BSA Troop 577

July 2005 High Adventure Summary

 We have planned our 2005 High Adventure trip for July 14-22, with a late afternoon departure on Thursday July 14^th and returning late on Friday July 22^nd.  This is a preparatory trip for Troop 577’s Philmont trip in August, 2006.  All scouts planning on attending Philmont next summer must make this trip.  For our high adventure trip next month, we will be taking a series of 2 day hikes in the Carson National Forest in northeast New Mexico focusing on the area around the town of Red River (population 400).  The terrain here is very similar to what we will see during the 10 days in Philmont (located in Cimarron, N.M. only 80 miles to the east of Red River). Our drive up to Red River will include passing through the Philmont main entrance.

 All scouts are encouraged to come on this trip.  As is the policy of the troop, any scouts who is younger than 14 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult guardian.

 The trip is divided into a series of short 2-day hikes with time to restock food and supplies between each hike.  This means that we will not have to carry as much weight as normally required for high adventures.  The highlights of the trip include: climbing Wheeler Peak – the highest point in New Mexico, swimming and fishing in mountain lakes, seeing many historic mines dating back to the late 1800’s, a full day white water rafting down the rapids of the Rio Grande River, etc.  All the while, we will be experiencing 40 degree temperatures at night with daytime temperatures of 70 degrees.  Scouts will gain experience with progressively challenging hikes all above 10,000 feet.  Plus, everyone who goes on this high adventure (scouts and adults) will earn a 50 Miler badge! 

 Required equipment includes a hiking backpack, sleeping bag, mandatory water bottles, compass, backing stove or cooking gear (to be shared), first aid kit, rain gear, hat and warm clothes for nighttime.  Whether you are a regular high adventurer or if you have not yet participated in a high adventure trip with the Troop, this is a trip not to miss!  The cost of trip will be partially underwritten by Troop funds but there will be an approximate $200 - $250 charge per person to cover hotel rooms for 2 nights, dehydrated and other food for the group while hiking, gasoline and vehicle rentals, white water rafting charge, etc.  As always, the Troop Committee will consider any requests for financial assistance.

 Maps and other information will be on display at the scout meeting on June 27, 2005.  In order to reserve the white water rafting trip and hotel rooms, we need a firm commitment for the number of scouts and adults attending.  Please notify Mr. Winspear by no later than Monday June 27^th to reserve your spot on this exciting hiking high adventure trip. Also confirm if you have a Suburban or other large SUV to drive to reduce the number of vehicles we need to rent for this trip.

 The table on the following page outlines the planned itinerary for the trip.  Note that we return to base camp every two days.  

Troop 577

2005 High Adventure

 

	July 14	July 15	July 16	July 17	July 18	July 19	July 20	July 21	July 22
	Thur	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thur	Fri
Departure Time	3:00 p.m. Scout Hut	7:00 a.m.	7:00 a.m.	7:00 a.m.	7:00 a.m.	7:00 a.m.	7:00 a.m.	7:00 a.m.	7:00 a.m.
ETA & Location	10:00 p.m. Amarillo	2:00 p.m. Red River	Late afternoon		Late afternoon		Late afternoon		9:00 p.m. Dallas
Activity	Drive 350 miles	Drive 300 miles.    Begin easy hike up Bitter Creek in Valle Vidal area.  Visit Memphis, Anchor & Midnight mines on trail.	Continue hiking around mines to Greenie Peak and hills in Valle Vidal area returning back to Red River town.	Begin hike in Red River Ski area going up Pioneer Creek to trails and Bunker Hill mine.  Arrive for night at  Goose Lake for swimming & fishing	Continue hiking from Goose Lake visiting Black Mountain and then orienteering cross country down hill to Red River Ski area	15 min drive down to Gaging Station and begin hike up the upper Red River.  Visit Horseshoe and Lost Lakes for swimming & fishing.	Begin final climb up to Wheeler Point – the highest point in New Mexico (approximately 12,000 ft).  Downhill climb back to cars at starting point and drive 15 mins back to town.	Full day white water rafting down the Rio Grande River using outfitter from Taos (30 min drive from Red River)	Drive 650 miles to Dallas.    Brief stopover at Cadillac Ranch for photo in Amarillo.
Lodging	Hotel	Tents on trail	Tents back in Red River campground	Tents next to Goose Lake	Tents back in Red River campground	Tents next to lakes	Tents back in Red River campground	Celebration dinner and stay in Taos hotel.
Other		1 & ½ day relatively flat warm up hike.(13 miles)		2 day hike (15-16 miles)		2 day hike (13 miles)		15 miles by raft	50 miler badge!!!