Agustain,(sp?)
which are home to the Very Large Array (VLA) observatory, are the landmark
you want on a map. Those large satellite dishes have been featured in a
couple of movies and part of their tracks are on the Double H Ranch. But I
digress....

The Double H is owned and administered by the Rocky Mountain Elk foundation.
They have a contract with Philmont to allow camping and hiking on the
property. Basically the program is a 7 day hike completely cross-country
with a map and GPS. You are accompanied by a Wilderness Guide, not to be
confused with a Philmont Ranger (although they really are the same thing-;)
The guide stays with you the whole time and provides training like a ranger
as well as program such as gps navigation, wilderness firstaid, COPEs
course, no trace camping , and the other standard Philmont Ranger fare. You
basically figure out how to traverse cross country from windmill to
windmill. Thats where the ONLY water on the property is located.

We found the trek extremely challenging. There are NO trails, its all figure
it out, traverse the mountains, find the saddle. A major component is
geocaching, which is using the gps to find a hidden treasure box, really the
coordinates to the next one. You leave a message or souvenier, etc. It was
really interesting and took a bit of map and gps skill.

It is NOT Philmont, it is LIKE Philmont. They do not have the extra programs
and camps like Philmont, but they have the same food, back country
philosophy, support etc. It is not for the faint of heart or real novice
crews. There are three levels of hikes, hard, super hard and strenuous. they
all are 50 or 60 miles, remember its only 7 days. Half way through you stop
at Martin Ranch for re supply, they have a canteen, black powder rifle, and
some other programs.

I HIGHLY recommend this trek for experienced/older units and encourage
everyone to support the program as another alternative to Philmont. If
anyone wants more information feel free to contact me off line. There are
pictures on my troop web site, check the Double H button on the side bar.
(bsatroop357.org) We have also put together a DVD with about a 35 minute
movie, a 7 minute trailer and a few hundred photos's. Anyone who might want
to get one or borrow one to copy/lookat also send me a note off group. Hope
this helps and I'l be happy to answer any additional DOuble H questions.

YIS
Hiking Czar a.k.a.
Fred Mussler, Scoutmaster
Troop 357 Raleigh, NC
Eagle Class of 75
Philmont 1990,98,00,02...08-01-06!
Double H Ranch 2004 -717-AA1
bsatroop357.org
emuss3@ipass.net

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Received on Sun Jan 23 21:05:32 2005