Re: [Philmont]: Campfire times and Double H Stuff

Richard,

Double H is BSA's & Philmont's newest High Adventure Base, which was just an idea last summer and reality this summer. It is approximately 100,000 acres?..(it's large!) that was donated by Bob Tortenson (sp?) upon his death to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation with the stipulation that RMEF partner with a youth organization to promote the land and outdoors for future generations. Thus Philmont's involvement.

Starting in 2004, Double H is offering 7 day Wilderness Adventures in the high desert outside of Datil, NM. This is in sight of the VLA (Very Large Array - radio astronomy dishes seen in the movie "Contact").. no trails, using GPS technology, in which crews are definitely challenged. Ryan King is Base Camp Director at Double H and can be reached via Philmont, and he and his staff have done a miraculous job at putting a top notch program together (and ever improving) in such a short time.

James
DH '04 704-AA
Philmont '01,'03,'05

Other information can be found at several sites:
http://www.doublehranch.net
Selden's site at http://w4.lns.cornell.edu/~seb/philmont-new.html#5)

Richard Schraudner wrote:

> James,
>
> I give up.
>
> What is Double H???
>
> YIS,
> Richard Schraudner
> 0812E
>
> At 08:59 PM 7/13/04, you wrote:
>
>> Vicki Bishop wrote:
>>
>>> Hope ya'll have a great time at Double H. Please let
>>> everyone on the list know all about it.
>>
>> Didn't get back in time to let Fred know about Double H, but figured
>> I can post a note or two for anyone else interested...
>>
>> Now, how do I put this?? Hmmm.. Basically, it isn't Philmont! No
>> trails, little shade, hot in the day, cool to cold at night, sandy
>> stream beds, steep ridges, slick scree, stalking mountain lions,
>> constant threat of dehydration.... AND, some beautiful views,
>> extreme challenges, and an overall wonderful experience that rivals
>> anything experienced in Scouting.
>>
>> The use of the GPS was great and I just thought I knew a lot about
>> topo's and a compass. The GPS takes it to a new level. The
>> Wilderness Guide (note: they are not Rangers! as our Guide pointed
>> out several times and soon enough we were able to note the
>> distinction) being with you the entire trek was actually a welcome
>> addition to the crew. Matt Herritt, our Guide was outstanding, and
>> if given the chance, I would include him on any trek we ever did.
>> Besides, the advisors enjoyed pummeling him in a good game of
>> hearts. :-)
>>
>> Double H is EXTREME, high-desert trekking, and the week there is more
>> than enough. It is tough on equipment and personnel. We broke 2 of
>> 3 water filters, used up 4-5 filters, broke 2 packs, broke people, etc..
>>
>> I would seriously question some younger scouts wanting to attend, as
>> they, as well as the rest of the crew better be tough physically and
>> mentally. What's doable at 14 and 15 at Philmont is questionable at
>> Double H. Be prepared for a hard, difficult, and yet satisfying
>> adventure. At 46, I've now done it, got the patch and t-shirt, but I
>> doubt I will try that again. I'll stick to the easier 12 day treks
>> at Philmont.
>> James Ray
>> SM, T591 Arlington, TX
>> Philmont '01 (726-J1), '03 (720-C17), '05 (701-E)
>> Double H '04 704-AA
>

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Received on Wed Jul 14 17:33:08 2004