[Philmont] Returned

Returned from Philmont last evening, 7-2. We were a?619-L crew on Trek 17.

Happy to report that water was plentiful in the backcountry, all is green and the staffs are enthusiastic.
Trek 17 took us through the North Country and the Valle. It too?was green, with adequate water supplies.
Weather was very kind to us, with only 3?normal afternoon showers.
Base camp seems to be operating at full capacity.
Most walkways in and around logistics, business office, and?trading post are all now concrete. Much less dust.
The areas we visited, North country and the Valle,?were virtually?free of fly's and mosquito's. No bug lotion/spray required.
The new trail down from Greenwood Canyon into Copper Park is excellent. Lots of switchbacks. The OA trail crew did great job on this trail.?
Staff is recommending?that if your climbing Baldy from Copper Park to use the new trail and then following the ridge line along the north side of Baldy and approach Baldy from the the meadow/saddle on the North side of Baldy. It is the easiest way I have climbed Baldy; and I have done it both from Baldy Town and Copper Park. Took us about 2.5 hours with a breakfast stop on the trail to summit Baldy from Copper Park. (Your mileage may vary)
Temperatures were typical, not too hot or cold in the evening. My?20 degree bag was mostly used?for a blanket. Only?inside the bag?1 night at Copper Park after a late afternoon rain.
Crew liked all meals, and had enough to eat. Crew was older youth in the 16-18 range. Did the turkey bag cooking routine.
Had a great trek. As there are no?bad treks, some are just more suited to your crews abilities and goals.

Any other question, fire away. Will try to answer. Again we were in the?North Country; north of a line from Baldy to Head of Dean to Ponil,?and the Valle.

D. Tadsen
St. Charles, MO

P.S. Took 165 pictures w/digital camera, then promptly lost/dropped it on the last 200 feet up Baldy. So If anybody finds an?Olympus camera let me know. Yes, I did advise base camp security and filed a "lost" report.

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Received on Tue Jul 3 16:09:29 2007