It seems like Mount Baldy was a long ways off in our pictures of the beautiful mountains around us. As we continue on our trek it is amazing to me that every day it looks like something that we may actually get to see up close and personal.

We spent the night before last at Ponil campgrounds which is a fully staffed area with a program and the chuckwagon dinner. We all enjoyed not having to cook for ourselves that particular night especially since as were coming down from our campsite that day we were rained and even hailed on as we came down the mountain side. This has been an adventure the boys and I will never forget. Yesterday we hiked 4 miles up a mountain with the burro and that is quite a task.

Our feet hurt, our shoulders and hips are sore, we are all sunburnt, and did I mention that it is raining right now. In spite of all of this we are all in absolutely great spirits as I play “You are my sunshine” on my harmonica from my tent while it rains.

We are learning a great deal about always using proper Philmont camping etiquette from our ranger. A ranger is assigned to each trek group and they stay with you through your second night out. This has been great for the scouts to be trained by someone other than us and we can also always use the extra knowledge as well. This is some of the most beautiful area we have ever hiked and the group is growing each day. We are all looking forward to the staffed camps that we will hit next. Thanks for everyone’s prayers and efforts allowing us on this awesome adventure.

Thanks,

Brandon Thomas

Assistant Scoutmaster

It has been a whirlwind of a day getting checked in, having a gear shakedown, and several orientations. This is the most organized camp I have ever seen and they have 265,000 acres and will have 24,000 scouts this summer.

We made it to the NRA center where we will be roughing it for the night.

We had a great day of travel and decided to stop off at the Capulin Volcano National Monument.

Everyone seems eager to get started. All of the packs seem nicely put together so far.

Our leaders think they are ready…..We hope!!!

Our crew is ready for their adventure.