Re: [Philmont]: cold weather gear

It never ceases to amaze me that as leaders, we would allow things to happen that we know from experience can cause discomfort and harm. I am speaking of letting a ranger (no, I am not ragging on rangers!!) tell you not to bring something on the trail that is for personal comfort and safety. It is our responsiblity as leaders and/or advisers to just say that they will carry an item such a fleece for cold weather. As a father of two Eagle Scout sons and a daughter, (each of the boys has been on three treks to the ranch) I know from experience that young people don't always make wise decisions. I know that we are to let the youth lead, but as responsible leaders, we should have the right to "lay down the law" so to speak. We are ultimately responsible for their safety and well being while at the ranch. If you feel that everyone should carry cold weather gear then tell them that is the rule, no exceptions. This note probably sounds a bit harsh, but I give every one of my crews at the beginning of training a list of what they WILL take along. Any other items are their preference. I am happy to say that in 12 trips to the ranch my crews have experienced nothing more serious than a blister or a headache. It is my responsiblity as an adviser to use my experience to teach them what works and what is necessary. Five days into the trek is no time to say "I told you so".

In my twelve trips, I have had everything from 10 minutes of total rainfall on the 10 day trek to five days of straight rain. I have had two inches of hail at Copper Park, horizontal rain and winds on Baldy, hot dusty 90º at Cottonwood Canyon, lightning storm on Black Mountain and most conditions in between. My point is as simple as the Scout Motto. BE PREPARED

Ken Flanagan
Philtreks x 10
AA x 2

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Received on Tue Jul 6 17:37:42 2004