Greetings! - Lots to talk about...

Update #1 - We now have two crews! During the Christmas vacation, I wrote a detailed letter to Philmont explaining our "problem" with respect to crew size. To my vast astonishment, they granted us a second crew with nary a protest. This is highly unusual, and can only mean that the Ranch still had slots available for our July 4^th starting date. We'll take it, and be grateful. This means that all Scouts signed up to go can do so - we will not have to cut anyone. It also means that we now have some flexibility in our trek selection - since we can now pick two different treks and allow everyone to pick one or the other (for example, a killer trek for the hard chargers and a less ambitious trek for those not as intent on proving their machismo.)

On the downside, however, this also means that we need four Adults (instead of two), and that unless we decide to co-trek (that is, both crews do the same trek, which IS allowed), one crew will be without me. Personally, I don't think this is a major problem, but a lot of Scouts (and their parents) apparently do! (I guess I'm flattered.) I refuse to provide suggestive guidance one way or the other; let's just see what develops this Sunday night.

Update #2 - New Crew Members, New Roster. We are now up to 19 total crew members, with the additions of Chris B. (Troop 647), Al Mazloom (ASM-111) and Ryan S. (Troop 111.) Our current roster is as follows (italicized names have previously attended Philmont):

John A., J.T. B., Chris B., Matt C., Daniel H., Dan H., Brad J., Nathan K., Neal K., Brendan M., Jay P., Rusty P., Ryan S., Matt S., Mike S., Chris W., Dr. Bob, Al M., Rick Wolff.

Al M. is a new Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 111. He has never previously attended Philmont, but has extensive backpacking and camping experience through a long Scout and post-Scout career. Chris and Ryan are also new to Philmont. We will re-introduce all the players at the Sunday night meeting.

You will immediately note that we are still short one Adult; however, this is only a matter of time, as Rusty P. will turn 18 this coming June, and will therefore attend as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

Update #3 - Dates and Costs - The timeframe remains from early Wednesday, July 1^st through late Thursday, July 16^th. Current airfares to Colorado are on the order of $160 roundtrip, but these are only through May 20^th. I have to wait til early April for the fares covering July. Hopefully, we'll see even less expensive airfares at that time. We were fortunate to reserve the Air Force Academy Huts for all three days in Colorado (at no charge), so the pre-trek lodging is set. At this point, the total cost estimate of $900 still looks OK, but this may change with a more ambitious pre-trek activity schedule (more on this below.) Note that the next payment of $250 is due this Sunday night, bringing all participants up to $650, total; please bring a check for the required amount to the meeting, made out to "Troop 111" and listing "Philmont `98" in the memo section.

Update #4 - Forms, Forms, Forms -
(A) I need the following four forms from Chris B.: Commitment Form, General Permission Slip, Troop 111 Emergency Medical Treatment Form, and Health Insurance Card Front and Back Photocopy.
(B) I also need the Health Insurance Card Front and Back Photocopy from Dan H., Jay P., and Michael S.
(C) If you have changed your medical insurance over the past three months, please send me an email to that effect and be prepared to fill out a new Troop 111 Emergency Medical Treatment Formand provide photocopies of your new Health Insurance Card at the upcoming Sunday night meeting.

New Info #2 - We're on the Web! Most of you are already aware that the Troop has a website; most (if not all) of the Philmont newsletters and forms will be posted on the site and can be downloaded. Note, however, that there will always be a delay between creation of the newsletter/form and its appearance on the website (reflecting the effort the webmaster has to put into re-formatting and posting the entry.) The website address is currently: <http://gwis2.circ.gwu.edu/~rsheehey> Note that this will eventually become: <troop111.org > but that hasn't happened yet (and we'll let you know when it does.) Of additional interest on the website is the Where To Get It guide. This page lists all the local camping outlets and gives directions to each - important information for everyone looking to buy gear over the next few months.

New Info #3 - Speaking of buying new gear, Casual Adventure is holding their annual Scout Night on Wednesday, March 18^th. Any Scout can buy anything in the store (except Scout and already discounted items) for 20% off. This is an excellent sale - as good as anybody's through the year - and comes at a most opportune time for the members of Crew 704-H-1 and -2!

New Info #4 - 25/10 Hike in 2 ½ weeks!!! - The 25/10 hike - 25 miles in 10 hours - is rapidly approaching (Saturday, March 14^th, starting at 7:00am.) The event marks the formal kickoff of our physical training and crew building activities, and is (of course) mandatory for all Philmont trekkers. However, you do NOT have to complete the entire hike; I am asking each trekker to complete 15 miles, which usually takes about 4 hours - completion is optional. However, all trekkers who DO complete the hike will receive a formal award for their efforts.

In a change from past years, we have switched from using the Mt. Vernon, Custis, and W & OD Bike trails to the Marine Corps Marathon route (which covers 26 miles, 385 yards.) This was just to give us a different hike; the old one was getting, well, a little old....

In order to make the 25/10 hike a success, we need the support of the crew parents in manning the four "rest and refit points," at mile markers 10, 15, 20 and 25. These points provide food and liquid refreshment, first aid, encouragement, and bail-out opportunities. Assistant Crew Advisor Rick Wolff is planning the 25/10 hike; we need a formal statement from each family as to what support they can offer to pull off this event; please email "Danger" Rick with your statement of commitment by 10pm Thursday night.

On the webpage is the formal permission slip for the 25/10 hike; please fill it out, detach the informational tail, attach a check for $5 made out to "Troop 111" and listing "25/10 Hike" in the memo section, and bring it to the Sunday night meeting. Thanks!

New Info #5 - Pre-trek Activity Selection and Itinerary Selection takes place this Sunday night; preliminary data needed ASAP!!! At the first meeting, everyone received copies of the handouts entitled: "Possible Pre-Activities" and "Crew Itinerary Selection Survey Form." The slide show that was given at that first meeting was specifically pointed towards enabling everyone to make informed choices on both topics.

Let's talk about the pre-activities first. These are the activities which you'd like to do in Colorado on July 1st, 2nd, and 3rd; i.e., before we go to the Ranch. Realistically, we can get in about a half dozen major activities, plus three minor activities, during this time frame. I am asking everyone to look the provided list over, and email me with their top 10 choices by Thursday night. This way, I can provide a correlated list at the meeting, which can be fine-tuned for our final selection. Do NOT worry about relative costs at this point - that's our problem, not yours. If the final selection is too costly, we'll up the total pricetag for the trip (parent's choice) or start swapping in less expensive activities.

Next, let's look at the possible itineraries - well, not yet. First, you need to look over another handout (attached), entitled: Philmont Programs (and Comments.) Look this over carefully - this is a major part of the trek selection; that is, what programs do you want to do? Since each trek has a different array of activities, your selections are critical to the treks we're going to consider. However, before you start your review, two preliminary comments: (A) None of the programs are super-intensive in nature; rather, they're more a "taste" of the activity. This is one of the reasons we added some of the pre- Philmont activities to our Philmont experience (e.g., mountain biking and rock climbing/repelling.) The point is, you should not tie yourself to just one or two programs - the collection of programs offered on each individual itinerary is what you're after. More on this below. (B) Beware of natural (and unavoidable) bias on my part with respect to the comments I have made on the programs. All of my previous treks have focused on the northern and north/central sections of the Ranch - thus, my knowledge base is best for those programs offered in those sections of the Ranch. Comments on "southern" programs are either based on my own 25 year old memories of my 70's treks (when I spent a little more time in the south,) or are anecdotal comments from fellow Philmont Phanatics. When this is the case, I have tried to so indicate in my comments.

Once you've looked over the programs, you're ready for another handout, entitled: "An Overview of Rational Trek Selection" (attached), which gives you an outline of how to select a trek. Once you've finished this, you're ready to fill out the Itinerary Selection Survey Form - First, indicate the level of difficulty you'd like to attempt, remembering my comments on "overtrekking" and "undertrekking." Next, indicate whether you have interest in specific geographical features of the Ranch (Tooth of Time, Baldy, etc.) Next, pick your five "best" programs. When you've finished your work, email me with your choices. This enables Rick, Al and I to "pre-sort" those treks which best fit the Crew's overall desires; this usually cuts the number of itineraries to review down to 8 - 12 (instead of 27) , and thus speeds the selection process considerably. It is also possible - and maybe even probable - that the survey forms will immediately result in a natural division of the trekkers into two crews - we'll see.

This looks like a lot of work - and it's certainly a lot of reading! - but this is what enables us to "jump the gun" on getting our number one choices. Every crew I have ever taken to Philmont has gotten their number one choice; now you know why. Note that the itinerary selection cards will be here in less than 3 weeks, so we've got to be ready to make our selections this Sunday night! (It's either that or yet another meeting in a week or two, and who needs that???)

New Info #6 - First Equipment Shakedown, this Sunday Night! - As previously discussed, all trekkers (including Adults) are expected to bring the current iteration of their Philmont gear, that is, everything on the "Addendum - Part II Weight Listings Guide" - and nothing else. Again, I am not overly concerned that everything is already optimal; however, I do want to point out where you need help while you still have plenty of time to do something about it! Therefore, please bring the best of what you have in each category - even if you know it's not the best you could have (who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised!)

In order to accomplish this task as quickly as possible, please have everything in meticulous order in your packs - not just a hodgepodge that you'll need to spend 20 minutes sorting before you can begin.

In due respect to the other participants, please come on time - slightly early would be preferred. Parents are welcome to attend, but their attendance is optional, not mandatory. Note that I WILL start the meeting on time! Because we are now up to 19 trekkers, we will probably end somewhere around 9:30pm. The better prepared everyone is, the earlier we'll finish.

Parents, please share and discuss this letter with your sons. Scouts, please share and discuss this letter with your parents. Seven months to go....

Dr. Bob, SM-111

______ Their top ten choices for pre-trek activities in Colorado.

______ Their choices off the Crew Itinerary Selection Form.

______ A formal statement as to what help their parents can provide on the 25/10 hike.

*** Jay P. and Rusty P. should drop off a hard copy of all requested information at the respective houses (Rick or Bob's) by 10pm Thursday night.

_____ Any and All Forms noted in Update #4.

_____ A check made out to "Troop 111" and listing "Philmont `98" in the memo section, for whatever amount is needed to bring you up to $650. total paid to date.

_____ A signed permission slip for the 25/10 hike, plus a check for $5 made out to "Troop 111" and listing "25/10 Hike" in the memo section, stapled to the permission slip.

_____ Their completely packed Philmont backpack, with the "best" choices of gear that they currently possess.

_____ Their copy of "Dr. Bob's Philmont List, Addendum, Part II - Weight Listings."

_____ A pen (two would be better.)

One of the most important goals of our next meeting is the preliminary selection of our itinerary. This is critical because the itineraries are offered on a "first come/first serve" basis, and you need to select as early as possible in order to maximize your chances to get your number one choice. For most dates, the most popular treks are usually reserved within the first week by experienced Advisors (like me) who know the drill, so you've got to move. Selection is done by a "Itinerary Selection Card" which is mailed to the Primary Advisor (i.e., me) in early March, along with the newest version of the PEAKS Book. The Ranch will not accept anything but the specific selection card in the PEAKS Book. In order to maximize our chances, we mail the card inside an Express Mail Envelope; this gets the card to the Ranch a day and a half after mailing. Expensive (about $10) but worth it.

So, do we hold an emergency meeting the day the PEAKS Book arrives? No Way! We "jump the gun" by selecting off of last year's Book; in reality, there are usually only minor changes from year-to-year, and we can be "ready to go" as soon as this year's Book arrives.

Based on 1997, there will be 27 separate and unique such itineraries; each itinerary can handle two crews. Thus, we will almost certainly - though not necessarily - have another crew roughly paralleling us through our entire trek. Of course, we might be both of the crews on our trek! The Ranch also occasionally allows 3 or even 4 crews on certain treks (usually the easier, southern treks); thus, it is also possible to do a trek alone. Each trek involves backpacking through the backcountry, from one campsite to the next, using any of a wide variety of trails (our choice), and doing various programs either along the way or at the campsite itself. On the average itinerary, roughly half the campsites will be at "staffed" camps; the others will be at more remote "trail" camps.

The itineraries are graded by difficulty, with #1 being quite easy and #27 being quite difficult. In order to preclude the previously common practice of ignorant jerks busting the chops of crews doing lower number treks (something I absolutely despise), Philmont has mixed somewhat the straight graduated difficulty by number; nonetheless, as a rough guide - higher means tougher. In addition to the numbering system, Philmont also further subcategorizes the treks as "Typical," "Rugged," "Strenuous," and "Superstrenuous." The degree of physical challenge is based on two factors - total mileage and topography. The mileage varies from about 45 to 90 miles, while the terrain varies from flatlands to rolling hills and plains to heavily mountainous. Thus, you can have a "rugged" trek of 70 miles, or a considerably tougher "strenuous" trek of "only" 55 miles; the latter being classified as "strenuous" based on more mountainous terrain. Note that these are mileage figures that you backpack in 10 days (actually 9 days, since the first day's backpack is usually trivial.) However, don't get complacent about the mileage - remember, these are Philmont miles, not the Appalachian Trail. The average altitude at Philmont is about 8500 feet - roughly 5000 feet higher than the AT in the Shenandoah National Park. This is critical, because you'll be sucking down about 15 - 20% less oxygen with each breath - which directly correlates to how hard you have to work while backpacking. In my estimation, you should multiply Philmont miles by about 1.3 in order to get a better feel for them in terms of the "Eastern" miles with which you're more familiar.

In general, the easier (lower number) treks spend more time in the eastern and southern sections of the Ranch, while the harder (higher number) treks spend more time in the western and northern section. As you can surmise from this comment, the latter sections are by far the more mountainous regions. For this reason, they also tend to be both colder and wetter. This is a two-edged sword - your days will be quite pleasant, but nights can be surprisingly nippy (mid-30's or below, even in mid-summer!), while water is more plentiful, and a lot cleaner. Of more direct consequence, a trek spending a lot of time in the mountains requires slight adjustments in your gear; i.e., you'll need to be more concerned with the overall warmth and waterproofness of your clothing and gear (which corresponds to a slight increase in overall weight.)

If I appear to be building a case against a northern/western trek, rest assured that I most certainly am not! The mountainous treks offer by far the most spectacular views, plus the most awe-inspiring nighttime skies. For these reasons (and possibly a bit of machismo,) most NCAC Crews tend to select higher number treks; however, we're kind of weird in this - around the country, the lower number treks are considerably more popular.

Aside from where the treks go and how difficult they are in terms of topography and mileage, the next most important feature of each itinerary is the unique array of programs offered along the way. Most of the itineraries offer between 8 and 12 programs over the course of the trek, with the most difficult, high number treks offering only 6 - 8. By now, you should have received a copy of the available programs; in addition, you will soon see (or will have already seen) a variety of the programs during slide shows or videotaped presentations of the Ranch. Note that some programs are offered on virtually every trek, while others are offered only on a few. This is important, because if the Crew insists on hitting a unique program, you will severely limit the number of available treks we can select (which is definitely not a good thing!) You're looking for the complete set of programs - not just one or two. Again, simply because of the topography and history of the Ranch, the higher number treks tend to offer a different array of programs than the lower number treks. By the way, doing the programs is critical to enjoying the trek - they're generally a lot of fun, give you something to look forward to, and help break up the day-to-day backpacking grind. Sadly, many crews "blow off" doing their programs (usually because they're too lazy to get their butts out of bed every morning, and are therefore constantly behind the eight ball with respect to time management); these crews are throwing away half their Philmont experience.

SELECTING THE TREK:

1. The primary concern is selecting the overall degree of difficulty. You do not want to "over- trek;" i.e., take on a trek that the Crew is physically unable to handle. Yes, we'll complete it, but you'll be constantly exhausted and too tired to do the programs (or anything else,) which is just criminal. [I know, I did a 139-mile trek in 1973, and it was a disaster, with only 4 out of 16 Scouts (including yours truly) doing the programs! - everyone else was continuously hors de combat.] Similarly, however, you don't want to "under-trek" either; if you take on a laughably easy trek, you'll spend half your days sitting on your hands, bored, and will also miss much of what the Ranch has to offer in the way of scenery. As a rough guide, a crew consisting of large, experienced Scouts should consider doing a strenuous or superstrenuous trek, while younger, inexperienced crews should do a typical or rugged trek - unless they become weight reduction fanatics and commit to doing some serious pre-Philmont backpacking/training, in which case a strenuous trek can be considered. This step will get you down to about 15 itineraries.
2. Once you've decided on the challenge level you're willing to tackle, you next need to consider whether or not you want to do some of the unique geographical features on the Ranch (which you will have seen during the slide show or videotape presentation(s).) Do you want to climb Mt. Baldy? Backpack or sidehike Mt. Phillips? Climb The Tooth of Time? It's completely up to you! - but remember, each Crew vote of "yes" further limits the available treks. For what it's worth, most NCAC crews do Mt. Baldy as a priority, and the Tooth of Time as an option. In general, this second step will get you down to about 8 - 10 itineraries, varying dependent on how restrictive you want to be in your choices.
3. Finally, you move on to programs - which programs are your top priorities? The Crew needs to develop a list of its top five choices, and use them to differentiate between the 2 or 3 otherwise quite similar treks that otherwise represent your "primary" choices. And remember, we'll be doing some heavy duty programs in Colorado - long before we get to Philmont - notably rock climbing and mountain biking; these are far superior to the same programs offered by the Ranch, so there's absolutely no need to emphasize itineraries which offer them. This third step should get you down to 4 - 6 itineraries.
4. With all this in mind, the Crew needs to prioritize 5 itineraries, with Number 1 being the Crew's top choice. These 5 selections are written down on the previously discussed Itinerary Selection Card, and mailed off to the Ranch ASAP. Although we've always gotten our Number 1 choice, every selection should be made with care - we could lose out to other crews (especially Council Contingents with 10 - 15 crews) with more favorable mailing schedules, and end up doing our Number 5 choice. You never know. However, if you've picked carefully, all 5 of your primary choices will represent superb treks (in reality, there are no "bad" treks at Philmont.) In addition, the treks are not completely "set in stone;" it is difficult - but possible - to get variations in programs, staff camps or trail camps. Thus, we can somewhat "customize" any itinerary we get to better fit our desires. The Ranch doesn't like to do this, but they'll generally accommodate Crews with experienced Advisors who look like they've got their collective act together. For what it's worth, I have gotten adjustments on all 5 treks I have taken Crews on as an Adult Advisor. In addition, many backcountry programs are offered to anyone who shows up - thus, if you're willing to do the extra backpacking to get to a camp not on your itinerary, you can do whatever programs they offer before moving on to your scheduled campsite. Unfortunately, this is not a sure thing, especially with the very popular programs (like rock climbing or Challenge Courses); however, if you make the effort to get there when they open up, you can usually get in (as long as they're not already booked up.) Again, all of my previous crews have taken advantage of these opportunities.

You will note that I have not made any specific recommendations on what trek you should take - nor will I. Yes, I have some favorites, but they're my favorites, not yours, and are therefore completely and utterly unimportant. This is your trek, not mine, and you get to make the selections. I'll be happy to advise, and will desperately try to avoid undue prejudice in doing so, but I ain't choosin' nothin'! Whatever you select, it will be the Advisors' pleasure to "tag along." One more time - there are no bad treks at Philmont - just good, great and spectacular. Now it's time for you to get to work deciding which ones are your "spectaculars."

- Dr. Bob

Each of these programs is discussed in some detail in the "Guidebook to Adventure," which I will receive 12 copies of along with the PEAKS Book in early March. The ratings listed here are based on the Scouts collective opinion of the events - not mine (yes, I track such things carefully.) Items with a Rating of "XXX" means I have never done this event, and have not discussed it with Scouts from other crews who have. Ratings listed as "- Other" means I haven't done it, but did talk to other Scouts and Advisors who have. Note that a Rating of 5 is best, 1 is terrible.

Adobe Casa - Creating adobe bricks from scratch and continuing the building of various adobe structures in progress around the site. Rating: 2 - Other

Archaeology - Actual excavation of a archaeological dig (an 800 year old Anazasi Indian Kiva), plus the Indian Writings (Petroglyph) tour. Rating: 4 - Other.

Astronomy - Night-time program with expert astronomers and multiple telescopes. Spectacular if Mother Nature is in a cooperative mood. Many satellites, spaceships (when in orbit) and meteors/meteorites can be seen. Rating: 4 (based on Greg Butera in 1996.)

Black Powder Rifle - Excellent but limited program - get to review and actually load and shoot a black-powder rifle; however, almost always just one shot allowed. Usually associated with Mountain Man Rendezvous. Rating: 3

Blacksmithing - Excellent but limited program - entire crew gets to work with a blacksmith in making a single item from wrought iron. Rating: 3.5

Burro Packing - Drag or be dragged by two of the most obnoxious creatures on Earth. A unique experience which you can't do anywhere else in Scouting. "Different." In addition, since the burros can carry up to 40 pounds each, everyone gets a temporary break on their pack weights. One and two-day programs. Rating: 3.5

Burro Racing - A super-fun time, enjoyed by one and all. Rating: 5

Cantina - Cards, checkers, junk-food, music, root-beer and a break from the trail. What's not to like? Rating: 4.5

Challenge Events - Excellent Crew building COPE course. Enjoyed by one and all, and very useful for Crew development. Better early in the trek. Rating: 4.5

Chuck Wagon Breakfast - A break from Pemmican Bars and other inedibles; however, rarely enough food, long waits. Rating: 2.5

Chuck Wagon Dinner - Another break from cooking. Good stuff, universally enjoyed by one and all. Rating: 4.5

Continental Tie and Lumber Company - Combination of Events, including spar-pole climbing and railroad-tie building, usually some lumberjack-type challenge events. Rating: 4

Environmental Awareness - Interesting tours, better when Mother Nature cooperates with respect to animal sightings. Rating: 3

Fly Tying and Fishing - Fun if you're into fishing, and have the patience to stalk wild trout. Yes, you can devour what you catch. Rating: 4 if you're into fishing, otherwise 2.

Shotgun Shooting - Reloading shotgun shells first, followed by minimum of 4 shots from a 12 gauge on a trap range. Most years, you can get 8 shots. Universally enjoyed. Rating: 5

30.06 Rifle Shooting - Also a reloading course, with shooting at stationary and moving targets. Not sure how many shots, but at least 4 (with the chance to purchase more) is what I've heard. Most Scouts enjoy, but some are afraid of the rifles (which are loud and have a pretty good kick to them.) Rating: 3.5 - Other.

Geology/Land Management - A interpretive lecture put on by experts from the Bureau of Land Management. Not as boring as it sounds, because the area has tremendous geological and man- made features. Best is at Baldytown. Rating: 2.5

Gold Mining and Panning - Tour a few hundred feet in one of the dozens of goldmines scattered throughout Philmont (only 3 can be toured.) Interesting. Goldpanning - the real deal, in the coldest water you ever stuck your hands into. If incredibly lucky, can actually find a gold nugget. This program is usually tied to the Blacksmithing program. Rating: 3.5

Homesteading - Visit an actual operating homestead in the Valle Vidal area, learn about low- technology living in Wilderness environments. Rating: XXX

Horse Riding - A "dude-Ranch" nose-to-derriere tour on one of Philmont's many trails. Early morning versions are usually excellent, afternoon versions less so (danger of thunderstorms mandates low altitude rides.) Lots of fun. Ride is just long enough to get tired of it, and marvel at folks who do it for a living. Morning Rating: 4.5; Afternoon Rating: 3

Jicarilla Apache Life - Tour a mock village, participate in a variety of American Indian activities, including a "sweat lodge" and arrowpoint chipping. Rating: 3 - Other.

Mexican Dinner - Similar to the Chuck Wagon Dinner, except you get everything and bring it back to your site to cook and eat. Plenty of food, and a break from the trail stuff, but a mess to clean up. Rating: 2.5, but I haven't done since `89, so may be better now.

Mountain Biking - New Program in the Valle Vidal. Mountain Biking in a wilderness environment for several hours. Rating: 4 - Other.

Mountain Living - Participation in additional homesteading skills. Rating: 2.5 - Other

Mountain Man Rendezvous - Another "interpretive" program, with backcountry staff done up as mountain men. Displays of trapping accoutrements, plus knife and hatchet-throwing. Usually associated with black-powder rifle shooting. Rating: 2.5

Mountain Technology - A lecture format review of new technolgies enabling modern living at remote wilderness encampments - satellite imagery, solar powered stills, etc. Rating: 2

No Trace Camping - Lecture and practical skills on low-impact camping, run by Sierra-Club typefanatics with an attitude. Interesting, but nothing to go out of your way to get. Rating: 1.5

Philmont Story Campfire - Either a flaming waste of time, or one of the best campfires you'll ever see; no way to predict year-to-year. [Not rated.]

Rock Climbing/Repelling - A taste of the real thing. Universally enjoyed, but a very limited experience. Rating: 4

Rocky Mountain Fur Company - Another "interpretive" display and lecture. Rating: 2 - Other.

Search and Rescue - Another new program in the Valle Vidal, emphasizing Wilderness First Aid and proper search and rescue procedures. Quality varies year-to-year. Rating: 3 - Other.

Trading Post/Commissary - Junk food and replacement equipment. Not a program, just a place to re-stock trail food and other needed supplies. Kind of a program for us, because we make the effort to "renovate" our food packages. [Not Rated.]

Western Lore - Associated with the horseback riding. Mock cattle roping, boot branding, horseshoes, sometimes an interpretive lecture (by real cowboys) on the life. Rating: 3

Wildlife Safari - Similar to Environmental Awareness Program. Rating: 3 - Other.

Home.
25 February 1998