Philmont 2000 Crew 629-B

Newsletter #6, 3/19/00

1) PEAKS Books - According to a Philmont Scout Professional who recently reported in to the bowline list-server, the PEAKS Books were to be mailed this past Thursday and Friday, for expected arrival (nearly simultaneously) across the Country this Monday or Tuesday, depending on how UPS wished to handle them. Ours did not arrive on Saturday. My housemate (who is usually home during the day) has standing orders to call me at work as soon as they arrive, in order to minimize turnaround time if we go with the original selections. Again, Adults and Acting Crew Chiefs should be prepared for an "emergency" get-together if needed to review the new treks. Check your phone messages and emails meticulously over these next few days.

Note that the 1998 PEAKS Books arrived at my house 2 full days after everyone else in the area had received theirs, for no apparent reason. We were not happy campers! Fortunately, we were still able to get our #1 choices, because no-one else arriving on our date wanted the tough treks. Lucky for us. Anyway, it should happen early this week. We'll know soon enough!

2) Airfares - Today's Washington Post indicated some intriguingly lower fares to Denver, but Colorado Springs hasn't been listed by anyone yet; this is not a real good sign. I will call my contacts tomorrow and see what's up.

At this point, only 4 sets of altered tickets have been requested. If you're not on the following list, and want altered travel arrangements, please call me at work tomorrow (Monday) anytime after 7am in order to give me your preferred ticketing. Earlier (before 9am) is better, because if the fares are down, I will buy as soon as the air travel discounters open up for business. You can also email me before 6am tomorrow (Monday) morning (after 6am, however, call me at work between 7 and 9am.)

Tim A. - Delay arrival in Colorado Springs to early to late evening on Wednesday, 6/28. Return with everyone else.

Hank M. and Matt M. - Arrange return from Albuquerque to any DC area airport on Tuesday, 7/18

Stefan N. - Postpone return date from Colorado Springs to mid-day on Sunday, 7/23

Chris W., Eric W., and Rick W. - Arrange travel from Colorado Springs to Salt Lake City, UT, on Tuesday, 7/11; arrange travel from Salt Lake City, UT, to any DC area airport on Sunday, 7/16. Use United Airlines vouchers for any part of travel if possible.

3) 50/20 Hike - Well, wasn't that a pleasant little walk in the park? Congratulations to Michael R., Chris W. and Rick W., who were among the 5 Scouts and Leaders who (despite the vicious thunderstorm) finished all 50 miles, earning the coveted Alonzo Stagg Award. The following Crew members earned the 25/10 Certificate: David B., Charles B., Andy H., Brad J., David M., Stefan N., Steven S., and yours truly.

Now for the associated warning. Most of the Scouts I talked to indicated some surprise with how stiff and footsore they felt after 20 or 25 miles. I think some were also surprised to find that their athletic training (including running) did not correlate particularly well to long-distance hiking. Gee, how about that? Warning: Remember, no-one was carrying anything more than a light daypack or hip-pack for this event. You will feel about as foot-sore at Philmont after a typical 6 - 10 mile day as you felt after walking 20 to 25 miles on the W&OD. HOWEVER, you will also have some serious additional soreness at your hips and shoulders that you did not experience last Saturday. Carrying a 40 - 45 pound pack up and down hills for 6 - 10 miles is quite an upper-body workout, believe it! Remember what I told you about needing to toughen up your weight-carrying points? - the only way to do that is to practice backpacking, with some serious weight (start at 20 lbs., work up to 50 lbs.) And as you have just seen with long-distance hiking, athletic training is no substitute for backpacking.

4) I hope some of you took advantage of yesterday's "Outdoor Jam" sale at REI. Don't forget Casual Adventure's 20% Off Scout Sale this Wednesday night, starting at 6pm. Either be in Uniform or bring your Scout Registration Card. Uniforms are preferred by the store owners, and (based on past experience) may help you get still better deals than just a Scout Card. Remember, this is where you want to buy things like socks, Lexan spoons, ThermaRests, etc., that otherwise only rarely go on sale.

5) Missing Items from the Master Checkoff List - the following trekkers are missing the following listed items:

Charles B. - All forms (we will discuss at 3/20 meeting)

Daniel H. - Med Insurance Card Xerox; $250 payment

John P. - Med Insurance Card Xerox

Steven S. - Med Insurance Card Xerox

Among Adults, Tim, Hank and Clay need to make $850 payments, plus turn in Troop 111 Adult Medical Forms, and Med Insurance Card Xerox. David B. also needs to turn in his Med Insurance Card Xerox.

All trekkers need to schedule their physical exams as soon as possible. Do not get shut out as we approach June! And remember, you MUST use the Philmont 2000 Medical Form; they will not accept another physical form being stapled on (like summer camps will), or a xerox copy. Adults and Charles Brennan Note - I have received additional Medical Forms, and will either mail them to you IF you need them soon, or I will distribute them at the next Crew activity. Call or email me if you need them immediately.

Parents, please share and discuss this newsletter with your sons. Scouts, please share and discuss this newsletter with your parents. Just over 3 months to go!

- Dr. Bob

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19 March 2000