After waiting and preparing anxiously for two years, 23 friends and I left the Lafayette train station to go to Philmont Scout Ranch, arriving the next day. We would be spending the next two weeks without computers, cell phones, iPods, or any other modern devices we were so used to having. After getting some crew gear and going over some safety items, we shouldered our packs to hit the trail. Our itinerary, number 24, scheduled us to go 75 miles in 10 days. Every day was different, in distance, difficulty, and what we got to see. We hiked over hills and through valleys, stopping for various picture opportunities along the way. The variety of the hikes kept the trek challenging and interesting at the same time.
â–º QUARTER FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
The hiking wasn't what made the trip special, though. What did were the programs the staff had to offer. Every few days we would come across a camp that has staff members staying there for the summer. These staff members would have some sort of game or challenge course for us to complete. The biggest staff camp was Ponil with 48 staff members, offering horse rides, cattle roping, equipment branding, and cowboy action shooting. In the evening, they had a chuck wagon dinner and a cantina show with stories, songs and skits. My favorite camp was Pueblano. The entire campsite had a theme of “Continental Tie and Lumber Co.” Their main activity was spar-pole climbing, which consisted of using special spikes on your shoes and a leather strap to climb a 25 to 30 foot pole straight up. In the evening, they had Logger Ball, a variation of baseball, and and evening campfire after that. The campfire is what made Pueblano my favorite camp. The skits were hysterically funny, while the songs they sang have probably made many shed tears.
The staffed camps were a major part of what made my trip to and through Philmont so special, but the little things helped, too. One night, I looked up and saw just how many stars there were. There was no light except from my small flashlight, which I turned off just to see the stars. You could see the stars beyond the stars we usually see, and the sky seemed to have no empty spaces in it anymore. The sky was more beautiful than I have ever seen it before.
The highlight of the trip, though, was climbing Baldy Mountain. The peak of it is at 12,441 feet above sea level, making quite a climb, especially since the last 400 yards were almost too steep to climb. Once on top, though, you ignore the climb, the difficulty breathing, everything except the view. You get filled with a sense of accomplishment, knowing you just climbed the highest mountain on the ranch. The high altitude and winds make it numbingly cold, yet being on top of that mountain is one of the best feelings ever.
We got back to base camp a few days after that. We returned the gear we had borrowed, slept one more night at Camping Headquarters, then boarded the Amtrak train the next day. We were all exhausted from the trip, and everyone was looking forward to a real bed, but nobody really wanted to leave. Philmont is a one-of-a-kind trip that stays with you, no matter where you end up. The mountains I climbed paralleled the ones I conquered inside, leaving me more responsible, dependable, and confident, positive changes for the future.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “The Highlights of Philmont”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!