However, there were/are some remaining problems. Many Scouts are still missing mandatory gear. It was interesting to see who was properly equipped when the temperature dipped into the mid-50's late Saturday afternoon - and who just wrapped their arms around themselves, with a resigned expression on their faces. etc., etc., etc. What are the latter Scouts planning to do when it's 29 degrees and snowing at Copper Park or Mt. Phillips?

Virtually everyone hiked well on Saturday (4 miles), and early on Sunday (12 miles total), but there were plenty of dragging, footsore Scouts (including some of my veterans) when we pulled in late Sunday. Question being for each trekker, how did you feel when you woke up THIS MORNING (Monday)??? - could you have done Sunday's hike all over again, no problem? I think we all know the answer to that one! This is your last and best warning, guys - past time to start doing serious prep work! - because at Philmont, you WILL have to hike feeling JUST like you did this morning... ...for 9 days in a row.

[And by the way, yes, I did practice today, just as I said I would. Did you?]

Last comment before moving on. As a collective Crew, we probably pulled over 75 ticks off ourselves this past weekend. Yes, they were all dog ticks (which don't carry Lyme Disease), but even dog ticks can carry some unpleasant diseases. And where there are dog ticks, deer ticks also abound. It is therefore highly advisable for everyone to do several thorough tick inspections over the next day or so. Be meticulous about checking areas with hair - head, chest, armpits and crotch. Remember also, ticks can allegedly live for up to a week in moist clothing, so your backpacks and hiking clothes are still suspect.

2) Upcoming Crew Meeting - Our third General Crew Meeting is this coming Sunday, June 11th, from 7 - 9pm, at the St. Agnes Parish Center; the agenda will include the final shakedown of equipment, Uniform Inspections, confirmation of crew chiefs (and new elections if necessary), some final training comments, and a review of their Carry-On luggage for the plane flight. AT LEAST ONE PARENT *MUST* ATTEND (to sign release forms.)

All attendees MUST HAVE their entire kit. This time, we will inspect item by item. Whatever you're missing now, you have 6 days to get. Don't fail.

All Scouts must show up in full uniform for inspection. Our plane travel will be done in full uniform, and first admittance of Scout groups to military facilities (that is, Peterson AFB) requires full uniforming. (I have never been inspected yet, but that's only because we've never eaten at the messes or toured at Ft. Carson or the Air Force Academy. I've also never been to Peterson before, either, so I'm not sure how hard-core they'll be. We certainly don't need to be denied admittance on the 26th!) Full uniform includes: Scout socks, Scout pants, Scout Belt, shirt with all applicable patches, and either your Troop neckerchief *and slide* or a Scout bolo tie. Non-standard issue items that are "reasonably close" are UNACCEPTABLE.

Most, if not all, of the Scouts in 111 are properly uniformed, and probably only a few need to update their patches, belts and socks. However, many of the Scouts in 149 and 647 need to either buy or borrow items THIS WEEK in order to bring themselves up to snuff. Not properly uniformed/No Philmont.

3) Miscellaneous - A) Don't forget those physicals! To date, I have only 9 Philmont Physicals in hand. No medical/No Philmont.

B) If anyone is interested, I will again be doing death hill at Potomac Overlook on both Saturday and Sunday each of the next three weekends, starting at 6:00 am and ending at 8:30 (10 reps).

C) The B.'s have offered the use of their Catoctin Mountain hideaway to all Crew members for backpacking practice during the weekend of June 16 - 18. There are some stiff trails nearby which will serve as excellent practice. An ideal and timely opportunity. A number of Troop 111 Scouts have indicated that they are planning on going. If you're also interested, please contact Heidi B.

D) Anyone requiring prescription medications - Talk to your physicians THIS WEEK about getting a second prescription. Remember, you'll need two sets of medications, each adequate for 20 days - one for the Scout, and the backup to be carried by an adult. The extra 4 days worth is "just in case."

E) Anyone wearing glasses - you'll need to either bring contacts (with all fluids) or a second set of glasses, as backup in case the first pair is lost or broken. Colorado and New Mexico definitely lose their charm if you can't see. You'll also need at least one "Croakie" or equivalent (eyeglass straps) that fit your glasses. If you wear contacts, bring a second set of contacts or your regular glasses and a "Croakie."

You are being reminded of these things now so that you have time to get these items before we leave... ...which is 3 weeks from this morning!

F) As previously noted, we need transportation to and from National Airport. To date, only one parent has volunteered to assist. My Troop vans will not be available (they'll be at summer camp), and METRO is not a viable option. I'd guess we'll need about 8 vehicles. Who can help???

Parents, please share and discuss this newsletter with your sons. Scouts, please share and discuss this newsletter with your parents. Only 20 days to go!

- Dr. Bob

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5 June 2000