1) Service Project a Success! - The combined Crews did an excellent job on the 50-Miler Award Service Project, planting approximately 175 seedling trees at the King St. East cloverleaf and Shirlington exits off of I-395 South. This supplemented two Troop 111 Eagle Scout projects from several years ago, and replaced about 70 dead trees and augmented the more barren "interior" sections of both sites. Took nearly 7 1/2 hours start to finish, so far more than needed to pre-qualify for the 50-Miler Award for all participating trekkers. On behalf of Fairfax Re-Leaf, and the citizens of both Arlington and Fairfax Counties, thanks to one and all who participated.

2) Airfares - Boy, did we luck out! After waiting, and waiting, and waiting, Northwest Airlines finally offered a special to Denver, for $198 per fare. Thanks to Ted Gerarden of Troop 111, who pointed this out just in time for me to pounce. The fares we needed were available for only one day! With the usual additions, this came to $214 per person for the standard round-trip. This was approximately $140 less than the best we saw offered this year to Colorado Springs. Best of all, the flights depart and return to National Airport, not BWI. I am very pleased, and hope you are as well.

Note that Tim A., the McE., Stefan N., and the W. also shared the discount "wealth," but (of course) have higher fares for their tailored arrival or return flights. I will contact each of the above trekkers separately to detail their alternate flights. All standard trekkers have their flight information detailed in the Itinerary (see below.)

3) Lodging - Thanks to some legwork by Randy Thomas, followed by some additional work by Hank McEntee, we have free lodging at Peterson Air Force Base, about 10 miles east of Colorado Springs. We'll be sleeping on a gymnasium floor. Good deal, and a lot nicer than using our tents at the Air Force Academy.

4) Paperwork, etc.- All trekkers (except Tim Arthurs) have now received their Philmont Guidebooks and a xerox copy of their trek. I made one mistake, however; someone who is on Trek 24 received the xerox for Trek 32. If you resemble this remark, please let me know so I can rectify the situation. Please read the guidebooks! (...but don't pay any attention to the equipment lists, which are a travesty.)

Everyone (except Tim A.) has also received their Philmont medical forms by now. Note that if you have not scheduled your physical yet, you are late and in danger of being shut out of HMO's and similar health plans. No medical/No Philmont. Can't be any plainer than that!

5) Our preliminary activities are set - To summarize, on Day I we will be doing a horseback ride in the Garden of the Gods, followed by a Lantern Tour of the Cave of the Winds. On Day II, we'll be taking the Cog Railway to the top of Pike's Peak, followed by rock climbing at Quest Camp (I hope! - not confirmed yet!). On Day III, we'll be starting off with Mountain Biking, then doing Whitewater Rafting, then touring Royal Gorge. This covers 8 of the Scouts top 10 choices for pre-activities, so exciting, jam-packed, and just what the doctor(s) ordered. Of course, these are also 8 of the 10 most expensive choices, too - what a surprise! Our complete itinerary is posted at the bottom of this email.

6) Shakedown Hike #1 - We will be doing a stretch on the C&O Canal, from Point of Rocks south. This shakedown emphasizes training in gear setup and use, and will feature 3 separate camp set-ups/takedowns. We will be assembling at 6:30am on Saturday, May 20^th, at 6:30am at the lower St. Agnes parking lot - BE ON TIME! All Scouts should be packed in their backpacks, adhering as closely as possible to the Philmont equipment list (yes, bring everything, even though we'll be out only one night!) Wear your Philmont boots, too! We will weigh your packs before departing, and adding plenty of Crew gear. DON'T CHEAT!

The cost for this event is $20, payable by Check ONLY to "Troop 111," and listing "Philmont Shakedown #1" in the memo line.

Your final payment ($250) is also due upon arrival in the parking lot. This should also be made payable to "Troop 111," and listing "Philmont 2000/final" in the memo line.

Many have asked when we will be returning (Troops 111 and 647 both are holding Courts of Honor Sunday afternoon.) At present, I expect to return to the Parish Center at 2pm, but we will do our best to be here sooner if possible.

As previously noted, this event is: A) Mandatory; and B) "Weather or Not."

7) Equipment shake-out - I am planning on spending time this Saturday afternoon and evening at the Parish Center doing our preliminary equipment assemblage and repair. Clay and Rick have offered their assistance; we can use (i.e., NEED!) 2 or 3 more Adults or Scouts to assist. If you can help, please email me by Friday night.

I hope you are practicing backpacking. I also hope that you are still working hard to minimize the weight of your personal kit!

Parents, please share and discuss this newsletter with your sons. Scouts, please share and discuss this newsletter with your parents. Only 6 weeks to go!

- Dr. Bob

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27 May 2000