[philmont] Campsites

Less desirable campsites just make the pretty ones that much better! Many
of the starting locations (ranger training camps) have non-primo campsites,
IMHO. The tent sites are like pavement and as they are mostly lower
elevation, the views aren't the best. I saw that both in 2002 (Lover's
Leap) and 2004 (Rayado River). I understand why, but just providing a
reality check. Many groups overlook that drawback because it was their
first night on the trail (and the excitement of finally being there is
still on-going). If you rolled into Lover's Leap on Day 6, you'd probably
wonder why Philmont was practicing scorched-earth tactics.

Some of my favorite campsites are at Fish Camp, last one on the right
heading towards Agua Fria. Nice level meadow, close to the stream, big
shady tree, with a pilot/bombardier up on the hill with a nice view; Any of
campsites at Cyphers. It is so nice to not have to setup tents and when
the rain falls, it's a nice place out of the rain. We had several "rainy
hours" between lunch and dinner and many a game of cards was played inside
the Adirondack by our youth; and Tooth of Time, far NE campsite, near to
the pilot/bombardier with a view back over the whole valley and base camp.
What a contemplative place to "unload", physically and mentally. But
please, I don't want to start any more talk about the use and transport of
unscented wipes <g>!

One of my least favorites (besides Lover's Leap and Rayado River) was Clear
Creek. Being in the hills, the campsites were small and many of the tent
sites were uneven. The program at Clear Creek is AWESOME, but the
campsites are not the ones to write home about.

I have a mixed review of Ponderosa Park. The campsites were stretched out
darn near over a mile it seemed. By the time we got there, we were in the
last campsite down the road. It was a long hike just to get back to the
trail, let alone back down to Clark's Fork for the dinner program or up to
Schaeffer's on the way to the Tooth. But, on the other hand, sunset was
GORGEOUS from that campsite looking back up the valley towards Cito.... So
I would suggest that most clouds have a silver lining.

Personally, I like the campsites to be close enough to one another that you
can visit your neighbors without packing a daypack (ie, within eyesight).
With the girls in our treks, socializing with other trek'rs was/is
important. On the other hand, you don't want your camp mates right next
door, in your business (and vice versa) and having to listen to them talk
all night long about their last visit to the red roof inn <g>! Also, I
prefer to be downwind from the red roof inn and, in fact, out of eyesight
from that place. My fellow advisor, on the other hand, would have camped
right outside the door if I'd have let him <g>! Just my 2 cents, your
mileage will vary. YIS. Mike Conkey ('76, '02, '04 and '07).

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Received on Wed May 23 15:13:29 2007