[Philmont] The hare and the tortice

>
> I'll use our AA trip for example. Not using names, we started out for
> Hart Peak. At the top, some wanted to go back the switchbaqck trail
> while others continued on to Indian Writings.
>
> That was bad enjough because it forced the guide to only be with one
> part of the group. Then several of the group going to Indian Writings
> simply walked off and left the rest behind.
>

Actually, at least three crew members had made that decision before we
started up Hart Peak. The guide knew of the plans too. I know that's a
fact because I told her.

> That is a burned over area and trails are really difficult to follow and
> also there are a lot of pseudo trails from the firefighters.
>
> It became imposible to follow their tracks. Besides when opn the ridge
> overlooking McBride canyon one could hear voices in McBride. Not
> knowing the trail finding ability of the faster ones and not wanting
> them lost in McBride canyon, the guide and anotehr of the crew
> bushwacked McBride to make sure they weren't in there.
>
> It was not a good thing at all.
>
> When the group got back together, several expressed their feelings but I
> think it fell on deaf ears.
>

No, it wasn't a good thing and, yes, the lecture did fall on deaf ears.
Why? Because the guys in the group that went ahead knew exactly where they
were going. They had a map and a compass and several had been on the
trail from Hart Peak to IW during past AA and summer treks.

As I mentioned in a previous message, one of those guys has an incredible
sense of direction and has never been "lost" at Philmont or anywhere else
except maybe when he was attempting to serve as mayor or our city and had
to deal with a group of jerks during city council meetings.

In retrospect, I should have informed the guide not to worry about those
guys as they knew exactly where they were going as they were very
experienced hikers with a whole lot of previous experience (50 days or
more) at Philmont. From now on, I'll be sure to do that.

BTW, they wound up exactly where they were supposed to be didn't they?

> I expressed my point of view that I have used successfully with Scouts
> for over forty years.
>

That was the problem. You were not dealing with Scouts. Rather, you were
dealing with adults who have a whole lot more experience hiking at
Philmont than you do. And they didn't like hiking at a snail's pace.

> If you are in the lead it is YOUR responsibility to maintain contact
> with the sweep (the last crew member) at all times. If you can't do
> that, then don't lead.

The people at the end of the line have an obligation to yell "stop" when
they need to stop. And they also have a responsibility to at least
attempt to stay up with the rest of the group.

As far as what to do with a youth crew that can't stay together, you do
shakedown trips to make sure everyone is able to set a decent pace. If it
is apparent that someone isn't going to be able to do that, then that
person shouldn't go to Philmont. I know I've had to tell several people
they couldn't go. I believe this is what Mark was asking about in his
original message.

YiS,

-- 
Calvin H. Gray
Scoutmaster, Troop 405
Associate Advisor, Venturing Crew 405
Georgetown, Texas
I used to be an Owl (WM-62-2-98 @ Philmont)
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