That's Cloud Nine!

Considering that we were told the average number of crews would likely be eight, I feel very fortunate to have gotten assigned crew #9! A small crew, eight in total, with three advisors and five scouts. They were from Clear Lake/Galveston TX and all were new to Philmont. This is the smallest size crew that starts at Philmont (unless exceptions are given, and they are for good reasons) and they had a "sister" crew of also eight participants. The only drawback of an even number and small crew is the gear they need to carry (divided amongst less) and the extra food I need to carry (I have so much extra, I'll never eat it all!).

They actually arrived the day before I picked them up, so they had gotten through some of the early steps like Registration and initial Logistics. While this made it somewhat easier for me, it meant that I didn't have access to the crew sheet, which I use to get started learning names and roles. In this case, with only eight participants, this wasn't too hard (not that it's really that hard, but I like to use the tools I am given!).

I was excited for this itinerary because it would take me to two camps that I had not been to this year, and I would be able to use the trek to get close to the one last peak that I needed to climb to finish my patch series (Cimarroncito Peak). Like many of the itineraries for the 7 day treks, the initial hikes aren't too long. I often find myself walking further in basecamp on a regular day than I do on those initial hikes. However, this particular itinerary would have them climbing Mt. Phillips on their fourth day, with a total distance of close to 14 miles! They were both excited and scared of the opportunity. Definitely nervous.

A view of Mt. Baldy from Cimarroncita Camp

A quick pass through at Cimarroncita, which was a Girl Scout Camp that Philmont purchased a few years ago (the only property at Philmont not donated), where we had a chance to participate in 3D archery. There was another chance to bag a T-Rex, but even though they don't move very fast, none of us hit it. Something distracting about those small arms waving at me. And the curvy arrows. I wonder if BSA buys arrows with curves built in to make the challenge greater? Or maybe they get a discount on second-hand arrows?

Minnette Meadows, where you can see fire damage all around, but not here!

We arrived at Minnette Meadows, which was really beautiful. Somehow it was spared in one of the fires that ravaged Philmont, which made it all the more special. It would have been perfect for stargazing, except the afternoon monsoon thunderstorms rolled in and stayed move of the night. I did see stars when I got up around 2:30 a.m., and am always impressed, but sleep was important too, so didn't linger long.

A view into Ute Gulch on our way to Cimmaroncito.

Unfortunately one of the advisors aggravated an old injury in his heel, tendonitis, and was really struggling for most of the hike. He was sore by the time we got to Cimarroncita, and in quite a bit of pain by the time we got to Minnette Meadows. In the end, I wound up having to hike him back to Cimarroncita, so he could get back to basecamp and the infirmary. It was a short hike (~3 miles roundtrip) and we left early enough so the scouts could pack the campsite and be ready when I returned. I felt really bad for him, but I know he felt worse. He had two boys on the trek and it was hard for him to go. It was the right choice, but not an easy one.

A rock outcropping that I want to call Lions Rock, but which is unnamed (for now!)

A quick hike to Cimarroncito (the names confuse us all, we tend to say "Cito" or "Cita" to emphasize which one!), where we tried to get in some climbing and rappelling. Once again the afternoon t-storms rolled in and we had to abort and come off the mountain. We got there way earlier than I expected and thought we'd get it done, but Philmont weather always has a mind of its own. This meant we had a fair amount of downtime, so everyone took advantage of showers to clean up a bit while I manned the fire (one of my favorite non-hiking things to do!). I also dried quite a few pairs of socks for the crew, using my time wisely to support them!

Even the mini-bears like climbing!

The following day they were heading through Cypher's Mine on their big mileage day up and over Mt. Phillips. Since this was my jump off point for my (slightly lower) climb, I joined them for this short hike. Crews always seem to hate when Rangers leave, so staying with them for even just a few more hours is nice. After a short rest and water refill, they headed their way and I headed mine. Once again, a really great group of scouts and scouters. I've heard some horror stories, and so glad that of my 9 crews, I've had no issues. Luck? Skill? Who knows, but I prefer it this way!

Oh, and if crew #9 wasn't enough, I've been assigned crew #10, who I'll meet tomorrow (7/28) for my last crew of the year! I've even been given the day off afterwards, so I'm trying to think of how to use the last opportunity to get into the backcountry before heading home on August 2. Stay tuned!