[Philmont]: Just returned-quick comments

Just returned from Philmont. 619 contingent, 4 crews did Treks # 8-26-27-28.
Some quick comments, more details later.
-Miox tablet water purifier worked great. Ranger directions were for a 30
minute wait time and everybody said the water tasted better than with Polar
Pure.
-Bugs not bad at all. Personally I was North and in the Valle, did not need
insect repellent. Our other crews reported limited problems too.
-Water is plentiful. Streams running fast and clear. Everything is nice
green.
-Some snow still on Baldy and Phillips.
-Burros ARE NOT OPTIONAL. If your trek calls for burros, you WILL BE
REQUIRED to take them. There is NO discussion on this point. Several advisors and
crews were upset. They had picked their itinerary thinking the could skip the
burros.
-Bear issues are about normal, and mountain lions seem to be gaining some
attention. Several camps have reported sightings and were issuing precautions
during "porch talks".
-Several crews are missing the Greenwood Canyon turn to Copper Park, and
continuing too far north after leaving Rich Cabins. There is no sign to indicate
Greenwood Canyon. It has been reported, and Conservation crews say they will
erect a sign, but not sure when.
-Food is plentiful. Lots of crackers, beef sticks/jerky and sunflower seeds.
Usually only 2 squeeze cheese (1 cheddar and 1 jalapeno) and 2 peanut
butter/jelly per person in lunch meals.
-They are allowing open fires in fire-rings since it is not as dry as in
previous years. It is also an attempt to reduce the deadwood fuel load. A lesson
learned from the 2002 fire.
-Rain seemed about normal. Some days yes and some days no. Early afternoon
showers were common, so get up and out early to be in your next camp before
the showers hit.
 
Hope this helps......... Had a great trek!
 
D. Tadsen
St. Charles
619 Trek 27

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Received on Sun Jul 3 18:12:48 2005