A regular program of physical conditioning has started early for Scouts and Adult Leaders of Boy Scout Troop 1104 preparing to backpack their way through Philmont Scout Ranch in July 2010. Philmont, the Boy Scouts of America's High Adventure base located in the New Mexico wilderness, will challenge the Scouts for 11 days. The route they are taking is 82 miles minimum from start to finish, which does not include optional side hikes. Those scouts and adults participating at Philmont must be physically prepared to carry a 35- to 50-pound pack (containing all their own food, water, cooking and sleeping gear) over steep, rocky trails at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 12,500 feet while protecting themselves and their gear from wild animals such as bear. To learn more about Boy Scout Troop 1104 contact Scoutmaster Bo Reese, at 703-830-0048 or blreese1@cox.net.