Greetings to All.

Since I will be gone to camp for a week, I figured I better hit you with this now, while I still can. It is a little slapdash, because I don't have time to do my usual letter-crafting.

1) Philmont Fires Contained!
The very large (30,000 acre) Middle Ponil Complex fire was finally contained several days ago. It is still burning, but with lack of fuel is now burning itself out. If the area gets significant rain in the next 2 weeks, it is possible we will be able to do our original trek; however, at present, we are still scheduled to get something down in the southern part of the Ranch. Brad Jones has been investigating the situation for us, and will make some recommendations before we go (nice to have a guy on the inside). I will keep you informed.

2) Practicing???
Everyone is now out of school, so it's time (at last) to get serious about your training. We are stepping on the plane 3 weeks from today. Yes, I am dragging my practice pack to camp, and as you have all seen in past years, I am pretty meticulous with my training there, even when it's hot and humid. So too should you be here, while we're there. Remember, we may end up with a very strange trek at Philmont, requiring very long hikes on a couple of days, so you need to be ready. Get out there and backpack!

3) Deficiencies
Here is the list of people who had some problem with some aspect of their gear - either too heavy, too worn, and bad design, etc., based on the last equipment shakedown. Where we wrote down what the issue was, I have duplicated it here. Otherwise, the Scout should remember what the problem was.

Again, incremental savings of weight are important to get the final total down. I do not want anyone to bankrupt themselves saving a few ounces, but where possible you should make a serious effort to get the weight down. Remember also, you can borrow items that you cannot afford. This is your last opportunity to help yourselves, in some cases significantly.

3 Hiking Shorts with liners and/or 3synthetic underwear: Michael D./All, High Drew DeL./All High, Mark T./2 of 3 Too High, Charlie S./10 oz High, Luke B./1(?) of 3 Too High, Mark S./15 oz High, Hugh and Thomas S./10 oz High, William L. 10 oz High

3 T-Shirts: Charlie S. High, Mark T. High, William L. 12 oz High

1 Pair Thermal Underwear [Prelim Comment - Bring it, but we may leave it behind at Basecamp depending on what trek we get. If we have many high altitude campsites, we'll bring; if not, then I will allow you to leave it behind if you don't feel you need it.] William L. a little heavy, Charlie S., Drew DeL., Thomas S, Mark S., Mark T. all need.

Socks: Several Scouts had "thick" socks that were threadbare in the heels. Check this, and replace if this describes your socks. 2 pair gym socks: Drew DeL. and Michael D. Need Lighter

Long Pants: Drew DeL. Needs Lighter

Fleece Pullover: William L. needs lighter and less bulky

Rain Suit: Drew DeL. and Mark T. both Need a Rain Suit. Several Scouts have a top, need a bottom. Hugh and Thomas S. have fairly heavy rainsuits.

Rainproof Hat: Michael D., Mark T., Luke B., Will K., all need

Fleece Head-Band: Mark S. Needs

Ultra-Light Sneakers: REMEMBER NO SANDALS ALLOWED! - Drew DeL. and Mark T. can both do significantly better. Todd G. needs (?)

Plastic Bowl: Drew DeL., Will K., Mark S. need wider mouth cups; Mark T. needs a lighter, plastic set.

Canteens: Drew DeL., Hugh and Thomas S need to switch from Nalgene canteens to soda bottles. Several Scouts had narrow mouth bottles. One Scout had at least one 1 pint bottle.

Sleeping Bags: Drew DeL. and Luke B. both 1.5 pounds too heavy

Backpacker's Towel: Drew DeL. and Mark T. both need

Work Gloves: Drew DeL., Michael D., William L., Hugh and Thomas S, need lighter gloves

Backpacks: Hugh and Thomas S have heavy packs (determine if any pack accessories can be left behind)

Pack Cover: Thomas S. needs a lighter pack cover (?)

Daypacks [Another item we *may* not need, depending on what trek we get]: Drew DeL., Michael D. both need a daypack. William L. lighter if possible.

4) Schedule Semi-Set
Our stay at Peterson Air Force Base has been confirmed (this is very good news). Our Council T-Shirts have arrived; I will give them out sometime next week, or maybe when we step on the plane (haven't decided on that yet). The schedule of activities is semi-set, but the Colorado wildfires may have an impact on some of our planned itinerary. Distressingly, the cost of every single thing is more expensive than in 2000, in some case considerably more expensive (20% more for two events). So I'm trying to cut out about $100 per person in expenses. For this reason, I am bagging our normal Crew T-Shirts (the rainbow "V" Sun-Dogs), because they run us $27 each, and we have Council T-Shirts anyway. I will also go with a somewhat less expensive set of dinners than I had orignally planned.

At Present: Horseback Ride and Cave of the Winds on Saturday; Pike's Peak and Rock Climbing on Sunday, Mountain Biking, Whitewater Rafting (and slightly possible, Royal Gorge) on Monday. Tuesday we join the Council bus. Wednesday we arrive at Philmont.

5) Physicals
If you have not scheduled your physical, you are WAY late, and need to do so immediately. Remember, no physical, no Philmont.

6) Uniforms
Those of you who received rank patches at the last Court of Honor, should sew them on before we leave for Philmont.

7) Photo ID
Remember, if you need ID from the DMV, try to get that taken care of sooner versus later.

That's it for tonight.

- Bob

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11 July 2002