[Philmont]: Returning 620 crew

Greetings,
We have just returned this evening from Philmont. We were a 620 crew, Trek
#27 which went north and into the Valle, visiting all Valle Camps. Excellent
trek and excellent programs at all staffed camps. Really enjoyed the trail camps
and the challenge of using map and compass skills in the Valle, were there are
not established trails. At one point we went 2-plus days without seeming
another crew or any Philmont staff personnel.
First and last day on trail were the only days without some form of rain.
Several days the rain lasted for hours and included a good dose of hail. Also
experienced evening rains that lasted well past midnight. Temps were cool both
days and evenings. Daytime in the mid 70's to low 80's, with nights down to low
40's. We had no problem with bugs, just a few misquotes at Greenwood Junction,
did not use any repellent. Water in all camps, streams and wells that were on
our itinerary was more than adequate.
One very scary time was the evening of Monday, June 28. We were camped at
Cook Canyon, just following supper we experienced a minor flash flood (if there
is such a thing) after a very hard 30-45 minute rainstorm. We were all safe and
had fortunately selected a campsite high enough. However, seeing a 18-24 inch
wall of water coming down the canyon at us, is not my idea of a peaceful
evening. We were the only crew in Cook Canyon camp that evening. The next morning
the canyon creek was just a trickle. An awesome experience, that I hope not to
repeat real soon.
The following day we camped at Dan Beard which had also experienced flash
flooding, but of much larger proportions. One entire camp site was lost. No
personal injuries, but a significant amount of crew gear from the crew camped on
that site was lost. The staff took excellent care of the affected crews and
arranged something for replacement of lost equipment/gear. They camped us, and
other crews, across the fence in the Valle for safety reasons that next evening.
If there is anyone on this list from Troop 809, Alamo Heights Texas, please
contact me direct. I have information concerning some of your personal gear
that we recovered from the Dan Beard flash flood about 1.5 - 2.0 miles downstream
from Dan Beard in Bonita Canyon.
All in all, a great experience. Wanna go back!

D. Tadsen
St. Charles, MO
620-F-1 Trek 27

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Received on Sat Jul 3 21:13:02 2004