Along the way, they’ll stop by the Continental Tie and Lumber Company.  They’ll compete in traditional logging events, such as spar tree “pole” climbing, axe use, cross-cut sawing, etc…  I sure hope they have the first aid kit handy!

Where is that first aid kit???

The spar pole climbing looks like fun.  Hope no one is afraid of heights!!!

Am I really that high up???

Crew 626 – E2 has a 7.5 mile hike ahead of them today, ending up at 8,720 ft., camping at Agua Fria Camp.  Along the way, they’ll swing into Fish Camp to participate in the program there.  Fly-tying, Fishing Lodge Tour, and a chance to catch dinner!

Maybbe our guys will catch some dinner!

Crew 626 – E3 has a short hike of 3.21 miles today.  They’ll end up at 9,360 ft. at Apache Springs Camp.  This will also be their layover day, so they’ll be spending two nights here.  They’ll learn about life as the Jicarilla Apache lived it.

Apache Life

Perhaps, some of them will choose to spend some time in the sweat lodge!

Sweat Lodge

This is also a scheduled food pick-up.  And, since they are spending two nights here, I’m hoping that they wash some clothes.  This is also where they will perform their conservation project.

Conservation Work

Hart Peak, with Mt. Baldy in the background

Once at Ponil, they participated in the Western Lore program.  Remember the nice, new, and very expensive, hiking boots that we all rushed out to buy?  You know, the ones that we were sure would keep the tender feet comfortable along the way.  Well, take a look at them now!

Those stinky, dirty boots are now souvenirs of the trip, never to be thrown away!

This crew will eat a hearty meal tonight, at the ChuckWagon dinner.  Then, before heading off to bed, they will take in the Cantina Show!  A classic, rip-roaring good time, corny jokes and all!!!

Cantina Show, with the camraderie of Scouts from all over the country

Crew 626 – E2 hiked into Carson Meadows camp, about 2.76 miles away.  They are now at an elevation of 7,750 ft.   Along the way, they participated in the Search and Rescue program.

Search and Rescue Program

They also got a glimpse of their future while at Carson Meadows.  They are able to view the Tooth of Time from Carson Meadows.  This is a famous landmark at Philmont.  It is also the trail that will mark their last of hiking.

Carson Meadows, with the Tooth of Time in the background

That sure looks like it is far away!!!

Crew 626 – E3 headed for Fish Camp, about 6 miles away.  Once there, they will be at an elevation of 8,480 ft.  Here, they will get a tour of Waite Phillips’ Fishing Lodge.  They’ll also get an opportunity to tie their own fishing fly.

Fly Tying at the Fishing Lodge

Fishing Lodge

Crew 626-E1 got off the bus yesterday at Six Mile Gate and hiked to Anasazi Camp.  A short hike, only about 2.25 miles, but filled with Ranger Training.  The Philmont Ranger provides instruction on water purification, food preparation, bear bag hanging, etc…  The Ranger will also go over map & compass skills.  Thanks to LTC Trunzo, they shouldn’t need much in this area!

The elevation at Anasazi Camp is 7020 ft.  This crew will be gaining elevation everyday for the next few days.  In addition to Ranger Training, the crew will also get a glimpse of pre-historic history.  They will get a chance to see a Tyrannosaurus Rex track.

Tyrannosaurus Rex Track

Today, Crew 626-E1 will head for Cottonwood Camp, 4.4 miles away.  They’ll camp at 7,360 ft., draw water out of a purified well and get a chance to see some awesome wildlife!

Philmont Wildlife

Did I ever mention the time I stepped right over a rattlesnake and didn’t even know it?  That was fun!  Anyway, there are showers available a short hike away and I’m sure that there will be some willing to make that side hike!

Crew 626-E2 got off the bus at Rayado Camp and hiked 2.11 mi. into Olympia Camp.  They’re at 6,720 ft. above sea level.  In addition to the Ranger Training, this crew should get a chance to visit the Kit Carson Museum.

Kit Carson Museum

Today, they’ll hike a short 1.83 miles over to Zastrow Camp, at an elevation of 6,960 ft.  They’ll have an opportunity to sharpen their Land Navigation and GPS skills at Zastrow Camp.  In the evening, they’ll participate in a Scout Re-Dedication Ceremony.  They’ll also be provided with ingredients to make a hot cobbler for dessert!

Zastrow Camp - Staff Cabins

Crew 626-E3 got off the bus at Zastrow Turnaround and hiked 2.58 miles into Old Abreu Camp.  They’re sleeping 7,600 ft. above sea level. They’ll be hiking along an old Jeep trail for the most part so it’ll be an easy start.

Hiking into Old Abreu Camp

The crew will hike 4.19 miles to Crags Camp today, at an elevation of 8,080 ft.  They’ll participate in a Search and Rescue program along the way.

Search and Rescue Program

And, if there is time available, there will be fishing opportunities!!!

Looks like a nice stream. Bet Mr. Reel wishes he was there!!!

I’m also going to refer to the crew numbers only.  For those that don’t remember, here’s a little help.

Crew 626-E1 = Rob Sharkey

Crew 626-E2 = Brian O’Sullivan

Crew 626-E3=John Howe

Well, today is the big day!  Pack inspections are conducted by each respective Philmont Ranger.  The Scouts will pull the cots out of the tents that they slept in last night, and pile their gear on top of the cot.  As the Ranger inspects, he/she will make suggestions.  Then, everyone will re-pack their backpack.

After a final check by the adult advisors, everything that is to be left behind gets locked up in lockers provided by Philmont. I wonder if any of our guys will get stuffed into the locker?

The next thing that they’ll need will be food.  They’ll get their first few days worth of food to carry with them.  Somewhere along the trail, they’ll get re-supplied.

Philmont Food

Doesn’t it look yummy!  That’s breakfast, lunch and dinner!!!

Finally, it’s on the bus for the ride to the trailhead.  Our contingent will be three separate crews by this time.  They each have a different starting point.

Blog the cog!

This morning, they’ll leave the Koshare Kiva and head to Philmont, a 3.5 hour bus ride away.  So, what happens when they finally arrive at Philmont???

The first person that they’ll meet will be the Ranger that has been assigned to each crew.  It will be the Ranger’s responsibility to get everyone through the medical check, review policy & procedures, review logistics, etc…  Space will also be assigned on the trailbound side of “Tent City”

Trailbound Side of Tent City

They’ll have lunch and dinner in the dining hall, explore the trading post, attend religious services, pick up their first few days of food.  Speaking of food, doesn’t it look yummy!!!

Philmont Food

Tomorrow, they hit the trail!!!