Headed to Philmont?

Throughout the summer, this blog has been getting a few hits, somewhat strange for a mostly-dormant site. Based on the search terms sending people here, I think most of the traffic consists of folks preparing for their trek by doing extensive research. If that's you, then hello! Since I was on staff for a few summers, I have lots of advice about what often works and what often doesn't, so I figured I'd write some of that down before I forget it. Note that everything I write about is personal experience, and other people might find completely different things, especially as Philmont grows and evolves. In short, your mileage may vary (ymmv)!

My first piece of advice? Get off the internet and get outside! ;) Prior training is so important, and can make a big difference in the amount of fun you have while actually hiking. The better shape your crew is in (The whole crew! Don't split up the fast ones and the slow ones! Stay together!), the easier the hikes will be (but they still won't be easy, don't get your hopes up!), the earlier you'll get to staff camps, the more program you'll get to do! Program is key - you can hike anywhere, but you can't visit a 19th century homestead anywhere. Unless it will make you get into camp after dark, try not to skip available programs - many of them are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

More later...hopefully! Questions, comments? Leave a comment or shoot me an email: ashpags06 AT gmail DOT com. Hike on! =)