tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92158439613777695402024-02-18T22:56:30.958-08:00Crew 6A location for information and activities of Crew 6Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-87134085006559490472014-08-07T21:59:00.000-07:002014-09-01T21:59:27.815-07:00Philmont – Day 12 – Base Camp<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Rumor was that there was a 9:00 bus at Rayado. We were scheduled for the 11:00 bus and we thought why not take a chance and get on an early bus back to base camp. With that in mind, the young men decided to wake up early. We were on our way out of camp at about 6:00 in the morning. We checked out at the staff cabin and took a picture with the sky painted with the signs of a beautiful morning.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-08-07_06-12-01_HDRe.jpg"><img alt="2014-08-07_06-12-01_HDRe" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4613" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-08-07_06-12-01_HDRe-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The trail for today was the road that led to Rayado from Zastrow. We were all happy to be on the road early in the morning as the trip was over five miles.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2692e.jpg"><img alt="Trail to Rayado" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4614" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2692e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">With the sun in our faces and Fowler Mesa and Trail Peak behind us enjoyed the cool morning air.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2696e.jpg"><img alt="Trail from Zastrow" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4615" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2696e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We asked for directions the night before as we had heard that the usual spot to cross the Rayado River was deeper than normal. That could mean a lot of wet feet. As we came to the place where the road crosses the Rayado River, we kept going east on a road that was less traveled. Soon the road turned into a skinny trail through the brush. I might add that this trail is on the staff maps, but not on the map we had. Yes, another unmarked trail. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2710e.jpg"><img alt="Another unmarked trail at Philmont" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4616" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2710e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">However, with a little perseverance through the brush, we made it to a river crossing. You come out of a barely noticeable break in the brush along the river and there it is.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2711e.jpg"><img alt="Crossing the Rayado River" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4617" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2711e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We made it to Rayado before eight when it opened. We checked in and waited for the Kit Carson Museum to open. In addition, we had some young men that wanted to do a little blacksmithing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2722e.jpg"><img alt="Kit Carson Blacksmith" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4618" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2722e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">At about 9:00 there was a bus and it had room for us. We hustled and got on the bus back to Base Camp.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Before we get to Base Camp, we are going to do a little flora and fauna. There is the unidentified pink flower followed by the sunflowers. They are two different groups of sunflowers, one picture taken while facing west and the next facing east. You will note that when you take a picture of sunflowers in the morning they are generally facing away from you. We also have a foal looking for breakfast.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2716e.jpg"><img alt="Pink Flowers" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4619" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2716e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-08-07_06-37-58_HDRe.jpg"><img alt="Sunflowers" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4620" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-08-07_06-37-58_HDRe-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-08-07_06-41-26_HDRe.jpg"><img alt="Sunflowers" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4621" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-08-07_06-41-26_HDRe-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-08-07_07-03-17_+2.0Eve.jpg"><img alt="Foal with mom" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4622" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-08-07_07-03-17_+2.0Eve-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We arrived at camp, took showers, returned the gear that we needed to, attended to paperwork and of course took time to relax. There was also lunch were we did not have to eat trail food. We also had time to do some laundry.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2726e.jpg"><img alt="Base Camp - Philmont" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4623" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2726e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Then came our trip to Cimarron for ice cream. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2732e.jpg"><img alt="Cimarron Art Gallery" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4624" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2732e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We had dinner, all you could eat and then we went to Sunday services. The meeting was very good. After church we caught the sunset over Trail Peak in the distance. At least all of us could say that we have been over the top of Trail Peak.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-08-07_20-04-27_HDRe.jpg"><img alt="Sunset over Trail Peak" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4625" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-08-07_20-04-27_HDRe-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We had our closing campfire. What a warm welcome to be outside on a nice evening. The Crew Leaders all were called up front to get a plaque.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2736.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4626" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2736-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The evening went fast and we were all eager to get to bed so that we could get an early start on our journey the next morning.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">There were many miracles over the course of the 10 nights in the backcountry. We all did well and we had no injuries. A couple of blisters, a broken shoestring, broken pack, a lost water bottle, cold weather and weather that some said was too hot. We all persevered and made it. It was not easy at times. The travel uphill was slow. The weight of the packs at times seemed burdensome. There was even the morning where I asked myself, why am I here, as I was cold, damp and tired of the rain. You just get up, get packed and put one foot in front of the other so that you will get closer to the Welcome Back sign. And you count you many blessings along the way because you know Heavenly Father is looking out for you. </span></span><br />
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Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-57644957009782479812014-08-06T20:32:00.000-07:002014-09-01T20:32:30.034-07:00Philmont – Day 11 – ZastrowWe woke up to a beautiful morning in Carson Meadows. We had decided that we would wait until today to do our breakfast that required cooking. As breakfast cooked, the young men got camp torn down and everything ready to go.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2668e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4599" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2668e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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The adults stayed behind and the young men took their backpacks up to the staff cabin to do the program for Carson Meadow which is search and rescue. We finished up the dishes and took our time packing up. It was peaceful as we were the only two people for several hundred yards around. We made our way up to the staff cabin and sat on the porch waiting for the young men to finish their program. Soon enough they were done and we took a picture in front of the staff cabin with the Tooth of Time in the distance behind us.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2672e.jpg"><img alt="Carson Meadows" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4600" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2672e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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The trip to Abreu was less than two miles and it did not take long to get there. We had a quick porch talk and then made our way to the cantina where cold root beer was available. It was a good time to eat lunch as well. There is nothing like actually sitting at a table and eating when you have been sitting on the ground, a rock or stump for over a week. The root bear was great. I think everyone had three glasses full.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2674e.jpg"><img alt="Abreu Root Beer" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4601" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2674e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a> <br />
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With less than two more miles to go we arrived at Zastrow. We had our porch talk and the young men chose a campsite. As it was nice and warm, one of the first order of business was laundry and showers. It had been several days for the young men so they each took a turn in the shower. There was also the added benefit of heated water. Soon enough, with the sun out, there was a sock tree forming from people doing their laundry.<br />
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We then went back to the staff cabin to do the program. The youth chose a Geocaching activity and had a GPS and made their way from point to point. As adults, we chose the orienteering course. Both activities were times. If you had a quick time for the activity, you got pudding. As adults we made our way to the starting point and the timer started. Like young men, we started running. We made it to the first point and stamped our paper. While that was happening I determined the direction of next point and started running. When I spotted it, I let the other adult continue towards it and I stared to the next one. Sometimes the other adult would find the points first and sometimes I would. However, once spotted I would be studying the map and start running while yelling the distance and direction to the next point. We ran past the youth a couple of times. Or should I say, ran past, walked to catch our breath and then continued running. I did not take any pictures while doing this activity, but I did take a picture the next day of what we were looking for.<br />
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As it turned out we did the course in 18 minutes, well enough for pudding. As we were still breathing heavy from running we decided to wait on the pudding. My thought was to wait until the young men came back so that we could eat pudding in front of them, which we did. We checked the map later and discovered that we had been running around at almost 7,000 feet above sea level. It must be due to spending the last 9 days at an average elevation of 8,912 feet and the 60 miles of backpacking or hiking to get from place to place.<br />
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We soon enough gathered for dinner. We were having chili-mac served in a tortilla in our bowl. We had been waiting a couple of days to have the chili-mac and tortillas.<br />
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One of the other activities at Zastrow is Dutch oven cobbler. The youth had their choice of several cake types and fillings. By popular vote the chocolate cake and cherry filling was chosen. <br />
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The sun was gone for the evening and we wanted to make an early start to get to Rayado for our bus back to base camp, so everyone quickly went to bed for the last night on the trail. What were the miracles for the day? No one got sick from drinking too much root beer. We traveled safely and made good time. How about, all the young men took a shower. More sun during the day, which is always appreciated. <br />
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As for the flora and fauna we have several on this segment. We have the white daisy, pink geranium, an undefined orange bloom as well as the saprophytic pinesap<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2682e.jpg"><img alt="Geranium" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4607" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2682e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2681e.jpg"><img alt="Pinesap" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4608" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2681e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Then for the fauna, I captured a couple of undetermined insects in a picture after one of the young men pointed them out. Where is a bird when you need one. They just better stay our of my tent as well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2683e.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2683e" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4610" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMG_2683e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a> Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-78424049796106641212014-08-05T20:30:00.000-07:002014-09-01T20:31:26.447-07:00Philmont – Day 10 – Carson MeadowsWe woke up early and broke camp quickly as we had a long day ahead of us. We had to make it over Trail Peak and on to Carson Meadows, about 11 miles away.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2607e.jpg"><img alt="Beaubien Camp" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4578" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2607e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Once on the trail we made good time. We did not need to take a lot of water and we only had a couple of day’s food left at this point.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2611e.jpg"><img alt="Trail to Trail Peak" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4579" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2611e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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We passed through one of the meadow areas that we rode through the day before. There were some clouds in the sky. However, there seemed to be a good deal of sunshine available as well. We were about to cross Bonito Creek for the first time for the day. We would be crossing it a couple of times during the day. <br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2614e.jpg"><img alt="Crossing Bonito Creek near Beaubien" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4580" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2614e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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We must be in better shape as we were traveling rather quickly. On the other hand, no one wants to be on a peak in a thunderstorm. Due to all the rain that we have experienced, the crew wanted to be of Trail Peak before 11:00 AM. That is not hard to do when you get there before 9:00. On trail peak is the wreckage of a B24D Liberator. There is a plaque on a tree as a memorial for the ill fated flight.<br />
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Toward the top of the peak is a wing of the airplane.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2624e.jpg"><img alt="B24 wing on Trail Peak" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4582" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2624e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Another picture looking out from the wing gives a different perspective. Trail Peak is 10,246 feet and several of the peaks in the distance are 10,000 feet in elevation and above. Some of the ones in the far distance are closer to 12,000 feet in elevation.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-05_09-56-39_HDRe.jpg"><img alt="2014-08-05_09-56-39_HDRe" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4581" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-05_09-56-39_HDRe-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Of course there is the obligatory group picture from the peak itself.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2631e.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2631e" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4584" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2631e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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I guess it was nice to be on a peak and be able to see without an over abundance of cloud cover so I took several pictures. It is beautiful country when you can see it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-05_10-01-06_HDRe.jpg"><img alt="2014-08-05_10-01-06_HDRe" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4585" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-05_10-01-06_HDRe-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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On our way down a scoutmaster going up with his crew had to warn us all to tighten up our boots. Apparently the day before two people rolled their ankles pretty good. If the young men do not know by now, as we have stopped to tighten up the laces before going downhill to prevent blisters I do not know what more can be done.<br />
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We then made our way to a place to sit down and finish breakfast. From there we headed towards the Bonito Creek. In our haste, we missed a right turn. Or should I say the map show the right turn and no trail going straight. There is actually a trail going straight. No problem, when we got to the road, we just turned right which would lead us back to the trail where we would turn left onto the trail. Well we took a left on a trail and thought we were on track. Except the map does not show the trail we took a left on as the trail we should have taken the left on is about 100 yards further. We followed the trail and lo and behold the crew kept going. The trail was there to see, just not a trail that had a lot of use.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2637e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4586" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2637e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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The question then is where are we? The young men looked around. We were on a trail that did not show on the map. There was a trail in front of us that did not show on the map. One of the young men spotted a trail sign off in the distance on the other side of Bonito Creek. With a little help from a GPS devise we located exactly where we were. We determined that we would follow the trail, which was not on the map, heading south west towards the sign across the creek.<br />
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Once we arrived, in the vicinity of the sign, we determined that now we were actually on the trail that we were supposed to be. Nothing like a little “shwhacking” (bush whacking) on perfectly good trails that do not show up on the map. That being said, Philmont seems to always improve their trails and take trails off the map that are too steep when they have built a replacement or want to reroute traffic through a less sensitive area. <br />
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After the nice relaxing walk along Bonito Creek in the meadow like setting, we got in the canyon. This is when the trail really dropped in elevation. There is one part that drops 300 feet or more in a quarter mile stretch. The trail is also known as the Stairmaster. Yes, the picture is from the trail looking down the “stairs” with Bonito Creek in the background.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2648e.jpg"><img alt="Stairmaster - Lower Bonito Trail" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4587" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2648e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Soon enough we made it to Carson Meadow camp. We arrived on the porch to get a view of the Tooth of Time in the background some 6 miles away between Fowler Mesa and Urraca Mesa.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-05_15-05-32_HDRe.jpg"><img alt="Tooth of Time from Carson Meadows" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4588" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-05_15-05-32_HDRe-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Soon enough we were walked to our campsite. We were at the bottom of a meadow. As the meadow was used for ultimate Frisbee and other activities, it was acceptable to move into the meadow a bit to set up tents. Then again, there was not much place else to go to get out of the bearmuda triangle. We needed to sleep at least 50 feet from where we cooked, our dining fly and the sump. I was just glad to be on dry ground.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2662e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4589" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2662e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Of course, there was some thunder a couple of miles away. The sky was blue where we were. However, to the north, you could see thunderheads. Out of habit, the dining fly became the place to be.<br />
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The evening was beautiful and it was warm. In fact, believe it or not, one of the young men complained that it was too hot. I thought back to our talk a few days before that there is an opposition in all things. We must know pain to enjoy joy. How about bone chilling cold to enjoy warmth? Yes, it was warm. However, it was nice to be warm. It was also nice to get some laundry done and put it out to dry. I also took a sponge bath to remove the dirt and cool off. I was happy to do that and it was nice and warm so I dried off quickly. Warm is good.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-05_17-50-28_HDRe.jpg"><img alt="Camping in Carson Meadows" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4591" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-05_17-50-28_HDRe-430x325.jpg" height="325" width="430" /></a><br />
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The adults made their way to the staff cabin for scoutmaster coffee as it is called. Tonight was a little different. There was some store purchased cookies that I ate. Then there were the chocolate cookies with chocolate chips fresh out of the oven. Warm cookies while sitting in a swing on a porch on a warm evening is much better than drizzling rain and cold weather. What a great day. Miracles – We made the trip to Carson Meadows quickly and without getting way off track. In fact, the swacking saved us a mile or so. The young men are playing ultimate Frisbee and having fun. Perhaps the fact that we made it safely to our destination without any injury is a miracle.<br />
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As for the flora we have a few more new ones today, Shrubby Cinquefoil which has a nice yellow flower and Creeping Holygrape, which also has a nice yellow flower before the fruit forms. Then there are the yellow flowers next to Bonito Creek.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2626e_Shrubby_Cinquefoil.jpg"><img alt="Shrubby Cinquefoil" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4596" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2626e_Shrubby_Cinquefoil-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2655e_Creeping_Hollygrape.jpg"><img alt="Creeping Hollygrape" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4594" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2655e_Creeping_Hollygrape-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2649e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4593" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2649e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-23405426073484564372014-08-04T20:35:00.000-07:002014-08-26T20:36:14.005-07:00Philmont – Day 9 – Beaubien – Black MountainWe woke up early today. However, we did not need to pack up to go to a new campsite. However, we did need to be at the corral at 7:45 for our horse rides. The horse ride was nice because we got to see parts of Philmont that one normally gets to see. The ride was going to last an hour and a half so we were going to be on the horses for awhile.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2500e.jpg"><img alt="Beaubien Corral" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4560" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2500e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2507e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4561" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2507e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2531e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4564" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2531e-430x361.jpg" height="361" width="430" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2545e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4565" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2545e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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When we were headed back to the corral, I got a picture of the horses that had the morning off.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2560e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4566" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2560e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Once we were back at the corral, I got off the horse and my legs were not the same as when I started. I thought, I am going to hike to Black Mountain Camp three miles away on these legs? After walking around for a few minutes my legs felt better. No problem with going on the hike. Soon enough we then started our day hike.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2565e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4567" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2565e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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When we arrived at Black Mountain Camp we checked in and set up shooting after lunch. We ate our lunch and listened to the three staff members at the camp. As the camp is a little isolated, it appeared that they were suffering from some sort of symptom of that isolation. Then again, the theme of the camp was during the Civil war era and we were going to be shooting. It could have been a backwoods theme.<br />
As for the shooting, it was black powder in the caliber of .58. The rifle seemed to be extremely accurate at the distance we were shooting. The triggers were also much better than the last muzzle loader that we fired.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2581e.jpg"><img alt="Black Mountain Rifle Range" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4568" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2581e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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As it was one of the young men’s birthday, the camp staff helped him celebrate with a few more grains of powder and a slice of cheesecake.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2587e.jpg"><img alt="Black Mountain Cheesecake " class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4569" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2587e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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The only other thing that any young man would want to do on their birthday is wear a mask from a deer pelvis. I think the staff at the camp wore off on him. Either that or the cheese cake was special.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2590e.jpg"><img alt="Black Mountain Deer Pelvis Mask" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4570" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2590e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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We then hiked back to our campsite. The adults took a shower, an unheated shower. It was a wonderful thing. It was also a chance to do a little laundry. Where do you hang your laundry when there is a chance of rain? You hang it under the dining fly. It is also were you play cards.<br />
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The adults decided to leave while the youth prepared dinner. They had prepared dinner several times and we thought no problem. After relaxing for a time, a couple of young men arrived at the staff cabin to tell us that we were needed in camp. Apparently the stove was not working as intended and a stump was caught on fire. As I remember, the words were, “They had a problem and they lit a stump on fire. The fire is out. We just need help with the stove.” Needless to say we returned to camp, the stove lit right up and dinner was then in process. <br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2592e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4572" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2592e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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After dinner the adults returned to the staff cabin for cookies. The young men came after they had cleaned up to play some horseshoes. Other youth from other crews tried roping a stump or the metal steer.<br />
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Soon enough it was time to go to the campfire. Tonight we were a little early so we got a front row seat as opposed to the last row the night before. The campfire was good. After the campfire we quickly retired as tomorrow was going to be a early day with a long trail ahead of us.<br />
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Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-42933571172666684452014-08-03T16:56:00.000-07:002014-08-24T16:56:58.561-07:00Philmont – Day 8 – BeaubienWe woke up and got camp taken down fairly quickly this morning. Everyone slept better as sleeping bags had dried out and they were warmer. We also have a couple of early morning visitors.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2457e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4541" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2457e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Soon enough we were on the trail. We were back to following the Rayado Creek. Our initial destination was Crooked Creek, a staffed camp with the theme of homesteading, which was a few miles away. <br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2458e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4542" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2458e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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The trail was nice a scenic. The creek had become wider due to the confluence with Comanche Creek ad a few others.<br />
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Of course the trail still had plenty of moisture on it in areas.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2467e.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2467e" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4544" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2467e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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There were also plenty of wildflowers along the way.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2472e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4545" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2472e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Soon we reached the place where we were to cross the creek. There was a pathway of rocks to step on to cross the creek. However, several of them were under a couple of inches of water. <br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2475e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4547" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2475e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Once we arrived at Crooked Creek, there were some activities to do. We put out the solar panels to collect some photons and the young men tried out the swing. A few of us took a tour of the cabin. I learned about the courting candle holder, an adjustable candlestick holder. The young man can stay as long as the candle is above the top spiral of the candle holder. It seemed that dad set the time by how high the candle started above the top spiral.<br />
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Other activities included visiting with a couple of burrows. <br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2486e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4549" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2486e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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There was the cow touching event. We were told at our porch talk that the caw as not friendly and that she may try to head butt a person. They did milk the cow everyday so it did have human contact. It was that the cow was just a little unfriendly. With that in mind, one young man decided to touch the cow. He slowly moved up to the side of the cow and reached out and touched the cow on the shoulder. The cow quickly turned to the young man as he had jumped when the cow turned, he was soon enough running away. <br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2489e.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2489e" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4550" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2489e-430x332.jpg" height="332" width="430" /></a><br />
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Of course there was more chicken holding as well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2492e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4551" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2492e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Soon enough we were on our way back down the trail. We had to go to Philips Junction to pick up food. From there were going to make the climb up to Beaubien. At food pickup I sorted out all the food that I did not need as I was one person getting food for two. As for the trail up to Beaubien, it was a little bit of a climb. We made good time getting there.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2494e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4552" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2494e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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We had our porch talk and then we were headed to our 2:00 conservation project. As we were about to get started with our conservation project it began to rain. It continued to rain all afternoon. We had chuck wagon dinner, beef stew and cobbler. We were under a shelter for dinner which was good because it was raining for most of dinner. After dinner, we got a break, went back to the staff cabin and picked up our packs so that we could head to our campsite.<br />
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As the sun was setting we put up our tents and prepared for our Sunday services. We had a brief sacrament meeting and then hiked to catch the last part of the staff campfire. Soon enough we were on our way back to camp for a good night’s sleep. <br />
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As for the miracles of the day, we definitely were blessed to get up the hill to Beaubien, with four days worth of food on our backs, in time to do our conservation project. We were also blessed by having dryer weather while hiking. It was actually a beautiful and we were protected from the rain when it rained. <br />
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Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-81884067500985540622014-08-02T16:55:00.000-07:002014-08-24T16:55:46.516-07:00Philmont – Day 7 – Comanche Creek CampIt rained through most of the night and the wind started blowing. It was also the coldest night that we have had so far at Philmont. Being above 10,000 feet has also contributed to the weather and temperature difference.<br />
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When I got out of the tent there was also a lot of moisture in the air. The clouds were low, the trees were dripping and the wind had a bite to it. I checked my thermometer and it was below 38 degrees. Needless to say, if you stopped moving you became cold. On the other hand, it was cold and difficult to get moving. I had everything packed up except for my tent, which I strap on the back of my backpack. I was hoping that it would dry out a little so I would not have to carry as much water in the fabric. Everyone else was working to get packed up. Some of the young men did not sleep well and it was difficult to get out of their tents and get ready for the trail.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2387e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4509" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2387e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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I went back to my tent to see if it was warmer out of the wind. As I lay on the ground in the tent, I could feel that the ground was cold in and of itself. I was cold and I wanted to see the sun. I knew that everyone was cold and the sun would be a welcome change. I prayed that we would get some sun and warm up. I did not want to spend the next 6 days in a damp foggy rainy existence. I got out of my tent and began walking in a large circle to stay warm. Even as cold as it was, there were still some smiles to be had.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2390e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4510" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2390e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
We finally got onto the trail. We needed to head up over Comanche Peak and then down a couple hundred feet and then start up towards the peak of Mt. Phillips.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2392e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4511" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2392e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
On our way up Mt. Phillips we could see small blue patches through the clouds.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2395e.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2395e" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4512" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2395e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
As we got higher we began to see more blue through the massive layer of clouds. As for the view, the clouds obscured the tops of some of the peaks around us.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2396e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4513" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2396e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
As there was hope of sun, we saw a mini bear out looking for the warmth of the sun as well. As I inched closer to take a picture, he was not interested in moving. I think he had his heart set on catching some rays.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2401e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4514" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2401e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
We made it over the peak and to the other side where we ate the rest of breakfast and started on lunch. It also gave us the opportunity to get a picture.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2403e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4515" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2403e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
We then headed down the trail to Clear Creek, a staffed camp on the Rayado Creek. There were still lots of clouds in the sky. However, out in the south west, there were patches of blue sky headed our way.
The trail off Mt. Phillips when you are headed south is a very steep descent. Before we left for Philmont, when I told someone we were going over Mt. Philips, they asked, “Are you going the right way or the wrong way.” The reason they asked is that they went over Mt. Philips a few years earlier, headed north from the southern side and it was a very steep climb. When the got to the top and down the other side, they determined that they had gone the wrong way. If they were ever to go over Mt. Philips in a future trek, it would defiantly be from the other direction. So according to my friend, we were going the right way.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2410e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4516" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2410e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
Soon enough we were closer to Clear Creek Camp and things were leveling out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2412e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4517" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2412e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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We got to the Staff Cabin and had our porch talk. We set a time of 2:00 for black powder rifles and had some free time. We also saw the sun for an extended time. Eating the remainder of lunch was on the agenda and it went quickly. That leaves you with free time at Clear Creek Camp to do something like throw<br />
tomahawks.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2417e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4518" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2417e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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You also can chase the only chicken at the camp. If you are lucky you can look at the grizzly bear rug in the staff cabin, one of the last grizzlies to roam the area.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2419e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4519" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2419e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
Or you can play that Egyptian war card game while the adults hone their tomahawk throwing skills.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2421e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4520" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2421e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
Soon enough we had our safety talk and were headed to the range. Today was .50 caliber black powder rifles. Everyone had a chance to shoot. Some of us shot the one with the gritty and difficult trigger and others shot the one with the incredibly ridiculous trigger pull. Yes, you can use two fingers to pull that trigger. I guess that gives new meaning to “squeezing the trigger” when it takes effort with two fingers. You cannot slap that trigger with your finger.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2424e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4521" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2424e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
As we still had a few miles before we would be at our camp, Comanche Creek. The trail was nice and easy with the exception of the water on the trail from all the rain. It followed the path of the Rayado Creek as it headed east.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2427e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4522" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2427e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
There were plenty of wildflowers along the path with the creek babbling in the background.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2438e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4523" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2438e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
Then again, the trail also did a little babbling of its own.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2444e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4524" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2444e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a>
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<br />
We finally arrived at our camp. We chose wisely the one that had the flattest spots to sleep. The dining fly was placed on the ground so that a few damp sleeping bags could be put out in the sun. Damp socks were hung on anything where the sun shone. And of course, when you have damp or wet wallet in the wilderness, you put it out in the sun to dry along with all you cash.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2448e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4525" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2448e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
The solar panel made it out as camp was set up. It was nice to have slightly damp ground to put a tent on rather than soaked ground.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2450e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4526" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2450e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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While at Crooked Creek camp I asked a staff member, who was splitting wood, if I could get a piece of dry wood. I got a couple of pieces. One was mall enough I could carve up some kindling to start a fire. It was nice to have a fire to warm the spirits up. It was also nice to have some sun to dry out socks.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140802_200259e.jpg"><img alt="20140802_200259e" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4527" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140802_200259e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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In the evening we had a few visitors, a couple of young bucks. They just wander through camp and look for the plants of their liking to munch on.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2453e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4528" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2453e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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It was truly a miracle that we had some sun, dried out damp sleeping bags and could look forward to possibly having more sun in the next few days. We had talked about the scripture mentioning that there must be opposition in all things. You cannot know joy unless you know sadness. You cannot know the joy of light and warmth unless you have experienced the cold and gloomy. We hope we have had enough gloomy and cold. It is time for warmth and light.
Speaking of light, there are a few things that need light to exist. Yes, it is time for the flora. Today we have the limber pine and a daisy. Which daisy? I cannot get a better description than that.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2406e_Limber_Pine.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4529" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2406e_Limber_Pine-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2407e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4530" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2407e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
And of course our fungus section where we have the fly agaric or fly amanita (Amanita muscaria) and the yellow coral mushroom.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2414e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4531" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2414e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2440e_Yellow_Coral_Mushroom.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4532" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2440e_Yellow_Coral_Mushroom-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-78481668575477545802014-08-01T20:56:00.000-07:002014-08-17T20:57:21.039-07:00Philmont – Day 6 – Comanche Peak CampThere was some rain last night and a lot of gear is wet. Some of us attempted to get from our camp to the staff cabin to watch the sunrise. I was a little late getting up to the see the sunrise as the previous mornings had just been cloudy. There was better color in the sky as I started down the trail to the staff cabin. However, I did get a picture of the sun behind the clouds.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-01_06-31-23_HDRe.jpg"><img alt="2014-08-01_06-31-23_HDRe" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4501" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-01_06-31-23_HDRe-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
With a little sun, it was a chance to try to charge up some batteries. We had a little time this morning to so out came the solar panels.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2340e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4502" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2340e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
The sun was also a welcome participant in the morning to hopefully dry up the tent a little before packing it for the days travel.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2343e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4503" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2343e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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As today was the day we were going to travel to a dry camp, one with water anywhere close, we chose to cook our dehydrated dinner for breakfast. As we waited for the water to boil, we broke down camp. As we broke down camp, more things ended up in the sun.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2345e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4504" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2345e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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That process continued and things moves to anywhere the sun would shine. The less water on the gear makes the backpack lighter. I would rather carry the water needed at the dry camp in a water container rather than in all my gear.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2347e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4505" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2347e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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We got on the trail later than we wanted. However we made good time. <br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2350e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4487" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2350e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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We also stopped at a picture spot where we stopped in 2011.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2354e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4488" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2354e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Looking at the picture from 2011 you can see Baldy Mountain in the distance as well as two of the young men that went in 2011 that are on this trek.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D9-3-011.3.-DSC00559.jpg"><img alt="D9 3 011.3. DSC00559" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2158" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D9-3-011.3.-DSC00559-430x291.jpg" height="291" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
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On many of the trails we need to cross bridges. This is one good example of a simple bridge on our way to Comanche Camp.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2360e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4489" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2360e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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As we hiked the sun was being threatened by the clouds. Knowing that the moisture was coming from Mexico in the south and the clouds were moving in a northern direction, we knew we may be in for some bad weather.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-01_11-54-26_HDRe-2.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4490" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-01_11-54-26_HDRe-2-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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The clouds were getting closer to us. Fairly soon, we would lose the sun for the day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-01_11-54-26_HDRe-1.jpg"><img alt="2014-08-01_11-54-26_HDRe (1)" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4491" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-01_11-54-26_HDRe-1-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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We made it to Thunder Ridge for lunch. Thunder Ridge is called that because it is one of the places at Philmont that sees a lot of lightning. As we ate lunch it started to sprinkle and we put on our raingear as well as made sure our packs were covered.<br />
<br />
A couple of days ago, I really did not get the moss. Now that we were hiking through a damp cloud in drizzly weather with high humidity, I get the moss. It is just hanging our looking for a little sun or some moist cloud to keep it doing what it does best, hanging out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2380e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4492" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2380e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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As we continued to climb the switchbacks up to Comanche Camp we were not happy about getting all laden with moisture as we had dried out much of our gear earlier in the morning. When we arrived, the first thing we did was set up the dining fly. That would give us a place to keep dry. <br />
<br />
We started to look for dry wood to get a fire started. That was a difficult task as everything was so damp. It was about four and we saw a spot of sunshine in the camp. Out from under the dining fly we emerged to stand in the sun. The problem was that when it stopped raining, the trees kept dripping and they never really stopped by the time it rained again. There is nothing better than a spot of sun in the afternoon.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2383e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4493" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2383e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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I decided I was going to set up my tent. It was lightly raining again and I felt it was best to just get it done. Some thought that we should wait until later in the evening as the rain typically slows down. As for the thunderstorms, the pretty much fade away by six or seven at worst. I just did not get the feeling that this was the typical thunderstorm. I thought it was just a bunch of heavy clouds that wanted to dump on us. <br />
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<br />
We had all set up our tents and we were back under the dining fly. We collected some wood. We had whittled what damp wood we could from the sticks we found to get to dry wood. However, now it was now raining fairly hard and no one wanted to get out in the rain to try to start a fire. In fact it kept raining moderately to heavy now and then. It was much better to sit under the dining fly.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2384e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4494" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2384e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2385e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4495" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2385e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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We prepared for the night, brushing our teeth and pulling any smellables in our packs out and putting them in the bear bag. We also had our usual roses, buds and thorns as well as a spiritual message from our Chaplin’s Aid and a presentation on invasive species from out Wilderness Gila. Soon enough it was a dash to the tents through the rain to try and get a good night’s sleep.<br />
<br />
As for the flora today, we have Fireweed and Scarlet Paintbrush to lead off the flowers. Of course the flowers are followed by the Saprophytic Wildflower section and then the fungus section.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2367e_Fireweed.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4499" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2367e_Fireweed-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2370e_Scarlet_Paintbrush.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4500" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2370e_Scarlet_Paintbrush-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2368e.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2368e" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4496" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2368e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
Saprophytic Section - For this section we have Pinesap, a waxy while, flushy herb. Pinesap lacks chlorophyll so it is not the green plants in the picture. Pinesap obtains its nutrients from decaying organic material in the soil.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2348e_Pinesap.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4497" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2348e_Pinesap-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
<br />
And of course the Fungus Section.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2351e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4498" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2351e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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<br />Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-19087680691716632132014-07-31T21:39:00.000-07:002014-08-14T21:42:53.291-07:00Philmont – Day 5 – SawmillThere was lots of rain last night. For a few hours there was plenty of thunder and lightning with real heavy rain. We were greeted with a cloudy sky and it seemed like nothing was dry. We struck camp quickly and headed to the trail.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2288e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4464" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2288e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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On the way we stopped by the Staff Cabin to check out. The Crew Leader checked on the best way to make it to Sawmill. Their suggestion was not on our map. It included the road by the shower house, which was also not on the map. From there, the road would lead straight into a trail that would take us to a junction where we would catch the trail up Sawmill Canyon.<br />
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We made it to the junction and started up Sawmill Canyon. The sun was nowhere to be seen and it was still damp out. On the other hand, the trail was a nice trail.<br />
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As we made it further up the trail we passed several areas with wildflowers, like the Mexican Hat. There was also plenty of water running down Sawmill Canyon. If it was not so cold and wet, a drink out of a cold stream could sound good.<br />
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We reached another trail junction and checked our location. You can line young men up at a trail junction. However, when you get out the camera and they see you, they hide their faces.<br />
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There were more wildflowers as we continued up the trail.<br />
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We came to a familiar location so we took a picture. In 2011 this is the place we stopped when one of the young men noticed that they had a blister on one of their toes. At least when I say this one in for mom, smile, they cooperate.<br />
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We arrived at Sawmill and had our porch talk. We ate lunch, put up our bear bags, and set up camp before our 2:00 appointment to reload .30-06 cartridges for the range. After reloading cartridges, because it was real cloudy and due to safety issues on the range we were to wait for it to be clearer before shooting. We went back to the porch where the adults sat in rocking chairs and the youth played some war game with playing cards.<br />
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Almost two hours later, we got the all clear and headed to the range. Everything was wet. The clouds that were blowing through were so laden with moisture that they dropped it everywhere. As the clouds could travel under roofs, the moisture was on all surfaces. We really did not care about the water. We had our raingear on and the powder was dry, so bang the firearms went.<br />
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After the range we went back to camp to cook diner. It was a wet and cold evening. Everyone found a place under the dining fly. Some more comfortable than others and as usual, some were shy about being photographed.<br />
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When dinner was finished, the adults headed back down to the staff cabin for “Scoutmaster Coffee” where I consume cookies and the other adult drinks hot apple cider or chocolate. This evening from the porch we were treated with a double rainbow. The one rainbow could be seen from end to end. Soon enough we were made our way back uphill to our campsite.<br />
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As for miracles for the day, we made it to Sawmill and I felt a lot better than I did in 2011. The weather on the trail was good as compared to what it was like once we arrived. We did not have any thunder and lightning as I loath the lightning position. It is tough on knees. I think the youth did great. Perhaps they have personal miracles. The can share those with their parents.
As for the flora, there was plenty. Not much that I could identify. The first one is New Mexico Vervian. There was also a good helping of mushrooms to see on the trail.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2292e_New_Mexico_Vervain.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4476" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2292e_New_Mexico_Vervain-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Now comes the fungus section.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2321e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4479" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2321e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2325e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4482" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2325e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-3833805343184840852014-07-30T21:38:00.000-07:002014-08-14T21:39:00.347-07:00Philmont – Day 4 – CimarroncitoWe were up early today as we wanted to get moving before we had any rain. The sunrise was on the edge of the meadow and it was nice to see some blue sky. It had rained last night, sometimes a little heavy.<br />
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After getting a few things done, we went on a meadow walk. Our ranger, Chris had us walk out into the meadow and think about why we were at Philmont and what we wanted to get out of our being there. It was a beautiful morning and it was nice to be in the sun. My answer was to have fun.<br />
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As we made our way back to our camp we came across some turkeys and their young moving through the tall grass. Depending were they were at, you could see the young.<br />
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We also had a chance to get a photo of all of us. <br />
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Soon enough we were on the trail. It was a nice walk in the forest as we made our way to Ute Junction to pick up food.<br />
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One of our stops in the past has been at the edge of the ridge overlooking the valley where Ute Gulch is. It is a good place for a group picture.<br />
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It also seems to be a better place to get on the edge of things. <br />
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We were a bit on edge as well as the sky seemed to be filling with clouds. It was after 10 and we still had a ways to go.<br />
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We got to Ute Gulch, picked up our food and ate lunch. We still had a few miles before we made it to Cimarroncito. Unfortunately those miles were mostly uphill. Just the thing you want to be doing after picking up four days worth of food. The good thing was that the trail was nice.<br />
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As we neared Cimarroncito, we could see more large rocky outcroppings. Hence the activity there is rock climbing.<br />
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We made our way to the porch for the porch talk. The clouds were getting a little darker and more ominous. We chose to leave our packs at the staff cabin to go rock climbing. I always am fearful of leaving my pack with mini-bears lurking as they like to eat holes in packs. That is just a chance one takes.<br />
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We climbed up at one spot.<br />
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We then rappelled down another spot.<br />
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There was also a nice view from up on the rock. It was also not a surprise that it rained lightly for a few minutes when we were climbing. A few weeks before the rock was so hot people were blistering their fingers. A little moisture is not a problem either. The problem that will get you off the rock is thunder and lightning.<br />
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When we got back to the staff cabin we chose to shower before going to our camping spot and setting up camp. We got two keys for two showers for an hour for the seven of us. I was ready to go so I got a key and headed to the shower. It started to rain lightly when I entered the shower. As I showered, I could hear thunder and the rain was heavier. By the time I got out of the shower there was hail. We were lucky that by the showers there is a laundry area that is covered. We waited there before showers and after showers. It also rained the whole time we were there with a fairly heavy downpour. You could say the laundry was not drying very well.<br />
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In a light rain we made it back to the staff cabin, got our packs and headed up to our campsite. We set up the dining fly, hung the bear bags and set up our tents while dinner was started. We needed to be careful with our bear procedures as a bear was seen that afternoon in one of the other campsites just lumbering through. <br />
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As it was fairly drizzly and cold, most everyone retired early. As for the night, it rained most of the night with some fairly close lightning and thunder. It was a little difficult to sleep when you see a flash and start counting and waiting for the thunder in the middle of the night.<br />
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As for the flora, we have Scarlet Beardtounge (Scarlet Penstemon), Mexican Hat, Cactus and an unidentified yellow clustering flower.<br />
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<br />Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-56105007976566342502014-07-29T21:46:00.000-07:002014-08-12T21:50:50.703-07:00Philmont - Day 3 - Deer LakeWe woke up to some blue sky which was good as it had rained a little overnight.<br />
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We finished up more training and prepared to travel to Harlan. Things were damp like the dining fly and our tents.<br />
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Once on the trail, we were back at the Vaca meadow where we got a picture of the group. The blue sky began to disappear.<br />
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At Harlan we received our “porch talk” and then waited for our time to reload 12ga shotgun shells and then shoot at clay pigeons.<br />
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As we waited, some played cards and other chased the wildlife, or should I say domesticated wildlife types.<br />
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We then went to the reloading shed where we reloaded 12gs shotgun shell that we would use in shooting at clay pigeons. Then there is the gun safety talk going over gun safety. Once all that is complete it is down to the range to shoot at those bright orange clay pigeons.<br />
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We then made our way back to the staff cabin to pick up our backpacks and prepare lunch. The sky looked a little threatening and there was some rain so we set up our dining fly to keep our packs dry as we all put on our rain gear. We got the stove started and a pot of water set on top to heat up to boiling so that we could prepare our dinner for lunch as there was no water at our next camp.<br />
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The lightning and thunder was in the distance, however, it got closer. It was getting closer so we assumed the lightning position, kneeling down or squatting and keeping our heads low. The lightning only got closer. It was to the point you could not count between the flash of the lightning and the sound of the thunder. However, for the 40 plus minutes we were in the lightning position, the water came to a boil so that we could prepare dinner for lunch.<br />
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After lunch we packed up and headed for Deer Lake. There was still off and on rain coming down. The trail up to Deer Lake was a bit muddy. Then there was the road as the last part of the trail has not been complete. This road is steep. It also had water flowing down it. It was most efficacious to walk where you could see the stones peering through the mud rather than walking on the mud. As you would expect, walking up a steep muddy road also includes sliding down with each step.<br />
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Once we got close to Deer Lake, we could see that there were plenty of clouds in the sky and there was no indication of when they would move on from the area.<br />
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Later in the evening, the rain stopped for a while. There were plenty of clouds still in the sky so we had no indication of how long not having rain would last.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-07-29_17-03-29_HDRe.jpg"><img alt="2014-07-29_17-03-29_HDRe" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4430" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-07-29_17-03-29_HDRe-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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We had the opportunity to eat our lunch for dinner. It was tuna fish and saltine crackers along with some other things. Many of us were hungry and no problem eating the tuna. One young man opened his tuna to try it and gagged and intimated that he was going to have a physiological reaction that included hurling the small piece of tuna and anything else he ate today into the atmosphere.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2207e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4431" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2207e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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We had been concerned because some of the young men were not eating enough calories. You can be picky eaters at home because there is other things you can find around the house to eat. In the wilderness, you eat what you have because you need it. A couple of us finished up the tuna so we would not have to pack around an open can of tuna. That would get real disgusting.<br />
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Dinner went well and Chris, our ranger brought out a pound cake and icing for us to eat. I was thinking that if you ate your tuna, you should be able to have some. That was just me. Everyone had some of the pound cake. We then cleaned up and finished anything we needed to before we hung the last bear bag with anything that had a smell that a bear may be interested in.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2212e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4432" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2212e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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It rained late into the night and we really did not know what we would be in for the next day.
As for a miracle for the day, there was enough time without rain to get things done. Everything seemed to fall into place.<br />
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As for the flora and fauna, I took several picture. Many of them were not in good focus. However, for today we have wooly mullen or “cowboy toilet paper.”<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2149e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4433" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2149e-430x306.jpg" height="306" width="430" /></a>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-85221443311398621402014-07-28T20:13:00.000-07:002014-08-12T20:22:20.795-07:00Philmont – Day 2 – VacaToday we got up early and got ready to get to the Welcome Center to wait for our bus to the trailhead. At 9:10 we were loading our packs on the bus and waiting for the adventure to begin. I tried to get a picture and it appears that this group has a few that want to run and hide from the camera.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140728_092626e.jpg"><img alt="20140728_092626e" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4409" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140728_092626e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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At the trailhead we received more training. We then picked up our packs to begin our trek on the trail and one of the packs broke. It was the rented pack. We were lucky to have cell coverage and could reach base camp. They advised us that they were going to bring us a replacement pack. Within 40 minutes we had the replacement pack.
We got ready and put our packs on and began the hike towards Vaca. The first mile was a long one as it took us almost an hour. There were a lot of pack adjustments as most of us had more weight in our packs. Additionally, some of us were not used to having the extra weight. The next two miles passed quickly as we hiked each mile in under 30 minutes.
As for Vaca, I remember it from 2011 when I took a picture of the well there. It was dry and brown.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_7805e2011.jpg"><img alt="Vaca Well - 2011" class="size-medium wp-image-4406" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_7805e2011-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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As for this year, it was a lot greener. It is amazing what some water can do.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_2154e2014.jpg"><img alt="Vaca Well - 2014" class="size-medium wp-image-4417" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_2154e2014-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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We got to the campsite, hung our bear bags and continued with some training. The process of cooking dinner was covered as that includes sterilizing the dishes before you eat.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2142e.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4408" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2142e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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We also had a campfire, which took a little work to get going. Rain has a way of making combustion difficult. Ranger Chris is in the foreground.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140728_204131e.jpg"><img alt="20140728_204131e" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4410" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140728_204131e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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Some of the miracles for the day are 1. receiving a replacement backpack so quickly; 2. making it to camp without any trouble and; 3. getting a fire started.<br />
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And new for this year is the flora and fauna of the day section. The pictures at the bottom of the post will all be dependent on what we see of may have seen as we trekked and camped in God’s country. Today we have a member of the Aster family, most likely a daisy and the One Seed Juniper.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2137e-Aster-Daisy.jpg"><img alt="Daisy" class="size-medium wp-image-4413" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2137e-Aster-Daisy-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2136e-One-Seed-Juniper.jpg"><img alt="One Seed Juniper" class="size-medium wp-image-4412" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2136e-One-Seed-Juniper-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-17007647818801303012014-07-27T20:12:00.000-07:002014-08-12T20:22:11.902-07:00Philmont – Day 1 – Base CampWe arrived at Philmont Scout Ranch this morning and checked in. We met our Ranger, Chris from Texas. Our first task was to unpack the van and take our backpacks to the trail-bound tent area where we were assigned our tents. The young men did well as they learned the tasks they needed to accomplish to get ready for the trail. We all had a medical recheck and picked up our crew gear and tents.
One thing we did was get our picture taken. While there, I heard a familiar name, Brother Cardon. I turned to look and it was Brother Cardon, who once lived in Riverside, California where we are from. They had moved to New Mexico several years ago when the youngest was very little. Now he was at Philmont to do a Trek with his son and their Crew. We met up again at the commissary and snapped a picture.
<a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140727_112658e.jpg"><img alt="20140727_112658e" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4401" src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140727_112658e-430x322.jpg" height="322" width="430" /></a>
In the early evening we had meetings for the adults, Crew Leader, Chaplains Aid and Wilderness Gila. As the evening meeting started, it started to rain. Then as the meeting progressed it rained even harder. There was about 40 minutes of a good heavy downpour. It has been dry in the area so the rain is welcome.
After the meetings we attended church. It was Sunday evening so there was a regular Sacrament Meeting. Church was very spiritual and I was touched. The speakers talked about the characteristics of Christ. We were also challenged to look for miracles when we were in the backcountry, which is commonly referred to a Gods country. I really felt the spirit as we sang the closing song; I am a child of God.
From there it was off to the opening campfire. The campfire was held at the Welcome Center, which is covered, as opposed to its usual outdoor location. The reason, more rain. As we were at the campfire, more rain came. We walked to our tents in the rain. In fact, it rained most of the night.
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-2936881765615471552014-07-26T11:49:00.001-07:002014-07-26T11:55:36.993-07:00Pertrified Forest<p dir="ltr">We are out and about this morning as we move east on Route 66. First stop was the Petrified Forest.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsTJsz5gBthzlsMefGDxyvte-ZIl-sPdYor2E9QowV6EilYEs3k5qEpDGzC1jM13SF6ZcZoDtlFcc-1xtSCRxKjRbkMkGzHZ6z0ZQWUmChs-d3IipF_0CeEDTdueP52lKEz2hic9cq02i/s1600/20140726_094610_BKT_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsTJsz5gBthzlsMefGDxyvte-ZIl-sPdYor2E9QowV6EilYEs3k5qEpDGzC1jM13SF6ZcZoDtlFcc-1xtSCRxKjRbkMkGzHZ6z0ZQWUmChs-d3IipF_0CeEDTdueP52lKEz2hic9cq02i/s400/20140726_094610_BKT_2.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We looked at a lot of pertrified wood. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8KsnZp6dHH_Qkay1JKEHFCYRlmLuz5AwpKph9aOJ9rihOoDm5ev3H6ELMSP9Vy7K0MhWIu1s1uruwdnE-dJlZRjeD6aIgNTnbJawfvVUyS19LkfMwPXPG0eDDO7Y8dHC6v6Z9XAGCy8a/s1600/20140726_102714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8KsnZp6dHH_Qkay1JKEHFCYRlmLuz5AwpKph9aOJ9rihOoDm5ev3H6ELMSP9Vy7K0MhWIu1s1uruwdnE-dJlZRjeD6aIgNTnbJawfvVUyS19LkfMwPXPG0eDDO7Y8dHC6v6Z9XAGCy8a/s400/20140726_102714.jpg"> </a> </div>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-87391189811078639712014-07-25T23:48:00.001-07:002014-07-26T20:59:33.554-07:00Holbrook - The Journey Begins<p dir="ltr">We left Riverside this afternoon. As for Riverside it was hot.</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7lT4YOwX-HU_HpeMhyphenhyphenLgcPF9LfwAq_On3B3F-4R8C8XsF9_RFy0gr0VCXae8MqcUNZlRhuEdtp3LB-l0Z_h23eMfduJctUUyM-OyFHxZGUfbZxeFJ9m_-5joMhn4l1s8Cz5oaYBH86UK/s1600/20140725_141649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7lT4YOwX-HU_HpeMhyphenhyphenLgcPF9LfwAq_On3B3F-4R8C8XsF9_RFy0gr0VCXae8MqcUNZlRhuEdtp3LB-l0Z_h23eMfduJctUUyM-OyFHxZGUfbZxeFJ9m_-5joMhn4l1s8Cz5oaYBH86UK/s400/20140725_141649.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have arrived in Holbrook. Just need the room to cool down from 80.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4UDLgfZTZTrHW87z_iuD_-Uc6b3Uon0NdGmLxtkBCZqFg9rziJaoJkAOIdddBD1m1k_ozjYUx6tT1bNnvasrfoxzk2Zt-NASm4cdimxkkq5Kvq-nQPRU5vKGBvm0ZAo17C8WRxAjUyqR/s1600/20140725_234021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4UDLgfZTZTrHW87z_iuD_-Uc6b3Uon0NdGmLxtkBCZqFg9rziJaoJkAOIdddBD1m1k_ozjYUx6tT1bNnvasrfoxzk2Zt-NASm4cdimxkkq5Kvq-nQPRU5vKGBvm0ZAo17C8WRxAjUyqR/s400/20140725_234021.jpg"></a></div>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-83927762344683022062011-08-01T20:02:00.000-07:002011-09-25T20:03:33.308-07:00Philmont - Traveling HomeIt was an exciting day. We got up, had breakfast and then cleared out our tents in tent city. We got our gear together and headed for the Welcome Center to wait for our bus to Raton.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/H01-DSC00819.jpg"><img src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/H01-DSC00819-430x266.jpg" alt="" title="H01 DSC00819" width="430" height="266" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2338" /></a><br /><br />As we left the view of the Tooth of Time, I was thinking about how quickly the trip went. There is an old saying, if you look over your shoulder as you head home to catch a glimpse of the Tooth of Time, you will be back. I looked . . .<br /><br />When on the bus on our way to Raton we looked at the landscape and it was much greener. The rain was helping out the plants and animals. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/H02-DSC00820.jpg"><img src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/H02-DSC00820-430x261.jpg" alt="" title="H02 DSC00820" width="430" height="261" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2339" /></a><br /><br />After several miles I took a look around and most of the boys were a sleep. It did not take them long. Soon we arrived at the train station, only to realze that the train was late. In fact, it was going to be three hours late. We walked around Raton and looked at several of the stores.<br /><br />Soon enough we were on the train. We had planned to get pizza in Albuquerque during the 50 minute lay over. Now that we were running late, they were going to cut that short. I called several times on the way into Albuquerque and lost signal. The big question was, would we be able to order pizza in time to have it delivered.<br /><br />The call finally went through soon enough we found ourselves in front of the train station waiting for the deliveryman. He finally made it and we made our way back to the train. We had a couple of tables saved up in the observation car waiting for the pizza to arrive.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/H03-015.3.7.4-DSC00843.jpg"><img src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/H03-015.3.7.4-DSC00843-430x322.jpg" alt="" title="H03 015.3.7.4 DSC00843" width="430" height="322" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2340" /></a><br /><br />The pizza was great. It was getting late and I was tired. Soon enough the sun was setting. I decided to get to sleep as early as possible to at least have sleep if it took me all night long. <br /><br />In Williams, the train had to drop a rail car. Not something that you would sleep through at about midnight. During the brief stop at Needles, sometime in the early morning, I jumped off the train. To my horror, it was like 90 plus degrees and very humid. It had rained with the temps over 100. I quickly got back on the train and went back to my chair to go to sleep.<br /><br />As we passed through the California desert, the sun was coming up. It was the day we would arrive at home. I was glad to soon be there.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/H04-016.1.1-IMG_8616.jpg"><img src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/H04-016.1.1-IMG_8616-430x322.jpg" alt="" title="H04 016.1.1 IMG_8616" width="430" height="322" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2341" /></a>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-44128423240276953502011-07-31T23:00:00.000-07:002011-08-28T17:56:47.368-07:00Philmont - Day 12 - Base CampTo get to the top of the Tooth of Time for the sunrise, we got up at 4:00 am. It was still a little windy and believe it or not, it was cool to cold.
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<br /><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D12-1-014.2.0-DSC00731.jpg"><img src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D12-1-014.2.0-DSC00731-430x274.jpg" alt="" title="D12 1 014.2.0 DSC00731" width="430" height="274" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2247" /></a>
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<br />We hiked by flashlight until we got to the base to the Tooth of Time. There was just enough light to see our way as we climbed to the top. We had someone take our picture, which was difficult because of the low light level.
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<br />We then went a few feet away and got our picture taken with the sunrise behind us.
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<br /><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D12-3-014.2.1-IMG_8408-Tooth-of-Time-at-Sunrise.jpg"><img src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D12-3-014.2.1-IMG_8408-Tooth-of-Time-at-Sunrise-430x259.jpg" alt="" title="D12 3 014.2.1 IMG_8408 - Tooth of Time at Sunrise" width="430" height="259" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2249" /></a>
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<br />The sun then began to peak above the horizon.
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<br />As the sun came out you could see more people spread across the Tooth of Time. Some were more relaxed than others.
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<br />We headed back to camp to take down the tents and pack up for our last day on the trail. We moved fairly quickly, or should I say the youth were moving fairly quickly. One of the crew members had the camera and he documented the holdup.
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<br />What was amazing about the trail is that you saw base camp and you walked. You walked more and base camp did not appear much closer. You kept walking and perhaps it was closer.
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<br />We finally got off the hill and made our way back to base camp. There was a big Welcome Back sign that we crossed under.
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<br />We then made our way back to the Welcome Center to be assigned out tents for the night. It was sure a good site, but it was nothing like the back country. What I would give for some trees, a meadow and a view from the tops of some mountains. Other than that, I was happy to be back.
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<br />There was not a lot of time to return what we needed to. We got some things taken care of. One nice thing was, we were back in time for lunch. No crackers, no squeeze cheese, no energy snacks, just regular food, a pulled pork sandwich, chips and vegetables. Some of the boys had seconds. Perhaps a few had thirds.
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<br />A view of the commissary with the flags would be appropriate.
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<br /><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D12-11-014.6.1-IMG_8534.jpg"><img src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D12-11-014.6.1-IMG_8534-430x322.jpg" alt="" title="D12 11 014.6.1 IMG_8534" width="430" height="322" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2259" /></a>
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<br />Next it was off to the showers. After that we got some laundry started and got it into the dryers. We also returned all our tents, bear bags and other gear that we were given. With a clean good smelling crew, where do you go? On a bus ride.
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<br /> We took the bus into town. Our stop was the Cimarron Art Gallery. They had something we were looking for.
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<br />A soda fountain and a place for all of us to have a ice cream cone and a sarsaparilla.
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<br />After eating ice cream and sarsaparilla, you just need to mix it up right.
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<br />When we got back we stopped by the Welcome Center to get a picture in front of the Philmont Scout Ranch sign. They have to cut the boots down every day because the sign collects too many.
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<br /><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D12-18-014.7.5-IMG_8583.jpg"><img src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D12-18-014.7.5-IMG_8583-430x280.jpg" alt="" title="D12 18 014.7.5-IMG_8583" width="430" height="280" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2265" /></a>
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<br />Next was dinner. There were plenty of smiles. Roast beef and roasted potatoes and carrots. There was also a piece of cake with the words, “We All Made It” printed on a flag in the cake.
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<br />Then there was the closing campfire, which was good.
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<br />Then we made it back to our tent area for the last thorn, roses and bud. The most popular bus was – going home. There was also talk about wanting to stay because they enjoyed the time at Philmont so much. But they knew it was time to depart back to families and friends.
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<br /><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D12-22-014.7.6-IMG_8585.jpg"><img src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D12-22-014.7.6-IMG_8585-430x237.jpg" alt="" title="D12 22 014.7.6 IMG_8585" width="430" height="237" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2268" /></a>
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<br />Soon enough, we were all in our tents awaiting the train ride home in the morning.
<br />Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-43993106280474840792011-07-30T23:00:00.000-07:002011-08-28T17:45:47.515-07:00Philmont - Day 11 - Tooth RidgeKnowing we were going to climb up Shaefers Pass today, we wanted to get an early start. We were up, packed and policing the campground about 6:30 am.
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<br /><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D11-1-013.2.0-IMG_8229.jpg"><img src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D11-1-013.2.0-IMG_8229-430x244.jpg" alt="" title="D11 1 013.2.0 IMG_8229" width="430" height="244" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2217" /></a>
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<br />Soon we were on our way up the trail. We took a break for a where are you going, where have you been photo opportunity.
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<br />As we got to the top of Shaefers Pass, I saw the bear trap. I heard that Gatorade is used as the bait. When I mentioned that I saw the bear trap, all the boys said, where is it? I let them know that we passed it some time ago. It is part of that trail awareness thing.
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<br />We continued hiking until we came to the spit for Shafers Peak. Now you just cannot pass an opportunity to bag a peak. A group of five went up while four of us watched the backpacks. We were told that no less than four should watch backpacks because one or two may not be considered a crowd by a bear wanting a bite to eat. When the first group got back we went up to the peak.
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<br />Of course we had to get the shameless stand on top of the pile of rocks pose in.
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<br />Is that not why you climb to the top of some peak?
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<br />Soon enough we were back on the trail. Trail is used liberally. It seems that this trail across Tooth Ridge was just that, a trail across a rocky ridge. It was a little bit like a scramble across rocks. You could make out the trail; it was where there were some smaller rocks thrown into the mix.
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<br />We did have a few spots of more normal trail.
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<br />We started looking for some shade for lunch. There was not much shade, so we started looking for a view for a place to eat lunch. It was a nice place to stop for lunch. Some of the boys went for the good view area.
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<br />From the lunch spot we could get a side view of the Tooth of Time. The plan was to go to the Tooth this afternoon after dinner.
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<br />We arrived at camp and got things set up as usual.
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<br />Everyone was pretty relaxed. We had a few staff members come by to tell us that the once unstaffed camp of Tooth of Time Ridge was the newest staff camp. They went over bear procedures. Apparently the night before there were eight bear sightings. Four were rewards where the bear found something. A couple of packs were destroyed. A couple of times the bear charged people. They do this fake charge where they charge and then veer off and go away. They really do not like humans. They just like their Gatorades and other goodies. The ranges were going to rove around camp all night long and keep their eye out for bears. They would also check our camp for bear procedures later in the evening.
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<br />Dinner was started and the cook kept a careful eye on the pot.
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<br />Some even had time to read the Philmont Field book.
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<br />We cleaned up, gathered all our smellables and went to hang our bear bags so we could head off to the Tooth of Time.
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<br />And just as we tied off the first rope, thunder and lightning from the direction of the upper right side of the picture and about a quarter of a mile away. Some eyes got big. Everyone scrambled to get 30 feet away from each other and crouched on the ground in the lightning position.
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<br />We were meeting another crew on the Tooth that left a half hour before we did. There was more lightning and thunder from further away. We made the decision to stay in camp and not go climbing up to a higher elevation under the circumstances.
<br />Soon enough the rain came, the rain and hail along with more thunder and lightning.
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<br />It was getting so bad it was time to put on the rain paints as I was getting so wet I may not ever dry out.
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<br />The hail did hurt as there was really nowhere to go. A couple of the kids were really shaken up by the thunder and lightning. After a little while they acclimated and could smile over the circumstances.
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<br />Things calmed down enough that the rain subsided. It was still a little breezy, but that helped to dry things out. It made it a good time for other things.
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<br />As the evening progressed, we had out thorn, roses and bud. One young man had consistently had the same thorn for the past nine evenings – rain. Tonight he announced, “My thorn is not the rain, it is the hail.” Some of thought the afternoon storm with hail was nice. It brought more much needed moisture to the area.
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<br />During the night the wind blew. The rangers came by during the night as you could see their lights now and then. Perhaps I should say the wind really blew hard. We probably were blessed because it was blowing so hard I doubt a bear could hone in on anything smellable. Of course, I do not sleep well when the wind blows. I would prefer it being calm. Then again, it may be the excitement of this being our last night in the wilderness.
<br />Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-82294538254228336742011-07-29T23:00:00.000-07:002011-08-28T17:43:58.093-07:00Philmont - Day 10 - Upper Clarks ForkEveryone went to bet fairly early the night before so it was easy waking up. In fact, we woke up fairly early. We are nearing the last few nights before heading home so there is a little excitement that we are soon to make it back to base camp. As light hit camp, everyone seemed to get moving.
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<br />Soon enough we were on the trail. We were going to be heading down the Middle Fork of the Cimarroncito Creek towards the Cimarroncito Reservoir.
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<br />As we traveled we took time to take in the beauty of the area we were as well as eat some of breakfast that was not eaten before we left Lamberts Mine.
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<br />As we moved down the canyon we crossed over the creek several times.
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<br />We soon came upon our first stop of the morning, the Phillips Hunting Lodge. We put our packs down and the boys made a beeline for the swap box. We guessed breakfast was not enough today. That or they wanted an early lunch.
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<br />We took off our shoes and had a tour of the Hunting Lodge. Some curious facts, the windows were high enough and small enough that a bear could not get in. All the doors, interior and exterior were crafted to withstand a bear and they required a thumb which bears do not have to open the door. You never know when a bear may drop by, and if they are in the living room, you are safe in the bedroom.
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<br />We got a look at the kitchen as well. A large icebox was in the kitchen for the purpose of storing game animals that had been prepared for the icebox. The stove was wood burning as there was not much else around to fuel a stove in the middle of nowhere.
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<br />We got back on the trail and headed south towards Clarks Fork. We came upon a shelter that had posters explaining the demonstration forest. We decided to stop.
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<br />There was a nice view of Cimarroncito Reservoir and Cathedral Rock which is on the North side of the reservoir.
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<br />The tables at the shelter looked like a nice place to have lunch. It was nice to sit at an actual table and eat.
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<br />Soon enough we were on our way. The forests showed four different methods of timber harvesting; Patch Cut, Sanitation Cut, Selection Cut and Seed Tree Cut. They had large areas where they did each method of timber harvesting to see the results as compared to each other. As a matter of interest, the shelter was created from wood harvested in the demonstration forest. We stopped at each of the signs along the trail for the Demonstration Forest.
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<br />As we approached early afternoon, we came upon the Clarks Fork Staff Cabin. We stopped and got some water there.
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<br />One of the boys did a little repacking. He is holding the yum bag. Every time we did the dishes, we strained the dishwater as we poured it down the sump. What was left over in the strainer and on the screen on top of the sump was carefully put into a bag. We carried that bag, with all that yum in it, all the way to this point and would need to carry it all the way back to base camp.
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<br />We continued on up to our camp at Upper Clarks Fork. We set up camp and hung our bear bags. We also prepared camp in case it rained because we were going back down to Clarks for to cook dinner and get water. There was also a chess board there and some other activities.
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<br />As the boys looked around camp, they found part of an animal that had seen a better day. The thoughts of bears and cougars entered their minds.
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<br />The trip back down to Clarks Fork was quick. We needed to get more water as it was the last water we would be able to get before we got back to base camp. Dinner went well. Tonight, the dishes were done in a methodical way. As you may remember, before we eat, we dip the dishes in boiling water to sterilize them. That turned out to be a good idea, because there was the fear that the previous night’s residue was still on the dishes.
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<br />As the evening wound down, we got our water and headed up to Upper Clarks Fork. Everyone brought their water bottles and we looked like we had plenty of water.
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<br />As we were winding down for the evening, a bear researcher showed up to camp. He let us know that there seemed to be three problem bears at Upper Clarks Fork, Schaefers Pass Camp and Tooth of Time Ridge, where we would be staying the next night. He admonished us to be very careful and make sure any smellables were up in the bear bags. He made sure we were camped 50 feet away from the “Bearmuda Triangle” (eating area – sump – bear bags). They had also placed a trap for the bear in the area. He asked that no one get in it if we saw it. The crew next to us did not have much area to put their tents, so they placed them along with ours.
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<br />Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-29651698841108261552011-07-28T23:00:00.000-07:002011-08-28T21:22:01.763-07:00Philmont - Day 9 - Lamberts MineAs the sky was beautiful the night before, we were told that it is a beautiful view in the morning as well. In the morning I declined to go look at the view. However, there was one that went down to the porch of the staff cabin and took a few pictures as most of us slept.
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<br />Of course, here is the picture from the night before.
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<br />Soon enough we were on our way. However, Mother Nature provided a little moisture over night in the form of dew. Hence, the clothing did not dry our and it needed to be attached to the pack so that it could dry. Damp clothing his heavier than dry clothing, so come on sun, come out where ever you are.
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<br />The climb up and out of Sawmill was a gentle climb with some switchbacks. It also offered a couple of good view points. Mt Baldy and a few of the other peaks can be seen behind us as the view is in a northerly direction.
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<br /><a href="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D9-3-011.3.-DSC00559.jpg"><img src="http://www.gdpalmer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/D9-3-011.3.-DSC00559-430x291.jpg" alt="" title="D9 3 011.3. DSC00559" width="430" height="291" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2158" /></a>
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<br />As we continued hiking up and around on our way to Cyphers Mine the views were great. There were lots of pine and fir trees. Of course we were at about 10,400 feet elevation.
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<br />Soon enough we were starting to descend towards Cyphers Mine. We were happy that is was getting closer.
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<br />As we crossed the North Fork of the Cimmarroncito Creek, we passed the old Cypher cabin and were greeted by banjo music. As we made our way to the staff cabin of Cyphers Mine, we noticed that everyone looked like they were stuck in early 1910’s mining camp clothing.
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<br />We sat down on the front porch and had our porch talk. We would quickly eat lunch and make our way to the forge. Upon arrival at the forge, they needed two helpers. Two crew members were chosen to help demonstrate the tools of the trade. First, one of them had to look a little manlier and that could only come with a reasonable facsimile of facial hair. After that, we started with hammers.
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<br />After completing all the hammers, we then learned about tongs. There are a few different types of tongs as being demonstrated on Jacob’s arms.
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<br />Of course, we needed to learn about other tools like the file, but there was no place to hang that.
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<br />By then the real work started. The forge was heated up and the selected crew member began his work. He was pounding on a piece of metal. He had been warned that the anvil, affectionately named Amy Georgia had its consequences if you hit it on its face, or should I say, if you wacked Amy Georgia on the face. You would have to say something like, “Miss Amy Georgia, I am so sorry for whacking you on your beautiful, luscious, gorgeous, attractive, stunning, scrum-delicious face. I promise not to do it again. I will kiss you on the face and do so long enough for these gentlemen to get a picture.” Of course everyone was laughing extremely hard by this point and then the crew member kissed the anvil, I mean, Miss Amy Georgia.
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<br />Once the kiss was over, the young lady wiped the anvil off and stated, “This must be one of your first kisses. You drooled all over Miss Amy Georgia’s face.” That was also another great laugh. As it turned out there was more than one young man that had to kiss Miss Amy Georgia on the beautiful, luscious, gorgeous, attractive, stunning, scrum-delicious face. Most all of them drooled as well; at least that is what we were told.
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<br />During the fun times, a dear wandered by. Then the baby deer, which was hungry wandered up to her. I have got to tell you, that was the roughest thing I have ever seen. That baby walked up, grabbed her mom by the teat and yanked mom around like there was no tomorrow. If that was not bad enough, up walked baby deer number two. It then seemed like mom had a tug-o-war going on below her and she was the rope. Ouch.
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<br />Then it was off to Contentions Mine. We had a little geology talk before going into the mine.
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<br />Then we were off into the mine. It was not a place for tall people.
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<br />As we walked we went to close to the back of the mine. Our guide told us some stories. One was about the ghost of Cyper, how he had been seen now and then. He then had us turn off our lights.
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<br />I have to tell you, it was dark, very dark. He then asked us to follow our crew leader out. We each put a hand on the shoulder of the person in front of us and walked out of the mine. Of course there was a big crashing sound when we were in the mine as we were walking out. The reason for the helmets is there are several low places. It is not the place a tall person wants to work.
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<br />We made it out and went back to where our packs were. We got our pack on and headed out of Cyphers Mine.
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<br />Of course we passed the staff red roof in on the way out of town.
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<br />Soon enough we made our way down and around from the North Fork of the Cimmarroncito Creek to the Middle Fork of the Cimmarroncito Creek and to Lamberts Mine. The campsites were not large and it was a fairly damp place. We all sat around and relaxed while dinner was being made.
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<br />There was one first for us at Lamberts Mine, the white plastic “Pilot to Bombardier” latrine. One of the crew members thought it looked heavenly in its setting, a pure white glowing in the forest. You did have to walk between two Colorado blue spruces that stood about 15 feet tall to enter the forested area where the latrine sat.
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<br />We got our tents place for the evening. There were not enough places to put them all together so we had to spit things a little.
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<br />The final event of the evening was hanging the bear bags and doing thorn, roses and bud. The big rose for the day was the forge at Cyphers Mine.
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<br />Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-75430408211328676832011-07-27T23:00:00.000-07:002011-08-28T17:36:48.867-07:00Philmont - Day 8 - SawmillToday we started later than usual. I had a good night’s sleep and slept in to 5:30. Breakfast was a little slow as well as getting ready for breakfast.
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<br />However, soon enough we were policing the campsite for any trash or trace. Overall, it did take us 2 hours to eat breakfast, pack and strike camp. Not a record, but it is not our slowest.
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<br />Soon enough we got on the trail. We stopped for the obvious things to stop for, the signs. There were several trails going in different directions. After checking the map we were on our way.
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<br />We started up Grouse Canyon. It was different than the dry canyons up north that we went through. There was a small stream that had a little water flowing through it. There was also a lot more vegetation.
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<br />At times it was being in another place on the planet.
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<br />We soon enough came to another stop sign and started up Sawmill Canyon. This canyon was not as lush, but it had plenty of trees.
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<br />Along with trees or should I say flora it had fauna, four legged fauna, fauna with claws and teeth.
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<br />We looked at the bear, the bear looked at us and he meandered off. We continued our trek up Sawmill Canyon. We passed through Lower Sawmill Camp and headed up to Sawmill Camp. It was nice to leave the four legged fauna in a different camp.
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<br />For the day we were going to climb over 1000 feet to about 9200. The trees also changed as we climbed. We saw less aspen and as we came to Sawmill, it was mostly pine and fir that we were seeing. It was nice to get there.
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<br />As per usual protocol, we had our porch talk at the staffed camp. I found a nice rocking chair to sit in.
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<br />We received information on our program for the day. We would start at the reloading cabin for instruction.
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<br />After instructions, the crew leader reloaded three cartridges.
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<br />Then we all reloaded three cartridges. I wanted to reload a good fifty so I could shoot more, but there was not time.
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<br />We then took a hike to the Sawmill Rifle Range. It had a nice covered shooting area as it was threatening to rain. We had a safety briefing like we did at Harlan. It was explained to us that we could bring a target, underwear, hat, bandana or something that we wanted to shoot. Our crew did not bring anything. It was also explained that if you put something out to shoot at, everyone could shoot at it.
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<br />The boys had their chance to shoot. the had the opportunity to shoot the youth provided targets. A couple of crew members nailed some guys white hat a couple of times along with a few other things that had been put out.
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<br />I wanted to shoot my hat, but after eight years, it is like a good friend that has been several places with me. I chose to throw all nine rounds into the white hat.
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<br />As if shooting was great, I have to tell you there is something that I looked forward to more than shooting, cold showers. After being on the trail for several days without a shower, I wanted to clean myself up and do some laundry.
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<br />Soon enough it was back to camp. Dinner was being prepared and we could relax.
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<br />Well, we could relax after we hung our laundry out to dry. I was happy to see that there was a lot of laundry. Perhaps, the group would smell a little better.
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<br />I had a little time to write in my journal as dinner was being prepared. That was until it started sprinkling. Ink, paper and water do not seem to mix very well.
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<br />After dinner the adults left the youth in camp and went down to the staff cabin for the “coffee.” They were a little bit unorganized as they had a small grease fire in the kitchen. The cookies finally came out. We sat on the porch and enjoyed the view. As it is, Sawmill is one of the few places that you can receive a radio signal. Every Wednesday evening at 8:00 they have the hour of blues. The week had been silent of music and here we were listening to blues and watching the sky as the sun set behind us. At one time you could see three rainbows in the sky and it rained toward the east.
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<br />We climbed back up the hill to camp to find all well. We had our thorn, roses and bud as we reflected on the day. Overwhelmingly the rose of the day was the shower. We all needed a good night’s sleep because tomorrow would be uphill in the morning to about 10400 and then down to about 9000 feet in about 13 miles.
<br />Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-51746663035226285112011-07-26T23:00:00.000-07:002011-08-28T17:33:53.130-07:00Philmont - Day 7 - Ute SpringsToday we needed to start early. I was up at 4:45 to start the water boiling for breakfast. At least this time we looked at what we needed to do before we went to bed. The boys started getting up just after 5:00. Our quickest time to strike camp has been 1.5 hours. That is all the time we have this morning because we need to be out of camp and on our way at 6:30. We were making our final preparations as the sun was coming up.
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<br />At just after 6:30 we were on our way up hill to Deer Lake for a conservation project. We were told that it would take an hour, maybe about an hour and a half. The conservation project started at 7:30 or 10:30 or 1:30 and the crew wanted to get it done at 7:30. The navigator for the day was moving quickly up hill and the boys were following right along. Those more than double their age were falling behind. I told them, just go and get us checked in. We all arrived by 7:20 and had time to sit down, rest and eat what we did not eat out of our breakfasts.
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<br />Soon we were called around for our safety talk and tool instruction. The instruction for the shovel was the most memorable for me. It started, “This is a shovel. It is used for moving dirt. Most of you may be used to staking the point of the shovel into the ground first. In case you have not noticed, there are lots of rocks in the dirt, hence the name of this mountain range, the Rockies. Please do not use the point of the shovel as we do not want it chipped or broken. Use the side of the shovel to scoop the dirt” as the conservation leader showed using the shovel in a sideward sweeping motion. As this was happening I was thinking, really, perhaps that is why all 18 of my tent pegs are a pain to get into the ground. Soon enough we were off to the site of our service, cutting down small ponderosa pines. When they get big they can suck up to 60 gallons of water a day. They had crept closer to Deer Lake, which was a mud hold due to the drought. You can see the brown mud in the middle of the green area in the distance in the picture below.
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<br />After we walked to the West side or far side of the lake and did our service, we walked back to the East side. We picked up our packs and walked back to the west side of the lake and the up a hundred feet or so. It was then declared time for lunch.
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<br />After lunch we resumed our trek for Ute Springs Camp. As headed North we could we got to a point we could look in the westerly direction and begin to see Ute Gulch. Much to our surprise, the trail would give us a front row seat to Ute Gulch and the mountains that surrounded it. We have a look to the North,
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<br />a look to the South,
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<br />and a look to the West.
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<br />We continued north and then cut back south as we lowered elevation. It seemed like we were way above the gulch. Another cut back to the North on a switchback as we continued to descend. I was getting used to the up and down thing. We go up in the morning, down just before or after lunch, sleep and then do the same thing the next day.
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<br />It was beautiful country and it was worth taking a stop to look. It was looking much different that the North Country where we started, more trees and greener. Of course, we were about a thousand feet higher.
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<br />Before we got to Ute Springs, we needed to stop by Ute Gulch to pick up another four days worth of food. It would be our last food pickup. The grid on the side of the building was electrified at night. It was a “Gatorade” vault that most any bear would want into.
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<br />When we got there we rested. They also had fresh fruit to eat and flour tortillas. Most of us had an apple or pear.
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<br />Fairly soon we had to get going. The sky was getting a little darker and our familiar afternoon thunder and lightning had been underway for some time. Of course about the time we got to camp, is started raining and it was time to get set up to cook dinner. There is nothing like sitting in the rain waiting for water to boil.
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<br />Of course one of the most intriguing things was the stone chairs. One crew member found a nice large comfortable chair. When we got to camp he was always thinking ahead about his comfort. There is nothing like lounging around waiting for dinner.
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<br />Soon enough, dinner was over and it was time for a torn and roses and a bud. Of course some things remained constant, same boy, same thorn – rain. Everyone thought that we did well; we got up and out on the trail timely.
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<br />Tomorrow we would be going to Sawmill. It was not a long way in miles, just over 5, it was just all up. We decided that we wanted to get there so we could shoot the 30.06 rifles.
<br />Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-52692065467597107482011-07-25T23:00:00.000-07:002011-08-28T17:31:20.863-07:00Philmont - Day 6 - HarlinToday was an early day. I awake at just after 5:00 am and the younger members of the crew were up at 5:30. It has usually been taking just over an hour and a half to strike camp. We had almost finished packing when we looked at the instructions for breakfast. We discovered it required hot water.
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<br />We started heating up water to bring it to a boil. We normally added the food to the pot and let it cook there. However, this morning, we were going to do it differently. Everyone packed everything but a spoon, the stove and the pot for water. We added the water to the pouches that the food was in, let it set for the time it needed and then ate out of the pouch. We licked our spoons clean and ran them through the remainder of the water left over from breakfast. We were then on our way in short order. The first stop was going to be the Dean Cow staff cabin to sign out and drop off the breakfast trash. When we arrived, we walked up through the meadow like area. The staff told up that in years with normal rain the meadow would be filled with flowers waist deep.
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<br />It was then on to the trail which was steep and had several switchbacks as it climbed out of Dean Cow and Dean Canyon.
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<br />From there we hiked across the ridge and then down in to Turkey Creek Canyon, which had a dirt road that we traveled on which delivered us to the state highway, which we crossed under and then over the Cimarron River. We had hiked about five miles and I seriously thought about cooling off in the river. We stopped there to eat lunch. If you have not guessed by now, we were headed back up. We needed to climb from just over 6000 feet up to 7400 feet and go about five more miles. At least we were on a trail and not a road. Trees grow better around the trails, go figure.
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<br />As we were getting closer to Harlan, we passed by Vaca campground and a well for that area. The solar powered pump should be obvious. We walked past. However, the sky was getting cloudy and we wondered if we were going to get more rain.
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<br />At the well, we turned left. The map showed a straight line into Harlan, however, there were more switchbacks as we hiked over the hill to the other side. Upon reaching Harlan, one of the first staff members looked at us and said,”Welcome to Sawmill.” Some of the crew were concerned that we were in the wrong spot. As we reached the staff cabin it was obvious that we were at Harlan. We received our porch talk and were scheduled for some activities.
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<br />We ate our lunch there and waited for our first stop, the reloading building. We started on the porch with a safety talk.
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<br />Next we were inside reloading shotgun shells.
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<br />Then it was back outside for the shotgun safety talk. We recited the fundamental rules of 1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. 2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. 3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
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<br />Then it was off the range. On the trail there were nice signs and pictures of the plants in the area. It was kind of like a nature walk to a shooting range. Once we were there we had to wait for another group to finish. Of course by now we were used to sitting on the ground. There was no real furniture in the forest.
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<br />Each boy got a chance to fire off the rounds that they reloaded as well as a few more. They even had the opportunity to purchase a few more rounds if they liked.
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<br />Once finished at the range it started to rain. At least the weather was being consistent, rain every afternoon. We went back to the staff cabin, got the campsite number that we were staying at and headed off to set up camp. Dinner was under way and soon enough and it was being served.
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<br />We enjoyed dinner that night. Practically everyone had a seat around the fire ring. As we ate, we realized that time was moving fast.
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<br />We put our dirty dishes in a bear bag along with all our smellables and headed off for the last event, The Burro Races. I looked down the field as the burros and their teams lined up.
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<br />At the blast of a shot gun the race was on. For the most part, the burrows were running uphill at the urging of their leader. Some burrows were not going very straight. I remember one burrow that seemed to veer off into the forest.
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<br />They would race up the hill, around the stump and then back downhill.
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<br />As it was the crew came in second place. They were happy with the performance of their burrow. There were lots of smiles to be had. We like pictures with smiles.
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<br />We then went back to camp. The dishes were done and we did our torn, roses and bud. There were many thorns over the hike to Harlan. There were unanimous roses over the burrow race and shooting shotguns.
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<br />We also knew that we wanted to make it to the service project at 7:00 tomorrow morning, which meant an early morning start.Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-25396365820809051322011-07-24T23:00:00.000-07:002011-08-28T17:29:21.190-07:00Philmont - Day 5 - Dean CowWe arose fairly early today because we had a long trip today. The sky was beautiful as the sun was making its way up from the East.
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<br />We needed two adult leaders to help with chuck wagon Breakfast preparations so we left the youth in charge of getting up and getting to breakfast. Breakfast was pancakes and sausage and it was good.
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<br />We had served the youth and it was our turn to eat. There was no youth from our crew to be seen. What could have happened? We ate our pancakes and sausage and wondered if they would even make it. As they called for seconds, we could see the crew working their way towards the chuck wagon breakfast. They got in line and received firsts and seconds on pancakes. The sausage was gone.
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<br />After breakfast we went back up to camp, got our water so we could go back down and fill them up as well as received a new four day supply of food. We took the food and water back up to camp, took down our dampened tents and packed up. We managed to get it all crammed in to our packs and hit the trail for Dean Cow. The trail was fairly steep as we left Ponil. We needed to go from about 7200 feet up to over 8400 feet in a couple of miles and then a decent back to about 7200 over eight or nine miles.
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<br />After our trail break we continued up. The weather to the south west was not looking friendly.
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<br />Soon enough we made it to the top and took a break. There was thunder off in the distance and we wanted to head down before it got any closer.
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<br />On the ridge line there was a faint road. The boys took off heading west. They passed the road headed south. On crew member, who was the last youth in the group called a halt to the progress because we had reached a “stop” sign. Any time we came to a fork in the trail, a sign that was posted, a cattle crossing, or a gate, we were to stop. After a navigator conference, it was determined that we were to head south to New Dean Camp rather than West. There was a well there that we were going to refill our water bottles. The weather to the south west was still looking like we were going to get wet.
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<br />We arrived at New Dean Camp after a fairly quick decent. It was time for a break and a time to put on pack covers as the thunder and lightning was signaling us that it was getting closer. Some took advantage to the time to recline and relax.
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<br />We then picked up another two track trail that had a fairly gentle grade going down. It was just going to be a long gentle grade. And it was going to start sprinkling on us as well.
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<br />We then came to another “stop” sign and had a navigation conference.
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<br />Soon enough we were headed to Dean Cow. It felt good to take our pack off and sit on the porch. The activity here was climbing. However, due to lightning, climbing was not going to happen. They could climb at 8:00 the next morning if they wanted to. They were going to have to decide.
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<br />We went to our camping spot and set up camp. The first thing up was the dining fly followed by our tents. The rain was getting heavier, but still manageable. It drizzled on and off and the afternoon got later. As we started dinner, or should I say started to boil the water, we has a short church service. Our Chaplin conducted the meeting and he did a great job.
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<br />Soon enough we had boiling water so the process of sterilizing the dishes started. Dinner was made and we all ate it up. It was time to start the clean up process. One of the boys did not want to drink his soup. After you eat your dinner, you put some water in your bowl and scrape the sides of you bowl with your spoon. You try to get your bowl as clean as possible. Then you drink the water. Jacob offered and Oreo as a chaser after the soup was drunk. It took a few attempts before it went down.
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<br />As 7:00 rolled around, we adult leaders went the “coffee” at the staff cabin. The cookies were great and I just drank more water to hydrate after the long day. We were a little concerned to leave the boys, especially after they did not work as a team getting things in order to make it to breakfast on time. We had talked to the youth leaders before we left and had to wait and see what happened.
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<br />As we returned to camp that night the boys had everything in order. They had a little trouble getting things together, but they all pitched in to make sure everything was done. Perhaps they will begin working more together as a team. As we did thorn, roses, bud it became obvious that they wanted to get an early start and make sure that the get to do their activities. It was time to get to sleep for the night.
<br />Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-46286446109361554272011-07-23T23:00:00.000-07:002011-08-28T17:27:05.418-07:00Philmont - Day 4 - PonilWe woke up early today as it was going to be a long day. It was our rangers last day to be with us. We got out of bed and circled around the campfire ring. Our ranger quietly asked us to get our fleece coats and to follow him without talking. We hiked up the west wall of the canyon. It was a fairly steep hike. As we neared the top of the canyon we could not see the sun in the East, just light coming from the east. Towards the West the sun was lighting the Heart peak.
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<br />As the sun slowly spread it’s light lower and lower on the mountains to the West, the ranger read quotes from John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt and others that were about the beauty of the outdoors. Towards the end, he asked us to describe what we felt and what we saw. Most answers were simple.
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<br />I saw a box canyon before me, a symbol of those obstacles that can contain us and keep us from progressing unless we move past them. I also saw dead trees still standing from the 2002 Ponil Complex fire, a symbol of death now intermingled in the small oak trees and other plants filling the landscape. As the light crept down the face of the mountain it was as if light and life was filling what once was darkness just as the new plant growth was filling in around the dead trees as each year passed. As we should do the same, filling our lives with light each day and year so that we grow and any darkness in our life fades away.
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<br />Soon enough we were quietly walking down the steep canyon wall back into camp. We needed to make breakfast and strike camp. The boys worked quickly so we could get on the trail. We headed North and came to the staff cabin area of Indian Writings and filled up our water containers. Today was going to be a long trip up over Heart Peak and down into Ponil. With a little discussion on which of the three trails to take, we soon were on our way up the side of the canyon.
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<br />Before we left, our ranger asked us to make sure that we stopped, turned around and looked at where we had been. If you only look one way, you only see half the journey. We took opportunities to turn around and look as well as take pictures of where we had been.
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<br />The trip was a little hot because there were no large trees to shade the trail. We made it to Heart Peak and ate the gift our ranger had given to us, a pound cake with frosting.
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<br />After some snacks, we got a picture on the peak and headed down the hill toward Ponil. We also noticed that the clouds were beginning to build up a little. Who know what the afternoon would bring us.
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<br />We made it into Ponil and had our porch talk. Horseback riding was at 1:00 and showers were from 12:30 to 1:00. It would be impossible to get to the showers and then down to the corral to ride horses. However, there were a couple of us that were too heavy to ride the horses as we were over 200 pounds. It would be a shower for us.
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<br />As we were headed back to camp we met up with the boys. Horseback riding had been canceled due to lightning. We decided to set up camp. We went to the staff cabin and got one of the staff to show us our campsite. It was starting to rain, but we thought it would pass soon.
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<br />Our campsite was up on the southern side of the canyon a couple hundred feet above the canyon floor. I was thinking, too much lightning to ride horses, but not too much to go up the side of a canyon to set up camp. As it was, we were only part way up the side of the canyon. We started to set up camp. We had chuck wagon dinner so there was no cooking. As we continued to set up, it continued to rain and rain. It was getting fairly wet in camp. We had hung everything in our bear bags, set up our tents so we were finished there.
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<br />We then headed back into Ponil for root beer and chuck wagon dinner. We also had one other thing to look for as there was a “wardrobe malfunction.”
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<br />The two boys that went early to help cook did not take their eating utensils with them. After helping they ran back up to camp. The rest of us were enjoying root beer under the cover of a roof as it rained like crazy. As it rained we were also able to purchase a new rain jacket for the problem jacket.
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<br />Soon enough the two boys that went early to help came to the “saloon” to find us and told us that some of our tents had fallen over and one could not be saved so it was stashed under the dining fly. We could not do anything about it, so we waited until it was time for chuck wagon dinner.
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<br />As we ate dinner, the sun came out. It turned into a nice afternoon. However, upon our return, it was obvious that there was a little water that had run through camp. We secured everything and made sure it was good for the night. Some of us even took the time to take care of business on out camp “pilot to bombardier” latrine.
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<br />Later in the evening, we had our thorn, roses and bud. Yet again there was that one thorn for that one young man, rain. We all looked forward to a good night’s sleep and an early morning as we had a long way to go the next day.
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<br />Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215843961377769540.post-8475877154875852592011-07-22T23:00:00.000-07:002011-08-28T17:24:44.899-07:00Philmont - Day 3 - Indian WritingsDay Three of our trek started fairly early. We did not have to travel far so we were not up at the break of dawn. It always seemed that the sky was a lot clearer than the evening before. There was no way of telling what type of weather was going to show up in the afternoon.
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<br />After breakfast we began picking up camp. We were ready to leave, had out packs on and were doing a sweep for trash when we had some visitors. Four dear came lumbering through our camp.
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<br />As we left camp we headed south to the well to get more water. It was a solar powered pump that put the water in a big tank with a hose bib on the front. We each filled up a liter bottle and put a water treatment tablet in the bottle with the water.
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<br />We then headed north, leaving Anasazi and heading towards Indian Writings. We did not travel very far before we started seeing campsites for Indian Writings. It was about a half mile further to the staff cabin. Once we got to the staff cabin we had to wait our turn for our porch talk.
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<br />Once on the porch, we learned what things there were to do in the area. We also learned that there were mountain lions that were active as well. If you needed to go to the bathroom or use a rock as we called it, because you peed on a rock, you needed to take not only a buddy, but two more people between dusk and dawn for a total of four people.
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<br />We got our campsite assigned to us and decided to stay in the staff cabin area for lunch. As we returned to our pack line, another crew member was shooing away a chipmunk, or more affectionately known as a mini-bear. He told us that the mini-bear had his cheeks full as he ran off. He had found the trail mix that one of the boys had brought along. Mini-bears as well as real bears do not use zippers; they use the tools that they have. In the case of the mini-bear, it chewed a hole in the pack to get to the trail mix.
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<br />After throwing away the trail mix we all got out the lunch for the afternoon. Because we were staying in the area, we ate at the picnic table behind the staff cabin. It was a nice change from eating while sitting on the ground.
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<br />After lunch we were off to our first activity, Archeology. The dig area was an old dumpsite for trash. The site was actually over 50 years old so what is found is considered to be historic artifacts. The person giving the talk to the boys showed them some of the things that have been found.
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<br />After digging in the dig zone, the dirt is then screened in case there is something small that was missed. The boys found pieces of plant material and burnt remains of wood.
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<br />Next up was the Indian writings. We grabbed our packs as the tour if you will was going south towards our campsite. There was thunder and lightning and some rain as we walked. It was actually nice because it cooled the air. As we hiked up and looked at the walls of the canyon there were several writings that we saw. The same canyon walls our friend the mountain lion lurked on looking for its midnight snack.
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<br />There was even a ceremonial structure that was found as well as evidence of old Indian dwellings.
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<br />Even rarer on the trip at this time was a smile from Jacob that was caught on a recording device. He would smile and laugh now and then, but pull out the camera and it was the stoic look. As I looked at the picture below, it almost appears that he may have the slightest smile.
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<br />Soon enough camp was set up and it was time to prepare dinner. It seemed that things did not move as fast as they needed to. For one, boiling water takes time. So camp really got set up as the water came to a boil.
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<br />Cleanup also required hot water and the time to clean the dishes. But it was also a time to relax.
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<br />After everything was cleaned up and the bear bags were hung we made our way back north to the staff cabin area. There was a “coffee” for the leaders where coffee, hot coco or hot cider was served with cookies and sometimes doughnuts. We sat on the porch and watched the boys chuck spears using an atlatl. There was a foam mountain lion and a paper target off in the distance. Some boys had good form and could chuck the spear using the atlatl and other would have gone hungry.
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<br />We made our way back to camp to have our closing. Every night we did thorn, roses and bud. We told of a torn or something that we did not like for the day, roses, things that we liked and bud, something we were looking forward to tomorrow. For one boy his thorn was the same for the second day, it was the rain. For some, the rain was a rose. Soon enough it was time to turn in and dream about things other than bears and mountain lions. But first, as it was after dark, there was a large contingent looking for a rock.
<br />Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142332073465538443noreply@blogger.com0