[Philmont]: Philmont trek 4, part 2(a)

Synopsis of Philmont Crew 611-I-1, Trek 4, Part 2
 
Wednesday, June 15 - Up at 5, got on the road about 7 (We're getting better at this). Stopped by Crater Lake for water (theirs is purified), and to raid the swap box. and then on toward Beaubien. A long hike, I think about 8 miles. Took 5 hours. Got there a little after 12, had lunch on the staff cabin porch. When we saddled up to go to our campsite, it was a short walk, but VERY steep, and we were tired. It was almost more than we could do at the end of a long hike. Could also be the fact that this was the highest altitude yet, about 9200 feet or so. HINT FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO GET THE MOST OUT OF BEAUBIEN. It might be best to do Trail Peak on your way in, if you do, leave your packs at the bottom, go up as a side hike, and back down, and get to camp late. We decided to do it later, and ended up not doing it at all. Hot showers available at Beaubien, as long as you supply the wood, and follow their time schedules. We were scheduled for Chuckwagon Dinner on our second
 night (Beaubien is a 2 night stay), but the staff let us switch to the first night. Our plan was to do that so we could do Conservation Project in the morning, and climb Trail Peak in the evening of the second day. Chuckwagon was good, even if it was "Dinty Moore" in a foil bag. A welcome change from nuts and twigs. Advisor's coffee in the evening, and then a good campfire program (both nights). A good program here, roping, horseshoes, branding, and horse rides (must be prescheduled during your trip itenerary planning, and you can't weigh more than 200). A bit cooler here than in other camps, probably due to altitude.
 
Thursday, June 16 - Our second day at Beaubien. Up at 5 to go do our conservation project. It began at 8, but it was an hour hike to and from the project site. Something to think about, as you have 2 more choices for projects on Trek 4. In hindsight, I'd still do it at Beaubien, I think it's a better project, the conservationist was VERY enthusiastic, and it was infectious, and there really is more time here, even with the 2 extra hours hiking time. Oh yeah, the project is at 10,000 feet, so you'll get tired. AND THERE WERE LOTS OF MOSQUITOS AT 10,000 FEET ! By the time we got back from the project, only a couple of people wanted to do Trail Peak, so we didn't go. That's why I recommend doing it on the way in. We instead washed clothes and took a hot shower, which turned out to be my one and only on this trek. Another great campfire program in the evening.
 

-------------------------------------------------------
Scouting E-mail Discussion Lists @ usscouts.org
Subscribe/Unsubscribe at http://usscouts.org/lists/
Listserv Commands at http://usscouts.org/lists/lc.asp
-------------------------------------------------------
Send listserv commands to: listserv@troop47.com
Send postings to: philmont@troop47.com
List FAQ found at: http://usscouts.org/lists/faq.asp
List Administrator: philmont_owner@troop47.com
-------------------------------------------------------
As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------

 
Received on Thu Jun 30 06:12:23 2005