From: Alan and/or Brenda Thomson (abthomson@goes.com)
Date: Sun Mar 10 2002 - 08:19:44 CST
Greg Leuch writes....
...And make sure that you understand what the trek planner @ Logistics tells
you, and if it seems odd, ask. ...Just pay close attention at Logistics and
ask many questions if it doesn't make sense!
Comments....
In 1999 we were on Trek 9 (then, Trek 4 now) which goes from Bear Caves to
Beubien. There are several possible routes, including the old trail over
Trail Peak (construction of the new trail had just started - now that it is
finished, it would be the preferred route today). Prior to arriving at
Philmont I had asked on the old List for opinions about the choices,
including the old Trail Peak trail, and the unanimous consensus was to not
do that with a full pack. At Philmont in Logistics, that was the route the
planner suggested! I expressed surprise at that, he agreed there were other
ways, and the crew ultimately did chose another trail. Climbing Trail Peak
as a side hike (with a split crew, by the way), were we glad we had not
taken the suggestion in Logistics - it would be a killer with full packs.
Regarding split crews, in '99 we also split at Cito for a food pickup at Ute
Gulch, and at Tooth Ridge for sunrise at the Tooth. If part of the crew
wants to pass on a sidehike and you have adequate leadership, I'd recommend
letting those who want to go go and those who want to stay in camp stay. In
2001, we never split the crew - Baldy was the only sidehike, and it was a
goal of everyone to get to the top.
But getting back to Logistics, a well prepared crew knows its route,
available programs, what might be in the vicinity but not listed in TREKS (a
number of days that show as trail camps with no program pass through or near
staffed camps with program), etc. Logistics is then learning about updated
information regarding backcountry conditions, where the Conservation
projects are, scheduling horses or burros, etc. If you are relying on
Logistics to explain your route to you, you are starting at a big
disadvantage. And as Greg related, you can get bad advice.
- Al Thomson, Troop 236, Schooley's Mountain, NJ
2001 703E11 Trek 21
2000 Autumn Adventure
1999 703K2 Trek 9 (now 4)
-------------------------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------------------------
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.7 : Thu Mar 13 2003 - 10:38:19 CST