Philmont '99 Blister Buster

Volume # The First - 7-19-98

A periodic newsletter full of it... helpful hints and other important stuff for the Troop 381 Philmont '99 Crews.

TO SCOUTS: Tommy B, Tommy B, Chris F, Corey F, Darryn F, Stuart G, Keith H, Brandon H, Robert J, Russell L, Randy M, Matt M, Chris M, Matt P, Isaiah P, David R, Matt W

ADULTS: Matt B, Ken F, Dan F, Denise F, Mark G, Pete H, Mike M, Ed P, Gary R

FROM: Dave Bregar, Trek Master

RE: This & That

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Greetings! This is the first of probably quite a few of what I'm calling the "Blister Buster", a way of getting information out to the '99 Crews. July 5, 1999 may seem to be quite a way off, but we have a lot to do, and if we don't start now, it won't get done.

The trek that you have signed up to go on will probably be one of the high points in your life, ranking up there with getting married and getting your wisdom teeth pulled! Seriously, though, what I am working on is to make the '99 Trek as PLEASANT an experience as possible. We want you to be in tip-top shape, with well broken-in equipment, and with enough experience in using that equipment that it will become second nature to you. The long and short of it: NO BLISTERS!!

Speaking of boots, It is time to start looking for a GOOD pair of them. In the next 10-11 months, you will be putting quite a few miles on them, and the sooner you get them, and start wearing them, the better. We must insist that you have a pair of boots that are heavy-duty enough for the riggers of the Trek, and that they are WELL broken-in. I just can't stress this enough. 50 miles of TRAIL wear, WITH a PACK, is the MINIMUM. The more, the better. I will be providing you with ample opportunities to get both your feet and yourself in shape. However, YOU must take the initiative.

Now, I know that most of you have heard me go on and on about the importance of "Prep Hikes". What is a Prep Hike? Glad you asked! The way I’ve trained numerous groups for long and strenuous backpack trips in places like the Grand Canyon, San Juan Wilderness, and yes, Philmont, is to have the crews do a series of Prep Hikes. We start out on level ground, with just a daypack, and progress to tougher terrain with more and more weight on your back. We will start doing these hikes in February of 1999. If we were to start any sooner, you might experience burnout. Any later, and there is a good chance that you won’t be ready for Philmont. Now, I know that all of you Scouts are "Studly Dudes", and that quite a few of you play sports, and are in great shape. But there is only ONE way to get in shape for climbing mountains with heavy loads on your back. And that is to climb mountains with heavy loads on your back! Please take advantage of any opportunity to backpack or hike between now and the Trek. You Scouts that didn’t take advantage of the Pecos trek this summer, shame on you! (Adults: We too need to get in shape. In addition, for those of us that are in the "Over 40" group, we probably could stand to loose a little (or a LOT) of weight. So, we MIGHT want to start training sooner than the boys do.)

In the future, we will get together to discuss gear, crews, food, and the like. Start getting your gear together now. It will make much less of a dent in the pocketbook then if you wait until next year. And you can always add that new sleeping bag or backpack to your birthday and Christmas lists!

Now for some financial information: Remember, for youth that have signed up for the trek, NO PAYMENTS ARE REFUNDABLE! If you are not SURE that you will go on the ’99 Trek, you had better drop out NOW, or you will loose any money that you have or will pay into your Philmont account! Adults… since we are over booked on the number of adults that wish to go on the Trek, if you drop out, your money will be refunded, but only if we have full crews. If the crew is not full, your refund will be pro-rated. Our financial responsibility is first to Philmont (we must pay for 22 attendees X $350.00), then to people who cannot go because there is no room, and finally to those who pull out (regardless of excuse). All refunds will be made after the Trek. Any questions, please contact me, Mr. R, or Mr. G. The next payment of $150.00 is due no later than 9-25-98. Feel free to pay $50.00 per month, or make one payment in September. There will be other costs (transportation, etc.) that we’ll talk about next time.

In closing, the Trek should be an incredible experience for all, but only if we all follow the Boy Scout motto, and BEcome PREPARED!

Happy trails, Scouts!