Philmont
Chris Haggerty, Sierra Vista, Arizona (CHAGGERTY@ARIZBPA.BITNET)
Wed, 19 Jan 1994 19:59:00 MST
Kevin Carr was asking questions about Philmont. I am no expert
since I have not been there since they put us under quarantine in
1970 but I would like to provide Kevin with the following
information.
1. The backpacks are as heavy or as light as you make them. My
pack varied from about 40 to 45 pounds, except the day I
volunteered to carry water to the dry camp. For the last 1.5 miles
that day I carried another 2.5 gallons of water weight! If you
decide to carry a lot of extra junk, you will have a lot of extra
weight. Just do not leave out the needed items. This was back in
the days of canvas floor less tents. We used our ponchos as ground
cloths. This was a bit awkward the several days we had rain, but
we all got through it.
2. The best boots are the ones that fit you and are comfortable.
I used a pair of work boots in 1970, I think from Sears or
Montgomery Wards. You do not need anything fancy. In fact the
last time I purchased hiking boots, the guys at REI in the San
Francisco Bay Area sold me the less expensive pair. It fit better
and was even comfortable in the store. That was 14 years ago and
I am still using those boots. (I only got a blister once - wrong
socks.) If they do not feel good on you in the store, DO NOT BUY
THEM! Keep in mind, Philmont is a ranch, the trails are well worn
(good) and there are also lots of roads. You should not get any
blisters wearing the boots on your break in hikes. With proper
socks and boots this is possible, even during the break in period
for the boots. When you go to buy the boots, wear the type of
socks (two pairs) you plan to use with the boots.
3. How far you walk depends on your itinerary. When we went, our
crew got together and picked the itinerary. We hiked a moderate
itinerary and I seem to remember an average of about 5 miles a day.
Whatever you do, do not plan to take a trip which keeps you hiking
all day. Philmont has excellent programs at their camps, you will
not want to miss these.
4. You get re-supplied during the hike. More often than planned
if a bear gets into your food! (Hey, it happened to us and a cousin
who went to Philmont at a different time. His crew got revenge on
the bear, they tetroxed it!)
5. It does rain in Late July and August (sometimes depending on
what part of Philmont your are in). More recent experts can give
you more details. As to the temperature, keep in mind that you
will be in mountain country. I had trouble with the temperature
thing coming from Michigan where the highest point is well under
2000 feet! As you go up in altitude, it gets colder! During the
day, even at the high altitudes it can get HOT, so you need to
prepare for the entire range of temperatures. You should get more
details as your crew gets together and prepares for Philmont. DO
NOT FORGET THE SUN SCREEN!
6. Gold mining, black power, survival, burro races, side hikes,
I need help from more recent visitors, it has been 24 years since
my last trip and the memory is going! I guess it is about time to
start thinking about the training center thing (backpacking is not
recommended for me right now, my back could not handle it).
Chris Haggerty District Advancment Chairman
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Bitnet: CHAGGERTY@ARIZBPA.BITNET
TCP/IP: CHAGGERTY@BPA.ARIZONA.EDU
Mark Twain (Samuel Clemmens): "Always acknowledge a fault. This
will throw those in authority off their guard and give you an
opportunity to commit more."
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
