[Philmont]: autumn adventure

This is a continuation of my post of a few minutes ago in which I concluded
that I felt vaguely unfulfilled taking short walks from those parts of the
Ranch accessable by private vehicle (true confessions-don't try this
yourself).
 
I think (and this may be only a personal feeling), that I would have the
same reaction to setting up at one of the more accessable camps and taking a
few hikes (the feeling of "nibbling around the edges"). This perhaps could
be remedied by setting up at one of the more inaccessable camps (by
arrangement with Philmont staff only, and they are pretty clear on what they
will and will not arrange). The Autumn Adventure flyer gives no hint that
drop offs beyond the turnarounds or a limited number of peripheral camps
would even be considered. I am also aware that many, many wonderful AA
experiences have been had (including by those who regularly contribute to
this list), by setting up at one of the peripheral (but highly accessable)
camps, taking a few hikes, and staying in camp otherwise. That's one of the
beauties of Autumn Adventure. It will accommodate a wide range of crew
preferences.
 
Perhaps my feelings are also tempered by the fact that my AA trips last 7
days, 6 nights on the trail. It is a rare Philmont camp, I think we can
agree, that offers 7 separate day hikes (except perhaps Ponil, which started
in 1938 as Five Points, due to the fact that five canyons radiate from that
central location). I also prefer loop hikes, when "day hiking" rather than
"out and back". That is not to say that your crew will necessarily want to
hike each and every day. If you have fishermen, staying put on several of
the days may be just what the doctor ordered. You know your crew best and
their interests and physical capabilities.
 
Returning to a specific question, the ascent of Mt. Phillips on a "set up
one camp and day hike"-type of Autumn Adventure trip, I have already posted
my recommendation of ascending Phillips by way of Comanche Creek and Red
Hills camp, rather than the traditional, but grueling ascents from either
the Clear Creek side or the Cypher's side. Either way, on AA, you will have
to (in my opinion) do some backpacking to get yourself into position for the
ascent. I would be almost sure that Philmont will not take you to Clear
Creek to set up camp as they wouldm't even drive food there (to be put in a
bear locker) for me in 2005. I don't know if they would take you to Cypher's
(if they would, what would you do the rest of the days. Beaubien's a pretty
strenuous dayhike away for those who are inclined to rule out any
backpacking whatsoever-more like something a Ranger would attempt. I would
heartily recomment doing it as a sidehike from Red Hills, as my crew did in
2003, but you've got to backpack to get to Red Hills.
 
Enough for now,
Bill Sheehan, ASM
T. 55, Pitman, N.J.

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Received on Thu Jan 19 08:02:43 2006