From: Troop 764 (troop764@hotmail.com)
Date: Tue Nov 26 2002 - 09:33:39 CST
I recently responded to an inquiry about Philmont. Thought this information
might be of value to some list members.
========= Philmont Advice Reply ===============================
Steve-
I could spend days writing about my Philmont experiences. They are almost
all great. Even the bad things that might happen end up being great stories
later. If you really want to know about Philmont treks go to my web site at
http://www.geocities.com/troop764x/index.html
and scroll to the bottom of the page. There are six journals there.
Also go to Selden Ball's site at
http://w4.lns.cornell.edu/~seb/philmont.html
and look for his section with trek journals and descriptions. These will
help you learn everything you need to know before going.
Every trek at Philmont is great in its own way. Each one will provide unique
experiences. When you send in your trek selection card be sure all of your
choices are #1. That way you can't be disappointed.
The big three things to see/climb at Philmont are Mt. Phillips, Baldy, and
The Tooth of Time. Keep that in mind when making your final selections.
There are only a few treks that allow you to do all three and they are among
the hardest ones.
The only thing I don't recommend is horseback riding. If all of your crew
members have riden before, then this is likely to be a big disappointment.
There is a long safety lecture followed by a very dude-like nose-to-butt
ride at a pedestrian pace. All of my Scouts agreed that this was not much
fun. I would spend my time going on a sidehike.
If you select a trek that uses burros, there are folks that think they're
great and others that would never do it again. It's your call.
Before selecting a trek you need to realistically evaluate the hiking and
camping ability of your crew. The trek should not be any harder than your
weakest link can handle.
I have been on treks that were easy and fairly short, medium length and
average intensity, and super strenuous (over 100 miles). Each of these were
great treks because they fit the ability of the crew.
Last summer my crew had selected trek #29 which is one of the most
difficult. Because of the fires it was totally revised. It ended up being
much shorter and easier than we had prepared for. This turned out to be a
bonus. The boys really enjoyed getting in early for programs and then having
time to do sidehikes without packs.
For example, we were not scheduled to climb Mt. Phillips. But we had a short
day and decided to do a 12 mile sidehike to Phillips. Another day we had
time to climb Trail Peak and along the way we saw three bears eating two
dead horses. That was something they soon won't forget.
Don't be overly ambitious. The altitude and undulating terrain makes the
hiking at Philmont very difficult. If you have any adults who are not in
great shape, they are the ones most likely to give you trouble. The boys are
pretty resilient.
The only thing I would try to change is the weight of my pack (keep it under
50lbs.). When I hike with adults I carry only what I need for myself. With
the Scouts I find that I bring along a number of extra "just in case"
things. Preparing the Scouts to Be Prepared is probably the most important
thing. Last summer one of my Scouts left his hiking boots at home. Stuff
happens, so be ready. Stay calm and don't let the little things bother you.
Teamwork will solve most problems.
Regarding equipment I cannot remember needing anything on the trail. If you
go to my gear list at
http://www.geocities.com/troop764x/phil_bp_gear.html
you will see everything you might need.
Also Selden has gear lists at
http://www.lns.cornell.edu/~seb/philmont.html#2.4.5
One item not on my list is a spice wheel. I don't see the need, but if you
like to season your food, you might consider some assorted spices and
tobasco.
Be sure that items which can be shared are not duplicated by every crew
member. For example, bring one tube of toothpaste for everyone or be sure
each person brings a very small tube. You might also be able to share things
like sunscreen and film. Flashlights should be small. Don't bring deodorant
or after shave (leave it in Base Camp). We like to carry a frisbee, but only
one for the entire crew. Hiking poles are a personal matter. If you normally
use one or two, then by all means bring them. If you don't already use them,
then you can leave them home. Don't experiment at Philmont. Do it before you
leave home!
Most of this is just a matter of using good judgment. If you do several
shakedown hikes, you and your crew will quickly learn what you need.
I also highly recommend you sign up for the Philmont e-mail discussion list
at:
http://usscouts.org/lists/index.asp
You will learn much from the collective experience of this group and you can
ask questions of experienced Philmont leaders.
Hope this was helpful.
Have a great trip!
YiS,
Earl Owens
Troop 764 High Adventure Advisor
The Complete Guide to Philmont
http://www.geocities.com/troop764x/index.html
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