2006!
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CREW!!

As most of you know by now, our Philmont Crews (Crew 1: John O., Corey G., Johnny G., Matthew C., Jake W., Chris F., Kathy G., and Susan W. Crew 2: Nathan P., Matthew S., Sameer V., Sam W., Charles W., Bob P., Ganesh, and Don W.) made it back late Tues. from Philmont safe and reasonably sound if a bit sore and travel worn. The trip was exciting, challenging, and memorable for all concerned. We started off with an overnight stay in Atl. the night before our departure so we would not have any problems getting everyone to the airport on time. Our first bit of excitement occurred when we realized Sam did not have his boots on as we were preparing to get on the shuttle to the airport. Happily, the boots were in our car at the hotel. Unhappily, by the time he got them on the shuttle was full so Papa P. stayed with him while the rest of us went on to the airport to check in. We immediately encountered our next bit of excitement when the airline computers were down and all of our tickets were "locked out". It took forever for them to run our tickets but we had gotten to the airport very early and had time to spare. This also gave Sam and Bob plenty of time to get to the airport to join us.

The flight was uneventful as was the bus ride to Philmont. We arrived too late for the dining hall ( ahh, shucks!) so had to force ourselves to have Simple Simon's pizza delivered for supper. The Crew was disappointed but suffered through supper in good spirits. The next days orientation procedures went well. Crew 2's ranger, Alex, had only worked at Philmont for three weeks but had a lot of previous experience in camp work and did a good job. The opening ceremony was interesting if a bit under-rehearsed and we all settled in for an early lights out in anticipation of our hike the next day. Despite the fires to the south of the ranch and the evacuation or alteration of various southern treks, our trek was left intact ( although there were plentiful rumors that the Valle Vidal, the location for our first several days of hiking, was about to be closed. It was closed down the day after we left.).

We were bussed first thing Friday morning to Ponil Turnaround to begin our trek with the usual ranger banter and bad jokes along the way. We had a relatively easy hike to our first destination, Dean Cutoff, with only a few "misdirections" by Crew 2 along the way. Set up camp and immediately headed to Ponil for root beer, branding, horseshoes and other high jinks. Back to camp for supper and then returned to Ponil for their Cantina show. A whole lot of excitement that night when Crew 1's ranger, Doug (aka "The Idiot"), and Jake managed to get thoroughly lost trying to get back to camp. That, children, is why we don't leave camp without a map, compass, headlamp, and other essentials.

The next day's hike brought us through Pueblano, over Wilson Mesa, and to Rich Cabin. We elected to take that alternate route (over 9 miles) rather than the more direct one of about 5 miles because of the description Alex gave of the mesa. He was not wrong. All of us agreed that it was one of the prettiest places that we have seen at Philmont or elsewhere. Crew 2 took our Wilderness Pledge there. I have never had it done better. Rich Cabin was an old settler's cabin that was originally built in the late 1800's and added on to early in the 1900's. We got to play with a 3 day old burro and his mom, milk a cow, chase chickens, and do laundry the old fashion way with a tub, wringer, and old fashion hand held agitator. Much fun! As three of us were busy figuring out how to get things clean, Nathan was heard to remark that it took three men to do what one woman could do in half the time. Too true for many things!

The next day took us through Greenwood Canyon. Crew 2's lunch was concluded by a thunderous storm and hail shower which caused us to have our first of many lightening drills. After crouching under small trees for the requisite 30 minutes, we ventured back up the trail soaked but undaunted. Crew 1 had found a beautiful space large enough for both crews to camp and we enjoyed a good night of shared stories, etc. The hike the next morning out the balance of Greenwood Canyon was especially pretty. However, as we went over the next ridge (unnamed even though it exceeds 11200 ft.), the weather clobbered us again. Both groups had to resort to lightening drills and the descent off the ridge to Copper Park, our camp for the next two days, was straight down a steep slope on a trail that wasn't much more than rock and mud. More lightening, more hail, more fun!

Our first night at Copper was one wet, cold night. Supper was a challenge to say the least and everyone headed to bed to damp if not wet tents and sleeping bags. Despite the very tough conditions, spirits were remarkably good. The next day we began our assault on Mt. Baldy, the highest point in Philmont at 12441 ft. Both crews elected to go up the steeper north slope which involves basically going straight up a shale filled slope. Very difficult but all concerned did it beautifully. Perfect weather on top with great views of Philmont and several neighboring states. Ask Jake about the early full moon and Matthew S. about canned goods on top of the mount. Hauled ourselves down with a stop for lunch in the lovely meadow on the southern shoulder of Baldy. Got back into Copper after a stop in Baldy Town for a food pickup and well needed showers! Once in Copper saw that it had hailed so much in our absence that the dining fly was filled with ice and the slopes white with hail. Only hail storm that most of us missed the entire trip ( Chris and Kathy had stayed in camp and fought it off as best they could).

From Copper we hiked thru French Henry, down Ponil Creek (gorgeous!), thru Pueblano once more (will the circle be unbroken) and eventually to Upper Dean Cow by way of Head of Dean. Make sure you ask Sam about the great sleeping bag escape (unsuccessful) and the headlamp escape to Conn. (successful). HOD was a great looking place where we were to do a challenge course. We were lucky enough to get that set up with both crews together but unlucky enough to have thunder storms postpone our time until too late in the day to complete. We did have some quality bonding time between the two crews and with others at the camp, a chance to play cards, chess, and Frisbee, and a chance for most to do laundry if they wanted. The next day took us from Upper Dean Cow to Dean Cow by way of New Dean Camp ( yes, we probably hit every "Dean" in Philmont and there are as many as there are Peachtree Streets in Atl.). Dean Cow had rock climbing that was thoroughly enjoyed, one of the best Advisors' coffees ever (they put out steak and roasted potatoes and cantaloupe as well as the usual beverages and cookies), and a turkey hen and her chicks wandering about as if they owned the place. The hike up the canyon wall and down the other side the next day was nothing short of spectacular. The trail from that point was just non-existent and we practically bushwhacked to our next marked point, a dirt road heading to Harlan. The route down the road and then down a trail to Harlan was long, hot, dusty, and endless and had us singing prison songs in no time. One of the adults had a real heat/hydration issue on the way which prompted a water rescue mission to Harlan but, ultimately, everyone arrived safe and relatively sound.

Once we ate and got a moment to catch our breath, Harlan was a lot of fun. The mad boys with Crew 1 did an amazing job in the burro race and took top honors for the entire camp. Wait until you see the video. It is hilarious! Most of the combined crew wound up on the winning side of the Ultimate Frisbee contest and were the stars of the show. Good times!

From Harlan we hiked to Ute Springs and along the way did our three hours of conservation work by helping with trail construction. It was a good project and we clearly made a big difference in the trail but it was a case, as Matthew S. said, of "too many people and not enough work." Big surprise at Ute when Ross, our fearless founder, was able to join us on his day off. He camped with us that night although for some reason would not share supper with us preferring apparently the home-made meatloaf, etc., that the staff prepared at Ute Gulch to our chicken surprise freeze dried meal. Go figure.

The next days' hike through Hidden Valley and past Window Rock to Clarks Fork was just incredibly beautiful. Ask Chris about her elk encounter. We got into Clarks Fork early after Crew 2's short detour to Hunters' Lodge for the tour in plenty of time to take our scheduled horseback ride. Once again, mother nature messed with us. Just as Crew 2 got to our campsite to attempt to set up before the ride (Crew 1 stayed on the large cabin porch), the bottom dropped out again with some of the worse, closest lightening that we had on the trip. Of course, more hail. Twice. Hard. Bye, bye horsey. The rain did quit in time for us to have a real nice chuck wagon dinner, a nice Advisors' coffee, and a campfire with real pickin' music. More good times.

Both crews were up at 3:00 am the next morning to get a good jump on the 11+ mile hike on our final day over the Tooth of Time. Weather actually cooperated for most of the day. We left at "ambient light" per the most recent Philmont requirements, had a nice combined group assault on the Tooth summit for pictures (less a few folks with foot issues), and slugged our way through the long, switchback filled descent. ( Paul: There are 19 sharp switchbacks and many other turns and twists. Matthew S. and I counted them all.) After the obligatory pictures at the "We made it" sign and the endless paperwork back in camp, we commandeered a bus and headed to Cimmaron for excessive quantities of food. Most of the kids and many of the adults had Mexican dinners followed by pizza or burger dinners followed by ice cream. Whew!

We got back to camp in time to pack up for home before the closing campfire. Not wanting to leave us alone for a moment, the weather again got nasty causing the closing campfire to be held in the equipment enclosure. Crew 1 was unique for having the only female lead advisor of all the treks. Crew 2 was unique for having the slowest. Both crews were distinguished by the remarkable attitude they displayed throughout the trek despite all the adversity. These were truly two marvelous crews. Thanks to all, scouts and adults alike, for a terrific experience. I would hike with any of you again, any time, any place. Lets go!

Don W.
Advisor, Crew 149