2004!
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Confirmation number : T14930677
Expedition number : 616-A1-4. Our four crews will be designated as #616-A1, #616-A2, #616-A3, and #616-A4
Dates: June 16-28, 2004 (we will depart Atlanta on June 15)

Tentative flight times:
June 15, Delta 460, depart Atlanta 8:55am Arrive Colorado Springs 10:03am
(Great news! We have received special permission to visit and dine in the athletic training table program at the US Olympic Training Center.)
June 28, Delta 1600, depart Colorado Springs 11:10am Arrive Atlanta 4:07pm

Philmont mailing address:
Scout's Name
Expedition #616-A (1,2,3 or 4)
Philmont Scout Ranch
Route 1, Box 35
Cimarron, NM 87714

Philmont Phone: (505) 376-2281 (Emergencies only!!!)

Please note and reserve on your calendars these two important dates for the Philmont Group

Saturday, June 12 at 7:30 pm at Legion Pool

The Philmont going away party will be held at Legion Pool on Saturday, June 12, from 7:30 to 10:30. Legion Pool is on the campus of the University Formerly Known as the University of Georgia, at the corner of Lumpkin and Baxter Streets.

To be sure we have enough lifeguards, Susan W needs a head count. This event is mandatory for all going to Philmont, but we also need to know how many family members will be coming. Please email me or call me and give me a total. We will need food and drink, as well. Assignments are as follows:

Floyd crew: dessert
Orr crew: drinks
Kemp crew: chips and dips
Matthews crew: cups, plates, cutlery, napkins

What we must get completed at the party:
1. Pack & gear inspection
2. Parent signatures on Talent Release form (three signatures needed)
3. Review of Travel Plans, issuing plane tickets
4. Packing of crew gear
5. Issuing of crew shirts, duffel bags, personal gear bags
6. Instructions for Parents- Emergency phone numbers, hiking boots being worn on plane, etc
7. Review of Dress code:
June 15th- Class A, parents w/out should wear blue T-149 tshirt
June 16th- basecamp- AT shirt that will be issued
June 28th- Class A- parents w/out should wear blue T-149 tshirt (in the past the crews have voted to wear their trek completion t-shirt home instead)
8. Crew Gear Masters meet with Doug to pack crew gear
9. Mike & Paul meet with Parents (issue plane tickets & review plans)
10. Pack inspection
11. Awarding of AT Thru Hiker patches (certificates to be presented at next Court of Honor)

Saturday, July 10th - late afternoon or early evening-at the Dawe's. This is a celebration for crew members for successfully completing their Philmont Trek. Philmont crew members and family members are invited to attend. Crew members are encouraged to bring their photos to share, presentations are made and family members are treated to some of the leftover trail food (Unfortunately there is never enough of the trail food left after the family members dine on such things as power bars, banana pudding, spreadables, etc for the crew members :-). ) In case crew members are unable to brand their favorite item at Philmont we will have the branding irons at this event also.

Attendance at the June 12th event is reguired. Unless an exception is granted in advance.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM MIKE F. (5/26/04)

Our flight is presently scheduled to depart from the Atlanta airport at 8:55 am on June 15th. Due to the security checkpoints ALL CREW MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AT THE AIRPORT NO LATER THAN 6:30 AM. In recent weeks there have been 90 minute lines to get thru the security checkpoints. This last Sunday it took me 60 minutes to get thru security.

Here is the process that we plan to follow:

1. All crew members will be issued their e-tickets at the Gear Check party on June 12th ( a reguired meeting for crew members & parents). We will also issue you your pack duffel bag and personal gear bag
2. DO NOT PACK ANY GEAR IN YOUR PERSONAL CARRY ON BAG THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED A WEAPON- POCKET KNIVES, RAZOR, ETC.
3. Upon arrival at the Atlanta Airport you should check your self in at the Sky Cab station with your e-ticket and your photo id. Don't forget to tip the Skycab. After checking your bag and getting your boarding pass go inside the Terminal to the Delta ticket area. Crews will meet together and then go thru Security together. We will process ourselves as four crews. And not as a group of 36. When all crew members have arrived the crew will finish their check in.

Each crew member is responsible for their own transportation to and from the Atlanta Airport. Our trip starts at the airport.

IMPORTANT...IMPORTANT....IMPORTANT.....IMPORTANT

We expect all crew members to there by 6:30 with their gear checked in. At 7:00 am Crews will start their check in thru Security. IF YOU ARE NOT THERE AT THAT TIME IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBLITY TO GET THRU SECURITY AND MEET US AT THE GATE. Crews will not wait for late arrivals.

IMPORTANT....IMPORTANT...IMPORTANT.....IMPORTANT

Another important item
Will will travel in Class A uniforms with our hiking boots on. Adults who do not have Class A uniforms are expected to travel in the Blue Troop 149 T-shirts.

Several crew members are planning on staying in Atlanta for the night of June 14th. Several hotels provide complimentary parking for your trip if you stay one night at the hotel. They will also provide transportation. I have found rates to be $20 less on www.hotel.com

My crew is planning on staying at the Red Roof Inn on 1200 NE Virginia Ave ( next to Delta's corporate headquarters) The hotel.com rate was $69.95 plus taxes & fees= $80.00 per night
Suggestions for your personal gear pack list
(remember you will be staying in basecamp two nights when we arrive and one night after we get off the trail) Remember these items will be stored in your personal gear bag at basecamp while we are on the trail.

1. 2 pair of socks
2. two pair of underwear
3. sleep clothes
4. two pair of shorts w/belt
5. AT t-shirt (to wear on June 16th)
6. Personal grooming items (such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc) (any items that could be considered a weapon should be packed in your checked luggage)
7. small flashlight for basecamp
8. shower shoes for basecamp showers
9. Pair of shoes to wear home instead of your boots (if you desire)
10. Class A uniform to be worn while we travel
11. towel w/wash cloth (my suggestion is to bring two old towels
and two old washclothes- use one towel and wash cloth while we are at basecamp and discard and then use your other one when you return to basecamp of the last night- that way you do not have to worry about your towel and washcloth drying before we leave to go on the trail)
Payment Schedule:

Estimated project cost = $1300 per person
(Includes Philmont registration, air fare, ground transportation, crew t-shirts, food for all pre-trek hikes, crew gear.)
Crew gear bags are being provided by Bayer Animal Health (thanks, Jim)
Publix will donate some or all of our turkey bags for Philmont. (thanks, Kevin)

Jan 7, 2003- $100 deposit
Feb 4, 2003- $100
Mar 4, 2003- $100
Apr 1, 2003- $100
May 6, 2003- $100
Jun 3, 2003- $100
Jul 1, 2003- $100
Aug 5, 2003- $100
Sept 2, 2003- $100
Oct 7, 2003- $100
Nov 4, 2003- $100
Dec 2, 2003- $200
Total payment- $1300

Pre-Philmont trek dates:

  1. Troop backpacking trip- Oct 25-26, 2003 - Springer Mtn - Hightower (* Trey H, John M)
  2. Jan 24-25, 2004 - Neel's Gap to Woody Gap (* Randy R, Richard R, Jeremy T, Alex E, Sam W)
For the remaining hikes we will only have two crews on the same section of the trail instead of the four crews we have done on the past two hikes. We will hike in sister crews with one crew starting at the north end of the trail with the other crew starting at the south end of the trail.

Sister Crews:
Floyd & Orr
Kemp & Matthews

Floyd/Orr
  1. Feb 21-22: Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek - 16.1 miles total (*Charlie D, Andrew F, Johnny G, Jake W)
    Floyd - North to South - Camp at Tray Mtn Shelter - Day 1=10.6 miles
    Orr - South to North - Camp at Addis Gap - Day 1=10.8 miles

  2. March 27-28: Neel's Gap to Unicoi Gap - 20 miles total (* Andrew F, Charlie D, Billy O)
    Floyd - North to South - Camp at Low Gap Shelter - Day 1=10 miles
    Orr - South to North - Camp at Low Gap Shelter - Day 1=10 miles

  3. April 17-18: Dick's Creek Gap to Deep Gap (NC) (* Jake W, Kathy G, Johnny G, Charlie D) - 16 miles total
    Floyd - North to South - Camp at Plumorchard Shelter - Day 1=11.3 miles
    Orr - South to North - Camp at Bly Gap - Day 1=9.2 miles
    To reach the Deep Gap (see map) parking area take 441 into Franklin, NC, drive West on US 64 to just past the Clay County line (small sign) then turn left onto FS 71 (unmarked), which is a 5-6 mile gravel road ending at Deep Gap (begins as an old asphalt paved road in poor repair, then turns to gravel). Stay on this road until it ends. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the parking area.

Kemp/Matthews
  1. Feb 21-22: Neel's Gap to Unicoi Gap - 20 miles total (* Trey H)
    Kemp - North to South - Camp at Low Gap Shelter - Day 1=10 miles
    Matthews - South to North - Camp at Low Gap Shelter - Day 1=10 miles

  2. March 27-28: Dick's Creek Gap to Deep Gap (NC) - 16 miles total (* Paul M)
    Kemp - North to South - Camp at Plumorchard Shelter - Day 1=11.3 miles
    Matthews - South to North - Camp at Bly Gap - Day 1=9.2 miles

  3. April 17-18: Unicoi Gap to Dick's Creek Gap - 16.1 miles total (* Matthew S, John M, Alex E)
    Kemp - North to South - Camp at Tray Mt Shelter - Day 1=10.6 miles
    Matthews - South to North - Camp at Addis Gap - Day 1=10.8 miles

6. May 29-30, 2004 (make up date if needed)
* Did not participate.

Philmont 2004 Trek Committee

Mike Floyd (Contingent & Tour Leader)
Andrew Floyd (Lead Crew Advisor- Crew #1)
Bill Orr (Lead Crew Advisor- Crew #2)
Doug Kemp (Lead Crew Advisor- Crew #3)
Paul Matthews (Lead Crew Advisor- Crew #4)
Susan Wells

Committee Assignments

Pretrek trips:
1. Supreme Gear Master- Doug Kemp
  • Crew #1- Gear Master- Kathy G
  • Crew #2- Gear Master- Roger T
  • Crew #3- Gear Master- Dennis S
  • Crew #4- Gear Master- Pat M
    Philmont Pre-trek food (Excel)

    2. Pretrek Travel Arrangements-Susan Wells
    3. Food- Mike Floyd
    4. First Aid and CPR certification- Shawn Turk
    5. Crew Selection- Paul Matthews
    6. Crew Leader Training-Paul Matthews
    7. LNT training- Bill Orr
    8. Pretrek route planning- Mike Floyd
    9. Troop web updates- Doug Kemp

    Philmont:
    1. Philmont contact- Mike Floyd
    2. Philmont Tour permit- Mike Floyd
    3. Payment coordinator- Bill Orr
    4. Supreme Gear Master- Doug Kemp (getting stoves & PolarPur to Philmont)
    5. Health forms- Doug Kemp
    6. Going Away Party & Welcome Home Party- Susan Wells
    7. Crew & Appalachian Trail t-shirts- Shawn Turk
    8. Travel Arrangements-(air, ground, Philmont early arrival, side trips)- Mike Floyd

    Philmont Crews:
    Crew 1 (616-A-1) Trek #21 Crew 2 (616-A-2) Trek #21 Crew 3 (616-A-3) Trek #14 Crew 4 (616-A-4) Trek #14
    Andrew F*, advisor
    Chris F!
    Kathy G, gear master
    Susan W!
    Mike F*!
    Johnny G*
    Corey G*!
    Jake W*
    Sam W!     		Bill O*!, advisor
    Mike M!
    Roger T!, gear master
    Paul T!
    Charlie D*
    William D!
    Chris M!*
    Billy O*
    John O!
    Baxter T!
    Travis T*!
    		 Doug K*!, advisor
    Jim B!
    Amrey H!
    Dennis S!, gear master
    John B!
    Matthew C!
    Trey H
    Ross K*!, crew leader
    Matthew S!
    		 Paul M*, advisor
    Pat Mc!, gearmaster
    Shawn T!
    Alex E
    John M
    John Mc!
    Jeremy T
    * Indicates previous Philmont experience
    ! Indicates completed GA section of AT this year

    Crews 1 & 2 Itinerary #21
    Rating- Rugged/Strenuous
    Mileage- 64 miles
    Trail camps- 5
    dry camps- 0
    Programs: Black Powder Rifle, Blacksmithing, Chuck Wagon Dinner, Continental Tie & Lumber, Challenge Events, Environmental Awareness, Gold panning, Hunting Lodge, Mountain Man Rendezvous, Rock climbing & repelling, Western lore, Horseback riding
    Peaks- Baldy & Tooth of Time This trek will pass through areas that were burned in the 2002 Ponil Complex Fire
    Total Elevation climb- 5715 ft
    Climbing Distance- 9.38 miles
    Descending Distance- 9.27 miles
    Highest Elevation- 12,415 ft
    Lowest Elevation- 6700 ft

    trek 21
    Also all four crews last night on the trail will be close to the Tooth Ridge which will enable the crews to meet at Shafer's peak for sunrise on the last day to hike the Tooth Ridge & the Tooth of Time together. (a troop tradition - 98, 00, 02)

    Crews 3 & 4 Itinerary #14
    Rating- Typical
    Mileage- 62 miles
    Trail camps- 3
    Dry camps- 0
    Programs: Black powder rifle, Chuck Wagon Dinner, Continental Tie & Lumber, Challenge Events, Fly Fishing, Fly tying, Homesteading, Philmont story campfire, Horseback riding, Rocky Mtn Fur Company, Western Lore
    Peaks- Phillips, Big Red, Tooth of Time
    Total Elevation climb- 5039 ft
    Climbing Distance- 8.4 miles
    Descending Distance- 8.57 miles
    Highest Elevation- 11,739 ft
    Lowest Elevation- 6700 ft

    trek 14 Cancellation Policy:

    Quote from the 2003 Philmont Health form:
    During the summer of 2002, 28 participants (21 Advisors and 7 youth participants) were not allowed on the trail because they did not meet the height / weight requirements. THESE PARTICIPANTS WERE SENT HOME AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE!

    Please review the height/weight requirements with each participant. These requirements will be strictly enforced by Philmont Scout Ranch for both youth and adults. (NOTE: The maximum allowed for a participant under 21 years of age has been spelled out for the year 2004.)

    Pretrek Participation requirements:

    Scouts: participation in 60% of all pre-trek hikes, minimum=4
    Adults: participation in 80% of all pre-trek hikes, minimum=5
    It is highly recommended that all crew members participate in every hike.

    Notice- All participates must be able to pass Philmont's health and weight requirements as stated in the 2004 Philmont Health and Medical Record and meet the Troop's pretrek hike requirement. Refunds are not given to individuals who do not meet these requirements. Participants must meet the 2004 requirements.

    (Note: Philmont will NOT ACCEPT health and medical records submitted on copies of the original form. They must be on an original Philmont form.)
    PHILMONT 2004 PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT

    As an intended participant or parent of an intended participant in the Troop 149 Philmont trek scheduled for 15-28 June, 2004, I hereby agree as follows:

    * I understand that the Philmont Trek is a High Adventure Activity that requires good physical health and fitness and that certain physical restrictions apply. All participants must be able to pass Philmont's health and weight restrictions as stated in the Philmont health form. Refunds are not given to those who do not meet these requirements.

    * I understand and agree to meet all policies and requirements for participation, including CPR and First Aid Certification and participation in the expected percentage (60% for youth, 80% for adults) of the pre-trek hikes. If I am an adult participant, I understand that I must obtain Youth Protection Training in order to participate in the Philmont Trek.

    * I understand that the Philmont trek is an inherently dangerous activity and have read and understand the Risk Advisory in the Philmont Health and Medical Record.

    * I understand and agree that, due to the significant financial cost of this activity, each participant must support his/her share of this cost. Therefore, I understand and agree that by making the first payment and signing this agreement, I fully commit to paying the entire predetermined cost of $1300 per person by the monthly payment schedule.

    * I understand that if I cannot participate after signing the agreement, but can find a replacement that is acceptable to the Troop 149 Philmont Committee, I will not be held responsible for the payment. I also understand that if I cannot participate after signing the agreement, and feel that I have special circumstances, the payment policy can be appealed before the Troop Committee of Troop 149. I agree to comply with their decision.

    Click HERE to view or print the actual agreement form in PDF format. Please print front/back if you plan to use this copy as your official agreement.

    The next three links provide lists of personal gear that you might carry on AT backpacking treks or to Philmont. The first one was compiled by Mike F. and is generally followed by our troop. The other two links provide other insight into how to gear up for the AT or Philmont.

    Philmont Selection Process (begins with 2005 crews)

    Philsongs

    Cimarron High web cam pointed toward Philmont

    Atlanta Airport (shows security checkpoint wait times)

    2004 Philmont menu (PDF)

    Dan Yoder Philmont site

    Julian Love's Treks over the years

    Treks Comparisons 2003 (PDF)

    Mr Mike's Personal Gear Recommendations

    Personal Gear Recommendations 2

    Personal Gear Recommendations 3

    Crew gear list (Word document)

    Mike's Sage Advice for Happy Hiking

    The Top Ten List of the "Worst Ever Philmont Advice"

    Dining Fly setup

    Cimarron Website

    Cimarron Art Gallery

    Medication Permission Form

    Pretrek Menu Options

    Philmont 2002 menu

    Philmont 2003 menu (Excel) Provided by Cooper Wright

    Summary page of 2003 Expedition itineraries
    List of 2003 itineraries

    Philmont Related Graphics Images

    Philmont Ranger Song

    Giardia in the water?

    PolarPur use guide

    Elevation Profile, Trail Guide Neels-Woody

    Elevation Profile, Trail Guide Tesnatee-Unicoi (PDF)

    Elevation Profile, Trail Guide Dick's Creek-Unicoi (PDF)

    Elevation Profile, Trail Guide Woody-Springer (PDF)

    Purchase Trail Maps & Guide Books from ATC

    Philmont trek 20 Map and Itinerary (PDF)

    Trek 20 Camp Descriptions

    Email an order for the Advisor's Guide ($10.00)

    Leave No Trace Awareness Award

    State Botanical Gardens trail map/information (PDF)

    Hikes and Recreational Resources

    Philmont 2000 Pictures

    Philmont 1998 Pictures

    Philmont Trek 2002 Travelog

    2002 Trek report from Athens Banner-Herald

    Dale's 2002 crew 1 photo album

    Philmont Trek 2000 Travelog

    Philmont Trek 1998 Travelog

    Troop 1772 trek 20 travelog

    Turkey Roasting Bag Cooking Technique

    Philmont Medication Form (GIF) - Philmont Medication Form (Word) - Philmont Medication Form (PDF)

    Philmont treks Excel spreadsheet

    Philmont treks comparisons 99-02

    Double H Ranch (new BSA property near Philmont)

    Pictures of Double-H Ranch

    Philmont Lottery (for 2005)

    Philmont Clip Art

    Philmont pain index Excel worksheet

    Philmont pain index worksheet (HTML version)


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