The Philmont Forum

This is an essay I wrote a few years ago after returning from a trek.  It explains why Philmont -- and the wilderness in general -- has had such a profound effect on my life.  Each year, as I start preparing another Crew for their adventure, I dust it off and present it to them as a part of their trek preparation.

This is a handout I gave to my Crew before one of our weekend "shakedown" activities in preparation for the Philmont trek. The shakedown occured in February and the weather was especially cold and windy.  The article deals with cold weather comfort and safety.

Other than dealing with an injury to a member of your crew, nothing at Philmont can be as stressful as getting through the first day.  The first day at Philmont is "lovingly" called the Day 1 Marathon for good reason.  There is a specific list of tasks that MUST be completed before your crew can be bussed out to the back country, and there are a few other activities each crew wants to take part in.

The MUST DOs include:

• Arrival at Philmont
• Check-in at Welcome Center
• Meet your ranger
• Administration check-in
• Logistics consultation
• Medical re-checks
• Trail equipment check-out
• Trail food check-out
• Crew shakedown with your ranger
• Crew photos
• Advisors Meeting/Crew Leader Meeting/Chaplain Aid Meeting
• Opening Campfire

Some of the other activities you may want to do include:

• Tour the Villa Philmonte'
• Visit the Tooth of Time Traders
• Visit the snack bar
• Visit the News & Photo Service
• Attend evening chapel

For myself, and most of the adults I've talked to, Philmont Day 1 is the last stressful part of the 18 months of preparations for the trip.  The vacation does not start on Day 1.  The vacation starts on Day 2.  Here are some tips, tricks, and notes to help you get through that first stressful day.

Discussions about Wood Gas Stove

Consider using carbon neutral Wood Gas fuel rather than processed fossil fuel.

A few hand fulls of dry cellulose can boil a quart of water in less then 5 minutes.

Cellulose is bulkier by 4x that of liquid fuels but you might not have to carry any in some places.

Soot collects on the pot increasing the power absorbed.
Soot becomes hard and need not be cleaned to often.
You can place your pot in a plastic bag to contain the soot.
Works best if all you do is heat water in your pot and hydrate your food in freezer bags.

Learn more via links at
http://www.google.com/search?q=woodgas+stove

Would like to hear your comments so can update this HOWTO.

Mike Rushford ASM Troop931 Livermore Ca.