***** Note - the email of Friday, May 1^st, is considered to be Newsletter # 4 *****

Greetings to All! Much to talk about:

1) Trek 21 for All - For those who hadn't heard yet, both crews will be co-camping on Trek 21. We were very lucky - my worst nightmare came true, that being, a large Council also arriving on July 4^th got their requests in several days before we did. However, they turned out to be one of the California Councils that (bless their hearts) wanted - and locked up - all the lower number treks. Thus, both 21 and 26 were still available. We would have gotten 26 as our number 2 choice if 21 had been taken.

Anyway, we will all be camping together. Trek 21 is an outstanding trek, tough but exciting; it also offers lots of possibilities for side hikes and/or picking more difficult routes from camp to camp if a cadre of the Scouts want to really go for it. As previously noted, we will be enhancing the trek, especially early on.

2) Colorado Combos - Option Number 1 Wins! - All but one Scout voted, and about half of you selected #1.

3) 25/10 Hike/Service Projects both Successes! - The 25/10 hike turned out much better than originally expected weather-wise, and about half the starters finished all 25 miles (with 20 minutes to spare!) The route (the Marine Corps Marathon route) was also fun and interesting, although we did get tired of traipsing around the Pentagon. And best of all, I only lost three toenails this year! Congratulations to trekkers J.T. B., Chris B., Brad J., and Chris W., who (among 8 others) finished this year's 25/10 hike!

The service projects at Camp Wilson also went very well; we basically got everything done that we planned, plus did a little extra each weekend. Fifteen trekkers are now auto-eligible for the 50-Miler Award (again, one of the more prestigious awards in the BSA.) The Park authorities are also planning on giving us some kind of commendation award - more info to follow. Thanks to one and all for your hard work - I appreciate it!

4) Airfares (still) Sky-High! - No progress has been with respect to lower fares. This has been a brutal year, without question the worst I have ever seen. We're looking at about $250 apiece, based on multiple calls this past week. I did not buy, only because our preferred flights still have adequate seats (yes, I checked), and there is a rumor that one airline firm is planning a sale starting this Friday. However, I will buy this coming Monday regardless, so be prepared for an additional $75. charge. Sorry folks, I=ve done as well as I could... ...but we can=t wait any longer.

5) Speaking of Money - I am still waiting on about half the crews - $250 payments that were due this past Friday. I will make the hopeful assumption that everyone is intending on bringing their checks by this coming Saturday morning (i.e., at the hakedown assembly.) Don't make me send Guido for your payments!

6) Details on this Weekend - This is the equipment use training weekend, and thus is a fairly easy experience with respect to strenuous backpacking. Rick's newsletter of this morning covers things fairly well - we are assembling at 6am at the upper St. Agnes parking lot, doing some quick pack weighing, divvying up the crew gear, electing two acting crew chiefs, and hitting the road. I expect to return by noon Sunday - and no later than 1:00pm. As "Danger" Rick noted, we definitely need driving assistance on Sunday - if you can help, please contact him immediately.

Even though this is just a quick and easy overnight, you are to bring everything just as you will be bringing to Philmont - weight and equipment evaluation are integral parts of this activity, as is your self-evaluation of how well you can hike at least flat ground with close to your expected Philmont carry weight.

As anyone who has been paying attention to the weather forecast will know, it is expected to be a fairly wet weekend, with showers and thunderstorms (and intermittent sunshine) on Saturday, and steady rain on Sunday. However, there's still three days to go, so this can change dramatically (remember the Projectoree weekend???) Regardless, DO NOT change your kit to accommodate the weather - you need to know whether your choices will hold up in New Mexico - when you will have to live with your choices for 11 trail days, with NO opportunity to run home for another warmer or more waterproof choice! This may be one of the more valuable aspects of this weekend's training.

Finally, please remember that this event is mandatory. One Scout has requested (and been granted) a waiver due to a more important and unavoidable conflict; everyone else is expected to attend. There is no permission slip for this event, since everyone has signed the general permission slip covering all pre- and post-Philmont activities.

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22 June 1998