[Philmont] Advisor Questions

From: Kim P
1)we used the rope provided by Philmont, used to hang bear bags each night

2) we used the bag provided by PHilmont, I would leave the bear canister at
home. I would think PHilmont would NOT let you use it any way. Their bear
procedures are tried and proven.

3) my last trek started July 24, NO bugs. But I hear of a few treks every
couple years who do run into bugs, but earlier in July as I remember. I
have used a sunscreen with DEET each time. An OFF product, found it last
time in the bug repellent section of CVS.

4) used the PHilmont method to purify twice, used a filter the last time.
The choice is up to you............IF you have room for it.

5) plenty of "red Roof" Inns or "Pilot to bombardier" or "pilot to
co-pilot" to use, in trail camps and staff camps. Bring one towel for the
whole crew, just in case.

 Be careful what advice you take, different treks, and particularly the
Valle, have distinct requirements.
However, forget the bear canister. I prefer them to the bags, I think they
work better and should be used, but Philmont doesn't allow them. You will
have to hang you stuff anyway, so if you bring a canister, you will have to
stick it in a bag and hang it. They also use the tie off method rather than
counter balance, which Philmont policy I also disagree with. Here in
California I guess the bears are smarter, the tie off method would result in
your stuff in the paws of a bear.

As to using the PHilmont rope or not, remember that when you have a four day
pickup, and crew stuff that goes up, your bags could weigh a total of over
100 pounds for a 12 person crew. That means your lightweight 1/8 inch cord
is not likely toi be strong enough. We have had success in using a 1/8 inch
steel cable with pulleys and carabiners instead of the philmont rope, it
actually worked out lighter.

I've heard of problems with bugs, typically no-see-ums, rarely mosquitos.
I've never experienced it.

We took a filter our first two treks. Used it never the first time, once
the second. I doubt we'll bring one again. I don't know what the water
situation is in the Valle, though.

>From the other responses, it sounds like there are fewer places with
facilities in the Valle. Even in the south, however, you can have a long
day (say 9 miles or so) with no facilities, so you need at least some
capability to dig a cathole if needed. The plastic sierra shovel is
virtually weightless and having a few is not a big cost and makes it easier
to find one when impatiently needed. Just be careful not to run out of
toilet paper. We did one day due to it getting wet. Not a pretty sight.

Regards
Don Roberts
Fullerton, CA

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Received on Mon Jun 9 11:53:07 2008