I did not join our troop/crew contingent for the 2008 trek. We initially had more adults signed up than we had room for, and I felt I should let someone else take the available space, since I had been before; later, when a few people dropped and spaces opened up, I had already signed on to be Scoutcraft Director at BSA Camp Whitsett.

From what I have heard from those who did attend, it sounds like the group experienced more problems than we did in 2006, and I think that stemmed from under-preparation and over-treking. The youth members, or at least a vocal group of youth, wanted to do a very ambitious itinerary that covered 80-some miles and included both the Tooth of Time and Mount Baldy. Unfortunately, many of the people on the trek -- mostly adults, but some youth as well -- were not experienced backpackers, and we had greater problems than in the past getting everyone to participate in training hikes.

The result was far too many long, long hiking days that left most of the group exhausted and left little time for program. And people over-exerting themselves contributed to several injuries, at least one of them fairly significant.

If you want to hike 80 miles in 10 days, my advice is, don't do it at Philmont, unless everyone is your group is in great shape and is willing to do some very serious training. You can walk yourself to exhaustion anywhere -- no need to travel all the way to New Mexico. For me, the joy of Philmont is being able to take the time to enjoy the scenery, participate in as much program as possible, and interact with the people there -- your fellow crew members, other trekkers and Philmont staff. You can't do that if you're whupped from spending 12 hours on the trail.

Just my two cents.