tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763356282534607182024-03-13T09:55:58.866-04:00Colglazier CornerThe Colglazier Family Blog.Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-10785920466174211862020-12-24T12:34:00.000-05:002020-12-24T12:34:25.248-05:00Merry Christmas 2020<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYWIGV7_v3o/X-TPFUhePwI/AAAAAAAALVQ/2rvUVXxuRKAmPrXbm5TUpRL400m5B_DfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/8500299_120620_000226681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYWIGV7_v3o/X-TPFUhePwI/AAAAAAAALVQ/2rvUVXxuRKAmPrXbm5TUpRL400m5B_DfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w414-h311/8500299_120620_000226681.JPG" width="414" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">A year ago, I was
really looking forward to 2020. It was to be a year of accomplishment and
celebration. I was looking forward to running the New York City Marathon. The
race was cancelled, but I will get the opportunity to run it another year. I
was looking forward to celebrating Bethany’s graduation from North Carolina
State University. While she did graduate, the ceremony was virtual and the
celebration not what we had in mind. I expected to see my Dad numerous times
during the year but went months without seeing him at all due to restrictions.
On the other hand, I expected Carl to move to Illinois to begin his PhD program
at Northwestern University. Instead he did everything online keeping our family
all under one roof for a little longer.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Before the pandemic
hit, we did enjoy a few outings. Three of us went to see “Come From Away” in
Durham. We really enjoyed it along with the rest of the audience that gave the
performance the fastest unanimous standing ovation I have ever seen. Three of
us went to Orlando to go to Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Disney Springs. We
especially enjoyed the Harry Potter attractions at Universal along with lots of
butter beer. I spent two weeks in Poughkeepsie, NY for some in person time with
my team at IBM. During the weekend in between, all the girls came out to visit
and enjoy New York City. We toured NBC Studios where we saw the final
preparations for “Saturday Night Live” later that night. We saw “Wicked” on
Broadway less than a week before all the shows closed. We had excellent seats
and really enjoyed the show. We also visited the 911 Museum. The presentations are
very well done but also quite sobering. We also enjoyed some NY pizza and
various dishes in Chinatown. Despite the pandemic, we did take a vacation as a
whole family in December to Universal Studios and SeaWorld in Orlando enjoying
a whole week together at the parks with a few special celebrations. It was
almost a normal vacation except with social distancing, masks, and lots of hand
sanitizer. Bethany and Miriam extended their stay in Florida by spending time
together at Walt Disney World.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Covid-19 did not affect
my job with IBM too much as I was already working remotely. I learned a lot
this year and look forward to putting new skills to good use next year. I have
had a good year of running despite most races being cancelled. I have run over
1800 miles this year and did compete in an actual in person race running a 30K
at a pretty good pace. Leslie-Jean held our house together while also training
to run a half marathon which she plans to do when things return to normal.
Christian continues to do well at his job at Lenovo while also enjoying his
hobbies of flying and improving his drone, electronic audio synthesis, and
investing.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Carl had a very
interesting year. He travelled to Seattle, Boulder, and Evanston to help decide
which PhD program to pursue. Carl decided to accept a very good offer from
Northwestern University where he just completed his first quarter. He also had
surgery before school started which took weeks of recovery. Bethany graduated
in May with a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from North Carolina
State University. Before starting her job with Cree, she made good use of her
annual pass to the U.S. National Whitewater Center going there frequently.
Bethany also took a quick trip to Walt Disney World. Miriam just completed her
third semester at North Carolina State University where she is working on her
degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. She had an internship this summer
at Bosch in New Bern helping make their manufacturing of dishwashers more
efficient. Most of us enjoyed visiting her in New Bern for a few days with a
quick trip to the beach. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">2020 will be remembered
for the worldwide pandemic of Covid-19. While tragic, it is neither the first
worldwide pandemic nor the most serious. The first and most serious worldwide
pandemic was and is sin. Romans 3:23 tells us sin is very infectious as we all
sin: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Romans 6:23
tells us sin is very deadly: “For the wages of sin is death…”. Unlike Covid-19,
there is no vaccine for sin on the horizon. Fortunately, there is one way that
sin is better than Covid-19 – there is a remedy. Jesus has provided the cure
for our sin. 1 John 1:2 tells us: “He (Jesus) is the atoning sacrifice for our
sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” The rest
of Romans 6:23 tells us “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus
our Lord.” This gift started at the very first Christmas with the birth of
Jesus. God became man born as a baby in Bethlehem. Jesus lived among us
teaching us much along the way. He took the sins of His followers and died for
them upon a cross. His broken body paid the price of our sin and His shed blood
cleansed us from our sin. For those who accept His free gift of salvation,
their sins are forgiven. Instead of death, the result is eternal life with Him
in heaven. That is truly worth celebrating!</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Hopefully things will
improve significantly in 2021. I am optimistic that the vaccines will end the
pandemic next year. It will be great to get back to things being more normal.
Until then stay safe and healthy and look for the positives among the
negatives. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan for the
Colglaziers </span></b></p><p></p>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257485641383095182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-81948190516463566862019-12-24T06:03:00.000-05:002019-12-24T06:03:56.646-05:00Merry Christmas 2019<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Merry Christmas!</b></span></div>
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We hope this finds you well and that you have had
a good year. 2019 was not a “same as ever” year for me. Several life-changing
events for me occurred this year. The first was my Mom’s death in May. While
this was sad and I continue to miss her, it did bring about the reunion of all
my siblings for her memorial service. In June, I lost my job with Lenovo. I had
basically had the same job since 1990 and moved with it from Florida to North
Carolina and from IBM to Lenovo. It was my first time being unemployed, but I
did leave with a generous severance package. I was without a job for a little
over 3 months. I am now back with IBM working in the same department that I
started my career in: mainframe hardware performance. While most of my team is
in Poughkeepsie, NY, I was allowed to stay in Cary. I am very happy with this
new “old” position. I am learning a lot and really like what I am doing and my
new team.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Miriam graduated from high school and is now at North
Carolina State University majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering. She
was co-captain of her high school robotics team that qualified for nationals in
Houston. They did surprisingly well there ending up 9<sup>th</sup> out of 67
teams in their division. While in Houston, we enjoyed a visit to the Johnson
Space Center and a nearby Italian restaurant with lots of NASA memorabilia.
Miriam also participated in her final dance recital which included a solo
senior dance. Bethany is in her final year at NC State also majoring in
Industrial and Systems Engineering. She had an internship this summer at
Fidelity. Bethany has also been a teaching assistant at school. During her
short break after her internship, Bethany went backpacking with her parents and
sister.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Carl graduated in December from NC State double majoring
in Communication and Computer Science. He received the Outstanding Student
Award from the Department of Communication and was one of the valedictorians in
the Department of Computer Science. Carl had an internship at IBM this summer. He
is applying to graduate schools to continue his studies. Christian continues to
work at Lenovo. He has enjoyed his various hobbies including buying Eurorack
modules to make electronic music. Leslie-Jean keeps the household running and
provides transportation as needed. She enjoys her weekly Bible study and has
increased her running mileage this year. I increased my running training this
year to prepare for the New York City Marathon which I had entered by winning a
lottery entry. I was doing well until a stress fracture forced me to defer my
entry to 2020.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This year’s trips turned out to be returns to places I
had once lived. In October it was a return to Peoria, Illinois for my 40<sup>th</sup>
high school reunion. It was great seeing classmates I had not seen in a while. I
also enjoyed a tour of Peoria High School, a Gondola at Avanti’s, and a couple
of nice runs seeing places around town. We also visited Chicago where we
enjoyed an architecture tour river cruise and Chinatown. My next trip was to
Poughkeepsie, New York to spend a week with my new work team. I enjoyed meeting
most for the first time along with a few for the first time in many years. I
also explored the area and saw where I used to live. On the way there, I spent
a day in New York City seeing the “Christmas Spectacular” at Radio City Music
Hall and “To Kill a Mockingbird” on Broadway starring Ed Harris. Both shows
were very good. I have been an Oakland Raiders fan for over 50 years. I had
seen them play in Detroit, Los Angeles, New York and Miami, but never Oakland.
Since the Raiders are moving to Las Vegas, this was the last year to see them
in Oakland. We saw them lose to the Tennessee Titans but really enjoyed the
game and atmosphere. While in the area, we visited Pleasanton where I used to
live, Muir Woods, Chinatown, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and Fisherman’s
Wharf. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This was a year of life-changing events for me. Christmas
is the celebration of a life-changing event for all mankind: the birth of Jesus
Christ. Matthew 1:22-23 tells us of this momentous event fulfilling the
prophecy of Isaiah: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said
through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a
son, and they will call him Immanuel’ – which means, ‘God with us.’” Not since the
Garden of Eden had God dwelled with mankind and never as one of us. Mankind’s
sin had separated us from God with no way for us to bridge the gap. Fortunately
God bridged the gap for us by sending His son to us in the form of one of us
through the birth of Jesus. That is what we celebrate at Christmas. Jesus lived
a sinless life enabling Him to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins which He
accomplished at Calvary on Good Friday. Jesus arose from the dead three days
later on Easter becoming our forerunner to eternal life with Him in Heaven. We
simply need to accept that we are sinners, believe Jesus is the Son of God, and
accept His free gift of salvation provided through His sacrificial death and
resurrection. This all started in mankind’s history at Christmas with the birth
of Jesus, truly a life-changing event for all mankind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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May you have a very, merry Christmas with a great outlook
for 2020!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dan for the Colglaziers</div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257485641383095182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-26102704097403892052018-12-21T15:34:00.002-05:002018-12-21T15:34:54.209-05:00Merry Christmas 2018<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 28.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Merry
Christmas!</span></div>
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We hope this finds you well and you have had a good year.
It has been an interesting year for us. Our big trip this year was to Walt
Disney World. We were at the parks for five days and also enjoyed Disney
Springs. Our highlights were eating in the ball room at the Be Our Guest
restaurant and riding Flight of Passage three times in one day without much
waiting. We were without a kitchen sink for over a month as a result of our
dishwasher leaking and ruining our cabinets and floor. It has now all been
fixed, looks great, and was mostly covered by insurance. We were also
entertained for a number of months by the installation of an expanded gas
pipeline directly behind our house. It was fun watching the work being done
just outside our windows, but the price was that we lost a lot of nice trees.
We were fortunate enough to get three tickets to see “Hamilton” in Durham which
actually exceeded our high expectations.
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Miriam is a high school senior who is also taking college
classes at Durham Tech. She is in her second season as a co-captain of her
robotics team, The Hitchhikers. They had a very good season earlier this year
by winning two district events to qualify for both the state and world championships.
Miriam continues to enjoy dance and Venturing. She has also been busy applying
to colleges and scholarships. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Bethany is in her third year at North Carolina State
University majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering. She has enjoyed numerous
sporting events there and brought some of the rest of us along with her for a
few of the games. This summer Bethany had an internship at Newport News
Shipbuilding in Virginia. We visited her for an extended weekend while going to
Jamestown, Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Yorktown, and the Mariners Museum. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Carl is in his fourth year at North Carolina State
University majoring in both Computer Science and Communication. He participated
again this year in a REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) at Notre
Dame this summer. We visited him there while also going to the National Museum
of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio on the way there and Chicago on
the way back. Carl also participated in a wilderness program in the Sierra
Mountains in California and attended conferences in Montreal and Chicago.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Christian continues to enjoy his job as a firmware
engineer at Lenovo. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games. Christian
has also worked on creating a motion control camera rig that will help him more
easily create brick (Lego) films. He has also been a great help to The
Hitchhikers as one of their mentors. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Leslie-Jean is finishing up her last year of
homeschooling. She has enjoyed her weekly Bible study. Leslie-Jean has worked
hard this year improving her running and completed a seven mile race.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dan continues to enjoy his performance engineering job at
Lenovo. He has worked hard getting back into competitive running shape
completing a 30K race. Dan also had some medical difficulties this year. He had
cataract surgery in both eyes and can now see without glasses. Dan also
suffered with blood clots in his lungs which is now being treated with
medication and no restrictions. Dan’s parents continue to live nearby in an
assisted living facility. Dan’s Dad suffered a couple of falls this year
requiring surgery and rehabilitation. He is now doing quite well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This has been a year with lots of medical expenses mostly
due to Dan’s health issues. This is the first time we have exceeded the family
annual deductible even getting close to the maximum out-of-pocket limit. It was
nice to have our medical expenses substantially lowered by insurance leaving us
with only small co-pays. Fortunately, God’s eternal plan for us is so much
better than health insurance. God did it all for us and required nothing from
us other than accepting His free gift: no cost for insurance, no deductibles,
no co-pays. Jesus paid it all for us. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin
is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Jesus paid the price of our sin by dying for it upon a cross. This was possible
because Jesus had previously left his heavenly throne to be born as a baby in
Bethlehem. This is what we celebrate at Christmas – the birth of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. Luke 2:11 says, “for today in the city of David there has
been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Let us rejoice in Christ’s
birth this Christmas season!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We wish you a very, merry Christmas and happy New Year.</div>
Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257485641383095182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-21993827708286025972017-12-24T12:31:00.000-05:002017-12-24T12:31:47.363-05:002017 Christmas Letter<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "brush script mt"; font-size: 28.0pt;">Merry
Christmas!</span><span style="font-family: "brush script mt"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">We
hope this letter finds you well and that you have had a good year. 2017 has
been quite the year for us. The Hitchhikers, Miriam’s robotics team, did well in
their district competitions and qualified for the District Championships where
they qualified for the FRC Championships in Houston. The Pitt Pirates with
Christian as one of their mentors also qualified for the FRC Championships and
did very well there. While in Houston, Dan, Leslie-Jean and Miriam took the
Level 9 tour at Johnson Space Center. This was a five-hour tour with only 12
people. We saw an unused Saturn V rocket, the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (where
astronauts train for space walks), new and old Mission Control, and Building 9
where we saw robots and the planned Orion capsule. We also got to eat at the
employee cafeteria where Dan got a “Hi” from Gene Kranz. We also visited the
San Jacinto Battleground where Texas won its freedom from Mexico.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Dan
and Leslie-Jean celebrated their 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary by going on a
cruise on the Majesty of the Seas. This was the same ship they cruised on for
their honeymoon. Back then it was the newest and largest ship in the fleet. Now
it is the oldest and smallest. We had a great time cruising out of Port
Canaveral with stops at Coco Cay and Nassau. We took with us a commemorative
bottle of champagne we had gotten on our honeymoon. Unfortunately, we did not
store it properly and it did not taste good. The cruise line gave us
complimentary glasses which tasted much better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Miriam
attended Summer Dance Company in Atlanta for two weeks. Dan, Leslie-Jean and
Bethany drove to Atlanta to pick her up and see her performance. While there,
we visited the Coke Museum and tried all the sodas they had for sampling from
throughout the world. We also had a great visit with one of Dan’s cousins and
his wife. Another family visit was with Dan’s sister’s family who came to visit
us and Dan’s parents. While here, we had a great time (and wipeout) at the U.S.
National Whitewater Center and travelled to Wilmington to see the USS North
Carolina and spend some time at the beach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">In
August, we took an extended weekend trip to the mountains to camp, hike, and
see lots of waterfalls. Bethany and Dan were brave (or insane) enough to slide
down and over Turtleback Falls with its 20-foot drop. We all slid down Sliding
Rock which is very popular with a long slide and no drop into a pool of very
cold water. The last day we saw waterfalls in Dupont State Forest some of which
were used in the movies The Last of the Mohicans and The Hunger Games. In
November, Dan and Leslie-Jean took the short trip to Winston-Salem to visit Old
Salem and see Illinois play basketball against Wake Forest. Old Salem is a
living history museum of an old Moravian community showing how they lived and worked.
We spent the whole day there and learned a lot. The basketball game did not end
well, but it was fun to see the team up close and in person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The
health of Dan’s parents was a big concern for us the last few months. Dan’s Dad
fell and broke his femur near his hip in August. It needed surgery with
rehabilitation after that. Dan’s Mom stayed with us during this time. They were
unable to return to their independent living situation and moved into an
assisted living facility together. Dan’s Mom then had a stroke and is now in
memory care. Dan’s Dad is now doing quite well and working on getting even
better. Dan’s Mom has lost a lot of her abilities but is always very pleasant
and happy to see us when we visit. A bonus of these situations was some extra, unplanned
visits from Dan’s sister.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Christian
graduated from Eastern Carolina University in the Spring and was given the
Outstanding Senior in Computer Science Award. He is now a firmware engineer at
Lenovo. Carl participated in the Research Experience for Undergraduates at
Notre Dame this summer and is now a co-author on a published paper. Bethany has
worked very hard this year with her studies and teaching and has chosen to
major in industrial engineering. Miriam was selected as one of the co-captains
for her robotics team and has done a good job getting them ready for the
upcoming season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">This
entire year Dan has been studying Psalms in depth. There is a great variety of
messages and styles throughout. The following is Dan’s attempt to write a Psalm
of testimony applicable to this time of year when we celebrate the coming of
God to earth through the birth of Jesus at Christmas. We hope you have a very,
merry Christmas and a great 2018!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">A Psalm of Testimony at Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">O Lord, I praise you for your amazing creation, the
world and all that is in it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I praise and thank you, Lord, for creating me and
bringing me into your world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">My desire is to be with You all my days here among
your creation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">And when my days are done, to be with you in heaven
for eternity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Therefore, I have decided to do good, be good, and
earn my way into heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Lord, let me know what good things I can do for you
and I’ll be your servant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The Lord then opened his word to me to show me the
error of my ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">What I had thought were my righteous acts, He showed
me to be filthy rags.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Instead of working my way into heaven, I then decided
to be good enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I will learn and follow all your ways and to earn my
way into heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Once again the Lord opened his word to show me the
error of my ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">You have to be perfect as I am perfect was His reply.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Lord, I see now that I fall way short in being and
doing what you require.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I am grieved that I cannot earn my way into eternity
with You in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">How does anyone meet your requirements? I fear it is
impossible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Then God told me that what is impossible for man is
possible for Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">O Lord, please explain to me how you can do what
seems impossible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">How can I bridge the gap between You and me caused by
my sin?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The Lord showed me that while I cannot cross the
chasm, He can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">While I cannot go to God because of my sin, He can
come to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">God came to me by being born as a baby in Bethlehem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">God came to me by living a perfect, sinless life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">God came to me by becoming the perfect sacrifice on
the cross for my sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">God came to me by overcoming death by rising again on
the third day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Praise be to God for Jesus, who left heaven to become
a man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Praise be to God for Jesus, who lived among us as a
man without sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Praise be to God for Jesus, who took my sin upon Him
and died for it upon the cross.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Praise be to God for Jesus, who rose again opening
the path to eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">What I could not do, God did for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">What I could not be, God became for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">What I desired most, God freely gave me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Praise be to God for all He has, is and will do.</span></div>
Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257485641383095182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-2996133934673661452016-12-21T16:32:00.001-05:002016-12-21T16:32:35.053-05:002016 Christmas Letter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnwTho-anYk/WFrz6tbwO4I/AAAAAAAABN0/yFXgdS7mJ1Ez4pX-S3ux180dS4UrE0RCQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161218_083256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnwTho-anYk/WFrz6tbwO4I/AAAAAAAABN0/yFXgdS7mJ1Ez4pX-S3ux180dS4UrE0RCQCLcB/s320/IMG_20161218_083256.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We hope that you are doing well and enjoying the
season. 2016 was our year of about to
have and then having 3 in college. This
impacted our time, money, and use of cars.
Even with all our differing schedules, we did find time for a family
trip to Virginia to see Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Monroe’s
Highland. Most of the family attended
First Robotics Competition (FRC) events this year in Raleigh, Buies Creek, and
Asheville as well as the state championship in Charlotte. Four of us enjoyed our Venturing Crew’s Super
Activity this summer during which we visited Clingman’s Dome, went zip lining
and whitewater rafting, hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and went
horseback riding. We were a house
divided when most of us attended the NC State football game at East Carolina. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Miriam is now in the 10<sup>th</sup> grade. She continues to enjoy dance and was the lead
in her recital this year. Miriam became
the Venturing Crew President this year and attended National Youth Leadership
Training (NYLT). She was in charge of
scouting on the Hitchhikers FRC team this year.
Miriam is also learning to drive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Bethany just completed her first semester at NC State
after graduating from high school in the spring. She is intending to major in industrial
engineering with a minor in business and has done very well so far. Bethany was a co-captain this year for the
Hitchhikers in charge of the business team.
She served on the staff for NYLT and is the Vice-President of
Administration for our council’s Venturing Officers Association. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Carl is in his second year at NC State majoring in both
computer science and communications and doing very well. He was honored this year by becoming a
Caldwell Fellow which provides him opportunities to develop his leadership skills
along with funding. Carl enjoyed a trip
to Washington, DC and helped run a science and technology camp this year along
with his fellow Caldwell Fellows. He
also had a teaching assistant position in the spring.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Christian is a senior at East Carolina and on track to
graduate in the spring with a degree in computer science. He took a very heavy load this past semester
and did very well. Christian is a mentor
for the Pitt Pirates, an FRC team near ECU which qualified for the World
Championships. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Leslie-Jean was our main chauffeur to the bus stops (our
NC State students lived at home and bussed to school) and other
activities. She enjoyed our family
outings to see a Johnny Clegg concert and a Vivian Howard lecture. Dan continues to work at Lenovo and is trying
to get back into good running shape. He
also became the Venturing Crew Advisor this year. Leslie-Jean and Dan actually
took a few trips this year by themselves.
They travelled to Florida to help a relative move. They also visited historic sites in Virginia
at Petersburg and Appomattox Court House after taking the girls to NYLT.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2016 has been a busy year for us with lots of different
schedules and activities. This seems to
be quite common these days. Let us not
be too busy this Christmas to miss the reason for the season: the birth of
Jesus. Let us be like the shepherds who
went to see the baby Jesus after being told about His birth by an angel (Luke
2:8-20). Let us be like Simeon who was
told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Lord’s Christ
which he did when Jesus was presented at the temple (Luke 2:25-35). Let us be like the magi who traveled afar
from the east to see Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12).
Let us all spend some time this Christmas seeking out Jesus, the savior
of the world who died for our sins and rose again to give us eternal life in
heaven with Him. Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year! May 2017 be a blessed
year for you!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257485641383095182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-72546202658978157512015-12-20T18:50:00.001-05:002015-12-20T18:50:09.564-05:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HXmIe5q8g4A/Vnc94nIkfeI/AAAAAAAAAV8/qR5loA7PEww/s1600/DSC00954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HXmIe5q8g4A/Vnc94nIkfeI/AAAAAAAAAV8/qR5loA7PEww/s320/DSC00954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
hope this Christmas finds you well and that you have had a great
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2015 was a very successful year
for our FIRST Robotics Competition team, The Hitchhikers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian was a mentor, Carl was a co-captain,
and Bethany was the business lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were a Regional Finalist at the Palmetto Regional where they also won the
Gracious Professionalism Award.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were a Regional Winner at the North Carolina Regional where they also won the
Engineering Inspiration Award and the Industrial Safety Award.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They qualified and competed at the
Championships in St. Louis where they did not win anything but had a great
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While in St. Louis, we also went
up the Gateway Arch and toured the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam has now joined the team, and Bethany
has become a co-captain.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This
summer was Miriam’s turn to go to Philmont<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Scout Ranch with her Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
first flew to Denver to spend a few days in the Colorado Springs area getting
used to the higher altitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there
we enjoyed the Air Force Academy, the Garden of the Gods, going up the incline
railway to Pikes Peak and biking down, the Cliff Dwellings Museum, and white
water rafting on the Arkansas River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
12 day trek at Philmont covered around 88 miles with the peak being climbing
Baldy Mountain at 12,441 feet of elevation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We also enjoyed climbing the Tooth of Time, throwing atlatls, spar pole
climbing, shooting shot guns, and rock climbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course we also saw lots a great views
along with wild flowers and animals. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In
addition to joining the Hitchhikers and going to Philmont, Miriam has been very
active in dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is part of the
dance studio’s company and danced the part of Aurora in her studio’s Sleeping
Beauty recital in which she danced her first pas de deux.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam also joined Venturing this year and
serves as Quartermaster for the Crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is a high school freshman this year.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Along
with robotics, Bethany has been very active in Venturing this year serving as
Crew President in the first part of the year and now as Vice President of
Administration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She serves in the same
position in our council’s Venturing Officers Association.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bethany served on staff this summer of our
council’s National Youth Leadership Training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She has been taking classes at Durham Technical Community College and is
a high school senior. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carl
once again entered C-SPAN’s StudentCam competition this year earning an
honorable mention which meant he won an award at every level of the competition
over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carl was a lawyer on his
mock trial team earning multiple Best Attorney Awards while his team was a
finalist at the Fayetteville Regional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He graduated from high school this spring and is now a freshman at North
Carolina State University where he is double majoring in Computer Science and
Communications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carl also earned a
Watson Scholarship from IBM.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christian
is now a junior at East Carolina University majoring in Computer Science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leslie-Jean continues to enjoy homeschooling
the girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan completed his first full
year at Lenovo and likes the direction things are heading.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Our
family’s travel destination this year was St. Louis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why St. Louis?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because that was where the FIRST
Championships were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The travel destination
for Joseph and Mary for the original Christmas was Bethlehem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why Bethlehem?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caesar Augustus had declared a census for all
to register in their own town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This sent
Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem as we are told in Luke 2:4: “So Joseph also went
up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of
David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was the significance of Bethlehem?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been prophesized that the Messiah would
be born there in Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small
among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler
over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The birth of Jesus fulfilled that prophesy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus
who would go on to live among us for 33 years fulfilling many more prophecies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then died for our sins by being crucified
on a cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rose from the dead after
3 days and now reigns in Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us
all remember at Christmas the greatest gift ever given to the world: the birth
of our Savior, Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wish you a
very, merry Christmas and hope 2016 will be a blessed year for you. </span></span></div>
Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257485641383095182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-57689597934534020192015-07-19T16:35:00.000-04:002015-07-21T21:56:04.713-04:002015 Philmont Adventure<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday, June 15: To Colorado Springs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bFgkt0kZ9Ow/Vaq7lcHaO1I/AAAAAAAAALQ/WTHBYnRbZ2c/s1600/DSC09775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bFgkt0kZ9Ow/Vaq7lcHaO1I/AAAAAAAAALQ/WTHBYnRbZ2c/s320/DSC09775.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the vans to arrive at the Denver airport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BC8KPxHlIdk/Vaq77p16PlI/AAAAAAAAALY/qE3jS7tfNn8/s1600/DSC09785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BC8KPxHlIdk/Vaq77p16PlI/AAAAAAAAALY/qE3jS7tfNn8/s320/DSC09785.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">United States Air Force Academy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyeL6lT79b8/Vaq8B52Du0I/AAAAAAAAALg/PsMgO5_6JKU/s1600/DSC09834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyeL6lT79b8/Vaq8B52Du0I/AAAAAAAAALg/PsMgO5_6JKU/s320/DSC09834.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden of the Gods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up at 5:00 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got
ready and did last minute packing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fried
eggs, toast and juice for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Left for the airport at 6:50 and got there a bit after 7:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Group check in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Security went well, but had to take Miriam’s
pointe shoes out of the duffle and move them to the carry-on as the duffle was
slightly overweight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read the paper while
waiting to board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carl’s C-SPAN article
was in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Called home to tell
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Southwest flight 691 to
Denver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sat in the back row in the right
middle seat next to Miriam at the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pretty good flight to Denver with some turbulence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly read “Surprised by Joy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slight delay landing due to planes being
backed up due to weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still got in
on time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Train ride to baggage
claim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bags showed up at 7 (instead of
9).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All bags arrived!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch at Red Rocks Bar & BBQ and shared a
Smokehouse Platter with Miriam: brisket, hot links, beans and corn on the
cob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rental vans showed up and we loaded
them with our stuff and us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had to stop
right away for gas as they came empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Drove down to the US Air Force Academy in a slight rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Toured the chapel and visitor center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watched the movie and learned a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided not to hike there due to the
weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a bit cold and I wore my
jacket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drove to Rudy’s for dinner: more
BBQ – ribs and pulled pork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Went to
Garden of the Gods afterward and walked around taking lots of pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drove to Peterson Air Force Base and checked
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got organized for the next day and
had a group meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bed and asleep
at 10:00 PM.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday, June 16: Colorado Springs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwd2Ivmeqxs/Vaq9XOvV_NI/AAAAAAAAAL4/Xzd36q5UT24/s1600/DSC09848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwd2Ivmeqxs/Vaq9XOvV_NI/AAAAAAAAAL4/Xzd36q5UT24/s320/DSC09848.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pikes Peak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wv-tUg5TbLk/Vaq9XG_yEaI/AAAAAAAAAL8/rvMl2vp6AF8/s1600/DSC09892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wv-tUg5TbLk/Vaq9XG_yEaI/AAAAAAAAAL8/rvMl2vp6AF8/s320/DSC09892.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Dwelling Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ey6Oc8zbA_Q/VarA1b2lENI/AAAAAAAAANw/4Ih8QcsyggU/s1600/DSC09896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ey6Oc8zbA_Q/VarA1b2lENI/AAAAAAAAANw/4Ih8QcsyggU/s320/DSC09896.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miriam at one of the Manitou Springs springs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">It rained very hard last night and the snow barn leaked
in spots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brent tried to wake me up to
move some of my stuff, but I had ear plugs in and never heard him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wound up moving my stuff for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up at 4:15 AM and got ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of the snow barn at bit after 5:45 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfast at the mess hall: good and very
cheap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drove to the bicycle shop,
checked in, and signed waivers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Came up
with alternative plans as it looked like the vans would not be allowed all the
way up Pikes Peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the last moment,
the vans were allowed all the way up enabling us to take the Cog Railway to the
top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It cleared up a lot on the way up
and the views were quite good, better than the conductor’s jokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It got increasingly cold as we rose in
elevation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very cold and windy at
the top with a lot of snow and slush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had 4 layers on top, 2 on the bottom, and my hat and gloves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was still unbearably cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I let Miriam use my running tights to try to
stay warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took a few pictures and
had a doughnut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wind was so strong
that they did not allow the doors on one side of the gift shop to be used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conditions were not good enough to start
biking from the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove down about
a mile and started there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was still
very cold and windy, and Miriam got blown off the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon after that we were driven further down
the road (below the tree line) and restarted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The extra van ride gave me time to set up my GoPro on my helmet and use
it most of the way down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bike ride
down was a lot of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of eating
lunch at the Greek restaurant which was closed for vacation, we ate at Front
Range BBQ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a catfish sandwich and
lots of lemonade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After lunch we went to
the Cave of the Winds to enjoy the views there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then we went to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was well done though not authentic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we drove to Manitou Springs to enjoy the
town and have dinner on our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam
and I sampled a number of the springs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some were better than others, but I really did not like any of
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had dinner at Boodad’s
Louisiana Restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had shrimp
etouffee with grilled vegetables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
then went to a free concert in front of the library of jazz music with a flute
and guitars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We returned to Peterson
AFB, got cleaned up, and went to bed at 10:00 PM.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pikes Peak video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLGRAwkEw4E">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLGRAwkEw4E</a></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday, June 17: Colorado Springs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZVdvHeJuSU/Vav2vxrj7mI/AAAAAAAAAOU/XxKbNckTBhw/s1600/DSC09906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZVdvHeJuSU/Vav2vxrj7mI/AAAAAAAAAOU/XxKbNckTBhw/s320/DSC09906.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafting Outfitter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NpK3tG1Iqs/Vav2zpS3KNI/AAAAAAAAAOo/hko8rA434_I/s1600/DSC09921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NpK3tG1Iqs/Vav2zpS3KNI/AAAAAAAAAOo/hko8rA434_I/s320/DSC09921.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miriam at Garden of the Gods with Pikes Peak in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSND9IqFrxk/Vav2vmrYKRI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/hHUa_WN9Amc/s1600/DSC09937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSND9IqFrxk/Vav2vmrYKRI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/hHUa_WN9Amc/s320/DSC09937.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Balance Rock in Garden of the Gods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Woke up at 4:45 AM and got ready for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of the snow barn on time at 5:45 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfast at the mess hall: omelet, hash
brown and orange juice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam’s and my
breakfast together was $4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bit over an
hour’s drive to Whitewater Adventures Outfitters in Canon City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Downloaded and backed up my GoPro videos
during the drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Decided to rent wet
suits for rafting which turned out to be a good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water was flowing at over 5000 cubic feet
per second which was the highest in 20 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Royal Gorge section was closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The section we did was more than adequate: lots of good rapids with very
little paddling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water was cold but
felt refreshing with the wet suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because of the high water flow on the Arkansas River, we did our section
pretty quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Changed into dry clothes
and drove into Canon City for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam
and I ate at a kitchen supply place that sold box lunches for $5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a roast beef sandwich, potato chips, a
tangerine, a cookie, and a bottle of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All was quite good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drove to
Walgreens for last minute supplies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
downloaded my rafting GoPro video there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Drove to Garden of the Gods as Seven Falls was closed for
renovations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam and I hiked to
Siamese Twins and took pictures through the window in the rock with Pikes Peak
in the background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We quickly returned as
it looked like and then did rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drove
as a group to Balance Rock right before a very hard rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drove to Manitou Springs for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam and I ate at a Greek restaurant and
had gyros and baklava.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drove to Peterson
AFB getting gas along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saw a
very bright, double and very nearly full rainbow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got back before the van with the snow barn
key and hung out outside the base watching the sun set, lightning and
rainbows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to the barn to get ready
for the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bed at 10:30 PM.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
Whitewater rafting video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjIxT7sPwVo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjIxT7sPwVo</a><br />
Garden of the Gods video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUMFVTxvno0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUMFVTxvno0</a><br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday, June 18 – Day 1: Base Camp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMok8Z9ukZI/Vav2y1yPhsI/AAAAAAAAAOk/yHHzZ9LxSNU/s1600/DSC09971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMok8Z9ukZI/Vav2y1yPhsI/AAAAAAAAAOk/yHHzZ9LxSNU/s320/DSC09971.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crew Picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--aCQR5sHmFA/Vav2zVNq2ZI/AAAAAAAAAOs/WnP1KtYHWJ0/s1600/DSC09992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--aCQR5sHmFA/Vav2zVNq2ZI/AAAAAAAAAOs/WnP1KtYHWJ0/s320/DSC09992.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miriam and our ranger getting equipment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klaDzXJmWus/Vav8nbDD1AI/AAAAAAAAAUI/-1-GRWlJLAY/s1600/DSC00006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klaDzXJmWus/Vav8nbDD1AI/AAAAAAAAAUI/-1-GRWlJLAY/s320/DSC00006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Equipment shakedown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up at 4:45 AM and got ready for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of the snow barn at 5:45 AM after signing
a thank you note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfast at
McDonald’s: split a big breakfast (pancakes, eggs, sausage, hash brown and
biscuit) with Miriam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Off to Philmont
stopping at a rest stop along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Arrived at 9:30 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greeted at
the Welcome Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam, Hazel, Mitch
and I checked in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam got our
passports and pack tags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assigned to
tents starting with F-49.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Met our
ranger: Becca from Philadelphia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
her second crew, but she had done a trek and Rayado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crew and expedition pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our signed 2011 t-shirt is still in the dining hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Logistics at 1:30 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Medical recheck at 2:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Outfitters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Equipment shakedown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Found Crew 208 kite in the dining hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Advisors meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chapel: whole crew and ranger went to the
Protestant service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opening campfire
actually had a fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Split up the food
to carry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repacked for the trail
deciding what to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bed at 11:00
PM.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Base camp video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HayEmHrQY3o">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HayEmHrQY3o</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday, June 19 – Day 2: Base Camp to Anasazi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtBWTqX9n3Y/Vav9hBecULI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/2ylyzP0mytA/s1600/DSC00026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtBWTqX9n3Y/Vav9hBecULI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/2ylyzP0mytA/s320/DSC00026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our bus through the Philmont gateway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKDFTi8BKcQ/Vav5off8_tI/AAAAAAAAAPA/ta05vup8sm8/s1600/DSC00043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKDFTi8BKcQ/Vav5off8_tI/AAAAAAAAAPA/ta05vup8sm8/s320/DSC00043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-Rex track</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32V8rRIg-h8/Vav5qUYvGXI/AAAAAAAAAPM/8Gl9gAb2zVU/s1600/DSC00062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32V8rRIg-h8/Vav5qUYvGXI/AAAAAAAAAPM/8Gl9gAb2zVU/s320/DSC00062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anasazi camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up at 4:15 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Shaved and showered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finished
packing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put stuff in the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Decided not to try to tour the Villa Philmonte but made a reservation
for after our trek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crew meeting after
breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brent got gas (for the
stoves).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bought carabiners at the Tooth
of Time Traders for Miriam’s camera and to have some extras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Final things not going on the trail to the
van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took pictures before loading the
bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rode off around 10:00 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good, fun ride out to 6-Mile Gate:
informative with jokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arrived and
formed a big pack line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had the red roof
inn talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Formed crew pack line, and
learned about using a map and compass for navigation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Decided to eat lunch before hitting the
trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hit the trail and missed the
first turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail was very nice with
lots of flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got to the T-Rex track
pretty quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lily read the
information on display to us which was pretty interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hiked to Anasazi and selected camp 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First put up the dining fly – went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put up the bear bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably cut the oops rope too short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got water and sanitized it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Discovered we did not have an 8 quart pot
which made the Philmont cooking method impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first pot of boiling water got
spilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally got dinner finished and
eaten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More ranger training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leave No Trace training from Cole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Devotional by Nolan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roses, thorns and buds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bed at 10:00 PM.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rose: The silver on the sage meaning I was back at
Philmont<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thorn: Dinner difficulties<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bud: The trek ahead</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 2 video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAPDbDRlAn0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAPDbDRlAn0</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday, June 20 – Day 3: Anasazi to Horse Canyon<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OM37sjvlQOc/Vav5qgEgGqI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/7cWYcR8-9hg/s1600/DSC00075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OM37sjvlQOc/Vav5qgEgGqI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/7cWYcR8-9hg/s320/DSC00075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atl-atl throwing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MsSdmxV_354/Vav5w8I4E5I/AAAAAAAAAPs/1MXPnaoADjk/s1600/DSC00108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MsSdmxV_354/Vav5w8I4E5I/AAAAAAAAAPs/1MXPnaoADjk/s320/DSC00108.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petroglyph tour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBsvih-06iA/Vav5s8g3LfI/AAAAAAAAAPY/cAZz4ZV6nOg/s1600/DSC00146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBsvih-06iA/Vav5s8g3LfI/AAAAAAAAAPY/cAZz4ZV6nOg/s320/DSC00146.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Hart Peak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up at 5:15 AM ahead of the crew at 5:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Broke camp and had breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the trail at 7:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were the first crew to reach Indian Writings
and signed up to do all 3 of their programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We started with throwing atl-atls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>JJ (who knows the Allens) was our staff person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our ranger almost hit a target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lily did hit a target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chris was our tour guide for the petroglyph
tour which was quite good: 4 panels and 2 excavations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we helped out with an archaeological
dig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then accepted Chris’s offer to
have their staff cook our dinner to eat for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took showers and visited the museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hit the trail again around 2:00 PM up to
Hart Peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Big climb right away with
great views of where we were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some rain
with thunder along the way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not safe at
the peak, so we only paused briefly for pictures and moved on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of elevation gain on the rest of the
trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stopped at a well for water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had gate training at the well and then we
proceeded to do it all wrong at the gate to our camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got to camp around 7:00 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The camp map showed no bear cable but there
was one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set up camp and had our lunch
for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very little ranger training
due to it already being quite late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Quick devotional and RTB.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bed at
10:00 PM.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rose: The staff at Indian Writings and that the crew had
done well on a difficult day<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thorn: My pillow leaks<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bud: The rest of the trek</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 3 video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpHJG80lg4g">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpHJG80lg4g</a></span><br />
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday, June 21 – Day 4: Horse Canyon to Sioux<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LysTLwIYn_4/Vav5vhOPi4I/AAAAAAAAAPg/JLmi5osUyr8/s1600/DSC00166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LysTLwIYn_4/Vav5vhOPi4I/AAAAAAAAAPg/JLmi5osUyr8/s320/DSC00166.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horse Canyon camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBROwYNE0N4/Vav5xbVbXkI/AAAAAAAAAPw/NjXz_UxQJ8o/s1600/DSC00170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBROwYNE0N4/Vav5xbVbXkI/AAAAAAAAAPw/NjXz_UxQJ8o/s320/DSC00170.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road to Ponil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMysPDPPXDM/Vav50eMLN-I/AAAAAAAAAP4/cZVsf30J-4A/s1600/DSC00173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMysPDPPXDM/Vav50eMLN-I/AAAAAAAAAP4/cZVsf30J-4A/s320/DSC00173.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sioux camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up at 5:00 AM before the crew at 5:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More ranger training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Decided to cook biscuits and gravy for
breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Youth decided to skip the
challenge events at Dan Beard and go straight to Sioux.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gave a crew shirt to the ranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most went to the well to get more water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stayed at camp with the ranger and
Lily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wilderness Pledge time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hit the trail after 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trail was a road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was scenic but very sunny and hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stopped at a rare shady spot for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our ranger left us at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continued down the trail at 1:30 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quickly saw a red roof that turned out to be
Ponil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty quickly got to the end of
the road and into Sioux.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set up
camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had dinner of chicken, cranberries
and stuffing: quite good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also ate the
pound cake with apple pie filling and chocolate icing that I had carried after
we decided not to eat it the night before due to lateness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Went to Ponil for evening activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got 2 root beers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listened to the Cantina Show from the cool
breeze way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bed at 10:00 PM after
doing RTB on the way back to Sioux from Ponil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rose: not going to Dan Beard which was a youth idea and
decision<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thorn: not going to Dan Beard which meant not doing
challenge events for the third time for me<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bud: getting our burro<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday, June 22 – Day 5: Sioux to Pueblano<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYRsZOr25UE/Vav51SgnyMI/AAAAAAAAATM/5Z2Tn2deHCw/s1600/DSC00190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYRsZOr25UE/Vav51SgnyMI/AAAAAAAAATM/5Z2Tn2deHCw/s320/DSC00190.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our burro - Juan Pablo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9LlRkKxvIIo/Vav51iXaEgI/AAAAAAAAATU/T6zwWEkzJBg/s1600/DSC00204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9LlRkKxvIIo/Vav51iXaEgI/AAAAAAAAATU/T6zwWEkzJBg/s320/DSC00204.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miriam at Conservation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaPFTBy6sJI/Vav529C-HtI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/ek43I6KAWCQ/s1600/DSC00212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaPFTBy6sJI/Vav529C-HtI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/ek43I6KAWCQ/s320/DSC00212.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Company meeting (campfire) at Pueblano</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up at 5:15 AM before the crew at 5:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got ready and broke camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to Ponil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ate breakfast there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Burro packing demonstration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crew picked out our burro and got him
ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took a shower and bought a new
pillow while the crew got the burro ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hit the trail and had numerous water crossings which we got better at getting
the burro across.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch at Flume Canyon
where our Conservation was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conservation
was building a new burro trail for future use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To Pueblano, put the burro in the corral, and carried in his packs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set up camp and quickly did dinner to barely
get to the campfire on time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam was part of the crew
leader dance off which she won winning a large rock to take up Baldy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bed at 10:00 PM.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 5 video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9wLeLBMJ4Q">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9wLeLBMJ4Q</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday, June 23 – Day 6: Pueblano to Maxwell<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqWlFNSWIEA/Vav56czKZTI/AAAAAAAAAQo/tkXzsUUc0sQ/s1600/DSC00225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqWlFNSWIEA/Vav56czKZTI/AAAAAAAAAQo/tkXzsUUc0sQ/s320/DSC00225.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spar pole climbing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8h2RZefqtjg/Vav54hFBxTI/AAAAAAAAATc/W0En-eIZw_Q/s1600/DSC00287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8h2RZefqtjg/Vav54hFBxTI/AAAAAAAAATc/W0En-eIZw_Q/s320/DSC00287.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miriam climbing the spar pole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj-5wufsHRA/Vav56CjwFAI/AAAAAAAAATk/v5tTwxgN7s4/s1600/DSC00308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj-5wufsHRA/Vav56CjwFAI/AAAAAAAAATk/v5tTwxgN7s4/s320/DSC00308.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miriam with our burro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Got up at 5:30 AM with the crew after getting up at 4:00
to blow my nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stars were great,
and I could see the Milky Way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were a
bit late for spar pole climbing at 8:00 along with most of the other crews.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blue Nose from Asheville, NC was our
instructor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did pretty well this
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ate lunch at Pueblano after
packing up the burro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail from
Pueblano to Miranda was pretty nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some rain with a little bit of hail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Split up to send 4 to turn in Juan Pablo (the burro) and 5 to get camp
setup started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long search for the
latrine which turned out to be quite close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got ready for our big day
tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bed at 9:30 PM.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 6 video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ny90MjNRLDY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ny90MjNRLDY</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday, June 24 – Day 7: Baldy Side Hike<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIl-AnHolPc/Vav581he84I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/b3H9eDRJ00o/s1600/DSC00369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIl-AnHolPc/Vav581he84I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/b3H9eDRJ00o/s320/DSC00369.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crew on Baldy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JAm2ctP7GSA/Vav58nkTLkI/AAAAAAAAARI/hfSeZAbqo1g/s1600/DSC00383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JAm2ctP7GSA/Vav58nkTLkI/AAAAAAAAARI/hfSeZAbqo1g/s320/DSC00383.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miriam and Dan on Blady</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnNsT-iNQHU/Vav59XxgPSI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/tnKPO4jLbn0/s1600/DSC00420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnNsT-iNQHU/Vav59XxgPSI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/tnKPO4jLbn0/s320/DSC00420.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking on snow descending Baldy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up at 4:15 AM with the alarm and crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hit the trail at 5:20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stopped at Miranda to drop off garbage and
extra food and get water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up the trail
through Black Horse seeing lots of abandoned mining equipment and
structures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crew did a great job
going up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did a caterpillar to get up
the summit together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got there at
10:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took a crew photo before the
other crew got there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walked all around
the summit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ate lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took a combined crew photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Started our descent at 11:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took the safest approach down the backside to
the meadow and ridge and then down the switchbacks to Copper Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took a road then the trail to Baldy
Town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food pickup with fruit and
strawberry milk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took a very cold shower
and bought batteries for my headlamp that had turned on in my pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Filled up on water and hit the road back to
Maxwell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone was tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even so, dinner got made and eaten and the
bear bags put up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got to bed at 9:30 PM.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rose: going up Baldy as a group in great weather without
much difficulty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thorn: my feet have begun to hurt<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bud: 5 more days at Philmont</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 7 video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkQ633fltSU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkQ633fltSU</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday, June 25 – Day 8: Maxwell to Black Jacks<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2Gj6fHoMik/Vav6CMhvr2I/AAAAAAAAAR0/VGIZaApqbpg/s1600/DSC00443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2Gj6fHoMik/Vav6CMhvr2I/AAAAAAAAAR0/VGIZaApqbpg/s320/DSC00443.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crew before leaving Maxwell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmlSAsAhPrU/Vav5_GWy7UI/AAAAAAAAARE/J6JoRAuqEbo/s1600/DSC00459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmlSAsAhPrU/Vav5_GWy7UI/AAAAAAAAARE/J6JoRAuqEbo/s320/DSC00459.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miriam with Baldy in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDaPPIu17SM/Vav6BVEgPMI/AAAAAAAAARQ/oHt9HX45q54/s1600/DSC00499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDaPPIu17SM/Vav6BVEgPMI/AAAAAAAAARQ/oHt9HX45q54/s320/DSC00499.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Black Jacks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up at 6:00 AM before the crew at 7:15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Organized my equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hot breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hit the trail at 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to Head of Dean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ate lunch there at their covered picnic
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rained some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trail to Upper Dean Cow – nice trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saw 2 bucks and a turkey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tough, long, uphill climb into Black Jack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Found a camp that had never been used with a
great view of Baldy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set up tents first
as it started to rain, and then set up camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Watched the sun set right next to Baldy while dinner was
rehydrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great campfire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bed at 10:30 PM.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rose: Black Jack camp – we were the first to use our fire
ring and sump, our tent area was great, and the sunset was spectacular<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thorn: my feet still hurt<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bud: program activities at Harlan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 8 video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kOUASGDt24">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kOUASGDt24</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday, June 26 – Day 9: Black Jacks to Harlan<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSj0qoaYNXg/Vav6Eie6jmI/AAAAAAAAARk/VnVkAMbrPgk/s1600/DSC00535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSj0qoaYNXg/Vav6Eie6jmI/AAAAAAAAARk/VnVkAMbrPgk/s320/DSC00535.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Black Jack's hideout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1EmYXJ9IoQ/Vav6FENFrbI/AAAAAAAAARg/s5C625HRQ9o/s1600/DSC00577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1EmYXJ9IoQ/Vav6FENFrbI/AAAAAAAAARg/s5C625HRQ9o/s320/DSC00577.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to cross under Highway 64</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5hjeW6YL10/Vav6IgkRVfI/AAAAAAAAAR4/FhWWsCmuEtA/s1600/DSC00599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5hjeW6YL10/Vav6IgkRVfI/AAAAAAAAAR4/FhWWsCmuEtA/s320/DSC00599.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miriam reloading a shotgun shell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up at 5:00 AM before the crew at 5:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barely hit the trail before 8:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stopped off at Black Jack’s Hideout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a cool, fossilized log inside that
was turning to coal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a long stop
to filter and purify water from the stream in the middle of the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long downhill to Turkey Creek Turnaround
where we crossed under Highway 64 and over the Cimarron River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stopped there for a couple of liters of water
which were treated during lunch along the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tough climb from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crew did great, but I melted in the heat
and sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally got to Harlan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got to reload 3 shotgun shells and have a
shooting safety talk, but shooting was rained out (due to very little rain) and
rescheduled for the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took a
while to find a camp as the one we initially selected was bad and the next one
was already taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set up camp and had
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Burro racing right at 7:45 PM
lasting only a minute or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reid
won!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had hot cider at the advisors’
coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early to bed at 9:20 PM.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rose: getting to Harlan after another long and hard day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thorn: melting in the afternoon<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bud: getting to Cimarroncito (and the promised best
showers in Scouting)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 9 video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pljzb3FVjOY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pljzb3FVjOY</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday, June 27 – Day 10: Harlan to Cimarroncito<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRKmU7EnBIo/Vav6IJWv8YI/AAAAAAAAATs/cNYCP4GVp0c/s1600/DSC00616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRKmU7EnBIo/Vav6IJWv8YI/AAAAAAAAATs/cNYCP4GVp0c/s320/DSC00616.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miriam shotgun shooting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17uNa3X9l2I/Vav6LixLlBI/AAAAAAAAAT0/kQ7yfIcRCT0/s1600/DSC00629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17uNa3X9l2I/Vav6LixLlBI/AAAAAAAAAT0/kQ7yfIcRCT0/s320/DSC00629.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muddy trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2oEVpYmzRcU/Vav6MnmXE5I/AAAAAAAAASI/k2K0D-yG1Tg/s1600/DSC00648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2oEVpYmzRcU/Vav6MnmXE5I/AAAAAAAAASI/k2K0D-yG1Tg/s320/DSC00648.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stream crossing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Woke up at 5:30 AM after a very large storm during most
of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were informed that some
places in Philmont had gotten 4 inches of rain, and we were held in camp until
it was determined that is was safe to hike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Had breakfast and broke camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Shot shotguns along with our sister crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Missed all 3 of my shots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talked to 2 Scouts from Beijing Troop 729.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were cleared to hit the trail which we did
at 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very soon after hitting the
trail, Connor noticed he had forgotten his rain jacket and went back with Cole
to get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Played Frisbee with Nolan
while waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail was very
muddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had a number of stream crossings
including one using a rope and wearing camp shoes right before lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam, Brent and I went separately to pick
up food at Ute Gulch while the others continued on to Cimarroncito. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail there was very nice as was the one
to Cimarroncito.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were informed of a
bear siting just down the trail where we had just been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got to Cimarroncito after the rest of the
crew had checked in and gotten shower and climbing times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took showers from 5 to 6 which felt great:
hot and clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prepared dinner with Kay
and Miriam while the others went to yoga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Went to bed at 9:30 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A hole in
my mattress made sleeping a bit difficult.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rose: meeting and talking to Scouts from China and
surviving the storm with little trouble<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thorn: a hole in my air mattress<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bud: climbing in Cimarroncito</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 10 video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2iA0kYBgYg">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2iA0kYBgYg</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday, June 28 – Day 11: Cimarroncito to Upper Clarks
Fork<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFZB3_cNGHE/Vav6N5saUiI/AAAAAAAAAT8/Fk7KGrI-SQU/s1600/DSC00673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFZB3_cNGHE/Vav6N5saUiI/AAAAAAAAAT8/Fk7KGrI-SQU/s320/DSC00673.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock climbing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dztcb5fRVqc/Vav6PVm7WJI/AAAAAAAAASY/sL7VrKI8qvY/s1600/DSC00696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dztcb5fRVqc/Vav6PVm7WJI/AAAAAAAAASY/sL7VrKI8qvY/s320/DSC00696.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Window Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCBbYFfFTtY/Vav6RtwzyGI/AAAAAAAAAS4/Pzm3ciU9-Vg/s1600/DSC00714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCBbYFfFTtY/Vav6RtwzyGI/AAAAAAAAAS4/Pzm3ciU9-Vg/s320/DSC00714.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miriam and Dan at Cimarroncito Reservoir</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up at 6:00 AM before the crew at 7:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Broke camp and had breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rock climbing at 9:45 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did well and enjoyed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hiked through Hidden Valley and up to Window
Rock with Brent, Cole, Nolan and Miriam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately we missed a trail due to thinking it was for Conservation only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This cost us a lot of time and effort as we
went down a series of switchbacks and had to go back up them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hidden Valley and Window Rock were worth the
effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate lunch at Window
Rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately we got to Hunting
Lodge so late that we did not have time to tour it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quickly hiked through the Demonstration
Forest to Clarks Fork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had my hat
branded on top with “TT” for the Tooth of Time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They actually heated the branding irons with a regular fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took a shower while dinner cooked at Clarks
Fork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rained on us a bit there and on
the trail to Upper Clarks Fork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately the rain stopped, and we set up camp right next to our
sister crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a combined campfire
and RTBs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bed at 9:30 PM.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rose: This was day 35 for me at Philmont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happy to be here with Miriam enjoying
the experience together and learning more about her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thorn: missing the trail to Hidden Valley and thus
missing the Hunting Lodge tour<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bud: going home</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 11 video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfDe_LvXokM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfDe_LvXokM</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday, June 29 – Day 12: Upper Clarks Fork to Base Camp<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAlNdr9KnKE/Vav6R9m9vTI/AAAAAAAAAS8/4SqCXlE_Y2c/s1600/DSC00771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAlNdr9KnKE/Vav6R9m9vTI/AAAAAAAAAS8/4SqCXlE_Y2c/s320/DSC00771.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of the Tooth of Time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFRZGCBUn6A/Vav6SFimHzI/AAAAAAAAASk/tgOopLzRBJE/s1600/DSC00800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFRZGCBUn6A/Vav6SFimHzI/AAAAAAAAASk/tgOopLzRBJE/s320/DSC00800.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our crew making it back to Base Camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_721LLhsXU/Vav6UqqdRTI/AAAAAAAAATA/HKKbjwQ1dk4/s1600/DSC00808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_721LLhsXU/Vav6UqqdRTI/AAAAAAAAATA/HKKbjwQ1dk4/s320/DSC00808.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We All Made It!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up at 4:30 AM with the alarm and crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Broke camp, had breakfast, and hit the trail
a bit before 6:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tough climb to
Shaefers Pass where we stopped to get water from the spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rocky, slow trail to the Tooth of Time after
numerous false teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rock scramble up
the Tooth of Time for lunch, group pictures, and great views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long, hot trail back to base camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately it was overcast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got in to base camp at 3:30 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Checked in and dropped off the crew gear that
we had borrowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next to Logistics and then
Registration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needed to pay my trail
credit bill at the Tooth of Time Traders where Miriam got a belt and
buckle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to Registration to get our
physicals, crew pictures, and arrowhead patches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shaved and took a shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Went into Cimarron for pizza and shared a
large Pepperoni Pounder with Miriam eating 7/8 of it between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stopped to get Advil and had an ice cream
cone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to Philmont for the closing
campfire which was fun and entertaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Miriam got our “We All Made It” plaque.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Back to the tent to pack for our return home in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bed at 11:30 PM.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 12 video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A675KEX5zwc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A675KEX5zwc</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday, June 30: Return to Cary<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymw8nWZ4Y40/Vav6UoAZRjI/AAAAAAAAASw/NMqsZUwpDc4/s1600/DSC00815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymw8nWZ4Y40/Vav6UoAZRjI/AAAAAAAAASw/NMqsZUwpDc4/s320/DSC00815.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise before leaving</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up at 4:15 AM before the crew at 4:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finished packing up and loading the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took a few pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the road at 5:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stopped at a small town for gas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stopped at McDonald’s in Colorado Springs for
breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arrived in good time at the
Denver airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Checked in and went
through security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My duffle bag weighed
exactly 50.0 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ate lunch at La
Casita in terminal C and had tamales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The flight was fine and on time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greeted by and large and enthusiastic group at the RDU airport including
Leslie-Jean and Bethany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Handed out our
crew’s physicals, crew pictures, and arrowhead patches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got our luggage and walked to the
minivan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bethany drove us home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great adventure!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257485641383095182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-4809376306743940342014-12-25T06:46:00.000-05:002014-12-25T06:46:01.331-05:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBj270KOQb4/VJv4kea2XvI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/Xd_pb9oC8nM/s1600/family-photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBj270KOQb4/VJv4kea2XvI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/Xd_pb9oC8nM/s1600/family-photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
hope 2014 has been a good year for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has been an interesting year for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We started the year with three teenagers, added a fourth, and then
returned to three as Christian is now 20!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Carl, Bethany and Christian (as a mentor) competed in two FIRST Robotics
Competition (FRC) regionals in the spring in South Carolina and North
Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also competed in two
other FRC events this fall as well as participate in the Cary Christmas parade
with their robots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We traveled a few
times this year for visits with friends, family and schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In April we traveled to the Midwest making a
couple of college visits, checking out the FRC Championships, and visiting
Dan’s sister’s family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In May we
traveled to Washington, DC for another college visit and also went to the
Marine Corps Museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In July we visited
adoption friends. In September Dan and Leslie-Jean went to the coast for a day
to see a lot of Colglazier relatives.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christian
is in his second year at Wake Technical Community College.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is working on finishing up an associate’s
degree there before transferring to a four-year school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian has become a very good programmer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He developed two Android apps this year: one
that can control an FRC robot and another that helps scout other robots and can
predict match outcomes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian’s
expertise in making Lego brick films was highlighted in a book by Sarah Herman
entitled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brick Flicks</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In it he is quoted about lighting, camera
movement, inspiration, and working with Carl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pictures of two of his sets appear in the book, and he is an entry in
the index.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carl
has had a very busy year with the addition of college and scholarship applications
to his other activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He became an
Eagle Scout in January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carl
participated in mock trial this year as the defendant when on defense and as an
attorney when on prosecution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and his
team were well prepared and did an excellent job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carl’s StudentCam documentary “Due Process”
won third prize high school this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was honored for it with a visit by the C-SPAN bus and an award
presentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carl’s documentary on the
history of Cary was awarded a Paul Green Multimedia Award presented by the
North Carolina Society of Historians.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bethany
has started taking dual enrollment classes at Durham Technical Community
College and has done quite well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has
been very active in Venturing, was elected her crew’s president, and earned the
Venturing Bronze Award.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bethany has also
been active with her FRC team as business lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Miriam
has become quite a good dancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is
part of her studio’s company and has enjoyed the extra challenge and
performances that has offered her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
June Miriam performed en pointe for the first time as Tinker Bell in her
studio’s production of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Peter Pan</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leslie-Jean
had another busy year homeschooling and being on the committee of the
homeschool co-op we participate in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After more than 30 years with IBM, Dan now works for Lenovo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is still doing performance design guidance
for Intel servers with basically the same people as the entire group was sold
by IBM to Lenovo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan now works in a
much nicer building with a shorter commute and likes working for Lenovo so
far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also got to retire from IBM.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With
Dan’s move to Lenovo from IBM, some things changed and others did not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us
consider what changed and what did not at the first Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is it that we are really celebrating?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God makes it clear in the Bible that He does
not change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Malachi 3:6 states, “I the
Lord do not change.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God did not change
at Christmas, so what did?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
many prophecies about the birth of the Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At Christmas these changed from promised to fulfilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew 2: 22-23 tells us, “All this took
place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will
be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel –
which means, “God with us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This passage
also points out another change that occurred at Christmas: God was now with us
as a man dwelling among us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Philippians
2:5-7 says, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who,
being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be
grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being
made in human likeness.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the
miracle of Christmas that we celebrate: God becoming a man and dwelling among
us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazingly he did not come to rule
over us but came instead as a servant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was the beginning of his sinless life which qualified him to be our
perfect sacrifice for our sins on the cross years later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Philippians 2:8 goes on to say, “And being
found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death –
even death on the cross!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three days later
Christ arose from the grave overcoming death so that we will someday go to be
with Him in heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This all started at
Christmas with the birth of Jesus – Immanuel – God with us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Christmas let us thank God for the
greatest present ever: His Son born a man to dwell among us, become our perfect
sacrifice, and be our forerunner to eternal life with Him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May 2015 bring God’s blessings to you and
yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-67794074576006282812013-12-24T13:53:00.000-05:002013-12-24T13:53:15.745-05:002013 Christmas Letter<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="Section1">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.75in 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 9pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span>The Colglazier Times</span></i></span></div>
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<b>2013 Christmas Edition</b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We hope this finds you well and that you have had a good
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2013 has been another good year
for our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian became our first
high school graduate and has just completed his first semester at Wake Technical
Community College working toward a
Computer Science degree from North
Carolina State University.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He enjoyed his final season of FIRST Robotics
Competition and is now a mentor for the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Carl is a junior and has enjoyed becoming part of a mock trial
team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He attended the 2013 National
Scout Jamboree as a staff member and was selected to unveil a statue in front
of everyone there at the opening arena show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bethany
is a sophomore and has really enjoyed being involved with her Venturing
Crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She backpacked 80+ miles this
summer at Philmont Scout Ranch in New
Mexico with her crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Miriam is in the 7<sup>th</sup> grade and has increased her involvement
in dance by joining the company of her dance studio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was selected as a soldier in the Carolina
Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker and is performing with them in Chapel
Hill, Durham and Raleigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leslie-Jean keeps busy with homeschooling and getting everyone to where
they need to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan continues to work
for IBM and worked hard this year preparing for Philmont.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Robotics by Christian</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oyeqPVtcffw/UrnUrddv1OI/AAAAAAAAAJU/Lu5EtPJ79qg/s1600/Hitchhikers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oyeqPVtcffw/UrnUrddv1OI/AAAAAAAAAJU/Lu5EtPJ79qg/s400/Hitchhikers.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year Carl, Bethany, and I competed in the FIRST
Robotics Competition with our robotics team, The Hitchhikers. We had 6 weeks to
build a robot that could shoot frisbees and climb a tower. The higher the robot
climbed the more points the robot would score. We built a small and speedy
robot we named Trillian after a character in the Hitchhikers Guide to the
Galaxy. At both regionals we were first round picks for alliance selection. At
the North Carolina Regional, Trillian was one of the best robots there. We
ended up making it to finals losing to a team that would go on to finals at the
World Championship in St. Louis.
In all it was the best year yet for us and robotics.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">2013 National Scout Jamboree
by Carl</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skDs-CT9Dms/UrnVIHBgaDI/AAAAAAAAAJc/prgtusGPuck/s1600/jamboree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skDs-CT9Dms/UrnVIHBgaDI/AAAAAAAAAJc/prgtusGPuck/s400/jamboree.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
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This year, I attended the 2013 National Scout Jamboree held
at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, West
Virginia. I had previously been to the 2010 National
Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill as a youth participant; however, this time I worked
on the videography staff covering various areas throughout the event. It was
very rewarding to see a new perspective on the event by working on the staff. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Philmont by Bethany</span></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OWZ20gUosdk/UrnVukygTkI/AAAAAAAAAJk/cceU5DuYo40/s1600/Philmont.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OWZ20gUosdk/UrnVukygTkI/AAAAAAAAAJk/cceU5DuYo40/s400/Philmont.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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On July 3rd, my Dad and I headed over to the airport and joined our Venturing Crew to go to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. The excitement was high as we boarded our flight and flew to Denver, Colorado. Once we arrived, we rushed out and got picked up by a couple of other members who had flown out earlier and got the vans. We then drove over to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and ate lunch while watching a yoga concert that was taking place. We spent some time exploring the place before driving off to our next destination: the Air Force Academy. The chapel was beautiful and other worship areas were neat to visit. After visiting for a little while, we drove off to the Peterson Air force Base, where we were staying. We missed the dinner time at the base, so we ate dinner at a Waffle House and then went for a short visit at the Garden of the Gods. The following day, we took the Cog Railway up Pikes Peak and had the neat experience of riding bikes down. In the afternoon, we went back to the Garden of the Gods for a few hours and climbed all over the rocks. Later in the evening, the two crews elected their officers and I was elected Chaplain’s Aide for my crew. We ended the day watching fireworks for the 4th of July. The next morning, we were up bright and early and drove down to Philmont. We got checked in, met our ranger, and spent the rest of the day in training. On day 4, I went out carrying a 42 pound pack and we hiked 2 miles to our first camp. Along the way, we got to see a T-Rex track. On day 5, we hiked to Indian Writings to throw atl-atls and go on a petroglyph tour, which was really cool. The next day, we hiked longer than the previous days, going 14 miles. At the end of the day, we met up with one of our advisor’s daughter, who worked at Philmont. She brought us bacon and Dr. Pepper to enjoy. On day 7, we did our conservation project and went mountain biking. Right before dinner, we spotted a large rattlesnake near our camp. On day 8, we hiked 16 miles and I got to cook dinner for the crew out in the pouring rain. Day 9 was one of the toughest days we had as we gained 3000 feet in elevation, however our crew did really well and we made it to camp just before it started hailing on us. We were able to crowd into a red roof inn for shelter. Once the storm passed, we hiked down to French Henry to do blacksmithing and go on a mine tour. That evening, it rained again and of course, I was the cook! On day 10, we took our day packs and hiked up Baldy Mountain, which is over 12,000 feet up and the highest point in Philmont. We stayed up there for a couple hours then hiked down to Baldy Town where we could take showers. The next day, we hiked to Pueblano and got to go spar pole climbing. In the evening, we went to the campfire and enjoyed the songs and stories. On day 12, we were at Ponil, where we went horseback riding, enjoyed cold root beer, shot a pistol, ate a delicious, non-freeze dried beef stew meal, and watched the Cantina Show. The next morning, we stayed at Ponil to dry some equipment out since it had been pouring all night and everything was soaked. After lunch, we trudged up to the ridge line in the mud and eventually made the 7 mile hike to Dean Cow. That night was one of my favorite nights of the whole trip as we got to do the traverse wall, play volleyball, and end the night with a real campfire! On day 14, we set out early and hiked the last 5 miles of our trek to Turkey Creek Turnaround. We arrived back at Base Camp, took showers, got a tour of the Villa Philmonte and then visited Rayado where we got to throw tomahawks. Our very last day, we drove back to Colorado and went to shoot shotguns for a couple hours. After 15 days and carrying 40 pounds for over 82 miles, we arrived home and our adventure of a lifetime at Philmont came to an end.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The Nutcracker by Miriam</span></div>
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This year I auditioned and got in the Nutcracker. Playing
the part of a soldier in the Battle Scene is a lot more fun than it sounds. We
get to wear decorative coats, fancy hats and get to carry guns. One of my
favorite parts in the Battle Scene is watching the Nutcracker and the Mouse
King fight. It is really incredible to see the professional dancers and to see
what happens behind the scenes!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Christmas Message by Dan</span></div>
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In 2011 I went to Philmont Scout Ranch with
both of my sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past summer I
returned there with Bethany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to visit some familiar places I had
been to before and also new places I had not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I thoroughly enjoyed both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christmas for me is similar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy
a mix of the old and the new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy
the traditions we try to do every year such as our tree, decorations and
traditional carols.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also enjoy the new
things each year like the presents (at least most of them) and new contemporary
songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing that is both old and
new for me each year is the Christmas story itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The historical events are always the same:
God became man, was born of a virgin in Bethlehem,
was heralded by angels, and visited by shepherds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful for the reason for Christmas
and enjoy being reminded each year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
also try to learn something new each year about Christmas, maybe by really
listening to the words of a song or wondering why things happened the way they
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Christmas story raises a lot of
why questions: Why did God become man?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why was He born of a virgin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
in Bethlehem?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why shepherds?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exploring questions like these gives new
insights into Christmas and a renewed appreciation for what God did for us
through his birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course that was
only the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was the
Messiah who would go on to become the sacrifice for our sins by dying for them
upon the cross and then overcoming death through His resurrection to provide
His followers with eternal life with Him in heaven for eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year let us both remember the familiar
story of Christmas while also looking something new about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<span class="textlam-3-22">The steadfast love
of the </span><span class="small-caps">Lord</span><span class="textlam-3-22"> never
ceases; his mercies never come to an end; </span><span class="textlam-3-23">they
are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” </span>Lamentations 3:22-23</div>
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Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257485641383095182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-30165608066599427872013-08-01T13:07:00.000-04:002013-08-01T13:25:08.584-04:00Philmont Adventure<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Day 1 - Wednesday, July 3, 2013 – Cary,
NC to Colorado
Springs</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expedition at Airport</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rocks Amphitheater</td></tr>
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Got up a bit before 5:30 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Shaved, showered and got dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finished getting ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ate
breakfast of oatmeal, scrambled eggs, bacon and orange juice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Loaded the car and left for the airport
around 7:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Met the group at the
airport and checked in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through security
easily with a bit of a wait before boarding at gate 26.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aisle seat in the back row with Bethany and
Sabrina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bumpy flight out of RDU and
into Denver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read a lot of <u>Mockingjay</u> on the
plane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tram ride to baggage claim where
my bag was waiting for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Escalator
stopped working while on it on the way to baggage claim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Picked up in rental vans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rode to 7-11 to pick up lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drove to Red Rocks and ate lunch there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were having a yoga concert by Michael Franti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then spent an hour exploring Red
Rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rock formations and their use
as an amphitheater are quite interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Back in the vans to drive to the Air Force Academy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Toured the grounds, chapel and visitors
center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in the vans to Peterson Air
Force Base.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Missed dinner in the mess
hall which closed at 5:00 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ate at Waffle
House: waffle, eggs, hash browns and sausage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Drove to Garden of the Gods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was
too cloudy for a good sun set, but good views any way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slept on cot in snow barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bed at 10:30.</div>
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Day 2 - Thursday, July 4, 2013 – Colorado Springs</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expedition at end of bike ride down from Pikes Peak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expedition at Garden of the Gods</td></tr>
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Up at 4:30 AM before everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took a shower and quietly got ready for the
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All out by 6:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drove to bike outfitters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had breakfast there: bagel, banana and
English muffin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got a water bottle and
helmet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drove in their vans to the Pikes
Peak Cog Railway station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rode cog
railway up Pikes Peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very cold on top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given one of their famous donuts by Mr.
Sanders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quite good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took some pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got ready to ride down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had to wait a while for Laura and
Cailin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bike ride down was a
blast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The views were great and going
down the hair pin turns was a lot of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bethany
seemed to have some altitude sickness but recovered well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped numerous times to see the views,
take pictures, and mostly to let cars pass us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After the ride we drove back to town and had lunch at a Greek
restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a Greek grinder which
was quite good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some had ice cream on
the walk back to the bike outfitters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
then drove our vans to the Garden of the Gods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We walked around taking pictures after an adult planning meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The highlight was taking pictures at Siamese
Twins with Pikes Peak seen through the window
in the rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then drove to Balanced
Rock and took a group picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove
to a park and had Olive Garden for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had pasta with marinara sauce and a really good chicken dish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had crew elections after dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cailin was elected Crew Leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bethany
became Chaplain’s Aid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Katia was elected
Wilderness Guia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then drove to a
school near a park where there was to be music and fireworks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lines were very long for the first two
porta potties we saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stood in line a
while for the second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs. Allen figured
out where the music was and we headed over there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were quite a few porta potties there
which we used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We listened to the
Colorado Springs Philharmonic play a few songs and then left to be in a better
position to leave the fireworks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
including me returned before the fireworks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately we did not get the key to the snow barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Allen brought it to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got back, emptied our van, set up cots,
and took showers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bed at 10:45 with
lights out at 11:00 to give those who stayed for fireworks the opportunity to
take a shower.</div>
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Day 3 - Friday, July 5, 2013 – Colorado Springs to Base Camp</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expedition at Base Camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ranger Training</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Equipment Shakedown</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Up at 4:15 AM before the crew at 5:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got ready, put away my cot, and helped load
the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vans pulled out at 5:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went right away to a McDonalds for
breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had a McGriddle, hash brown
and large orange juice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
surprisingly quite good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in the
vans and off to Philmont making one rest stop on the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrive at 9:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We check in, unload our vans into pack lines,
and meet our ranger, Christian from San Juan, Puerto Rico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
meets with Cailin who then distributes a few things to the crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then head off as an expedition to get our
pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I first take a crew picture of
705-D3: Ellie, Frank and Opie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then
take pictures as an expedition and then individual crews.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get pictures of all of them with my camera
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then go to Registration and wait
a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ranger training
starts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch of chicken sandwich, mixed
vegetables and potatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Medical
recheck: all good except one who needed to get an inhaler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cailin and Mr. Sanders went to
Logistics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we all went to get our
first food for the trail and the equipment we needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It rained while we waited for medical recheck
and off and on most of the rest of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It stopped raining enough to do our equipment shakedown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then off to the Tooth of Time Traders to get
post cards and a lighter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped off
at the mail room to get post card stamps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dinner of meatloaf, potatoes, green beans, roll and cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Found my 2011 Philmont crew’s shirt in the
dining hall and took a picture of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Advisors meeting after dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Chapel was held behind the Staff
Activity Center
due to the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before chapel, I found
Mrs. Allen’s brick at the Staff
Activity Center
and took a picture of it with her and her daughter’s hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Campfire was held in the Welcome Center
due to the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took a shower and got a
bit organized before going to bed at 10:15.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 4 - Saturday, July 6, 2013 – Base Camp to Anasazi</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-007hJ5RvF28/UfqH2gUxOxI/AAAAAAAAADY/BmkeHiq4Ihk/s1600/DSC05412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-007hJ5RvF28/UfqH2gUxOxI/AAAAAAAAADY/BmkeHiq4Ihk/s400/DSC05412.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philmont Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jy-XJ_lvY3o/UfqH_5tvkeI/AAAAAAAAADg/AMSYnv9kLpI/s1600/DSC05457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jy-XJ_lvY3o/UfqH_5tvkeI/AAAAAAAAADg/AMSYnv9kLpI/s400/DSC05457.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We hit the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVksweekCzo/UfqIBJk_PpI/AAAAAAAAADo/TvmWENOlQG4/s1600/DSC05481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVksweekCzo/UfqIBJk_PpI/AAAAAAAAADo/TvmWENOlQG4/s400/DSC05481.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Bags</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Got up at 5:15 AM before the crew at 6:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got dressed and took some pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saw a line of about 20 deer walk in single
file through the camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got special order
of scrambled eggs for breakfast with fried potatoes and sausage patties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got all packed up and put packs in a pack
line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Toured the Philmont Museum
– more interesting than expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took
stuff not going on the trail to the vans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Loaded up and got on 10:45 AM bus and rode to 6-Mile Gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rangers were quite entertaining on the
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got out and formed a giant pack
line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Red Roof Inn training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then hit the trail after some brief
instruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw a lot of rock
formations along the way and the T-Rex track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We got to our camp fairly quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First we were taught how to hang bear bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the dining fly was set up followed by
our tents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then ate lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It then started to lightning and then
rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard reports of bears and
mountain lions where we are going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
had instruction on both as well as lightning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The lightning got close, so we went to our tents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It rained for quite a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a nap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most of the crew went on a hike to see more foot prints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Sanders, Katia and I went to get
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there I met the ranger for
the Wagners’ crew: Kricket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner of
chicken and rice was as bad as it was on the shakedown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learned cooking, clean up and sump
procedures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian provided us with
pound cake and chocolate frosting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
showed us how to wash our hands at the sump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bethany
led our first devotional which was followed by thorns, roses and buds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The oops bag was hung.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to bed at 10:15.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 5 - Sunday, July 7, 2013 – Anasazi to Cottonwood
through Indian Writings</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myTDLCmksh8/UfqIrt1uvII/AAAAAAAAAD4/N2J9L5VcJ-8/s1600/DSC05561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myTDLCmksh8/UfqIrt1uvII/AAAAAAAAAD4/N2J9L5VcJ-8/s400/DSC05561.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atl-Atl Throwing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RLcbPoaYes0/UfqIrHQ7KxI/AAAAAAAAADw/V9gII2fJaw0/s1600/DSC05567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RLcbPoaYes0/UfqIrHQ7KxI/AAAAAAAAADw/V9gII2fJaw0/s400/DSC05567.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petroglyph Tour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zprZayA8hPc/UfqIx2VgG0I/AAAAAAAAAEA/234RQeo_59E/s1600/DSC05637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zprZayA8hPc/UfqIx2VgG0I/AAAAAAAAAEA/234RQeo_59E/s400/DSC05637.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cottonwood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Got up at 5:25 AM before the crew at 5:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got ready for the day, had breakfast, and
broke camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got on the trail a bit after
7:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saw a rattlesnake on the way to
Indian Writings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got there a little
before 8:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Checked in and had our
porch talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Signed up for Atl-Atl at
8:00 and the Petroglyph Tour at 9:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Throwing atl-atls was fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got
to throw 6 of them and almost hit the bear (Sergeant Grumbles) on my last
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our ranger was the only one to hit
a target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Petroglyph Tour was very
good led by Dan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw petroglyphs in 4
places followed by 3 archaeological sites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We then walked over to the current archaeological dig site which we
could not participate in because you “can’t sift mud”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crew then did various things they needed
to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Sanders and I took
showers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was good to feel clean for
about 30 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then headed to Cottonwood seeing a nice elk skull and antlers along the
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to our camp a little before
noon and set up everything except the bear bags as it looked like rain was
approaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate lunch and had some
more ranger training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lightning got
close, so we went to the Red Roof for protection and shelter from the
rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It stopped for a while and we had
a nice conversation with a passing crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The bad weather returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr.
Sanders and I retreated to our tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Training on Leave No Trace bear bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Got cookies from another crew. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner, devotion, LNT training, and TRB.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bed at 10:15.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 6 - Monday, July 8, 2013 – Cottonwood
to Ring Place through Sealy Canyon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFl5-UGZ_TA/UfqJEbb4sOI/AAAAAAAAAEU/Vp90kdUZH90/s1600/DSC05669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFl5-UGZ_TA/UfqJEbb4sOI/AAAAAAAAAEU/Vp90kdUZH90/s400/DSC05669.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye to our ranger, Christian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0p3xDKgoL4s/UfqJCiJYFnI/AAAAAAAAAEM/B7YX6Neq-mc/s1600/DSC05702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0p3xDKgoL4s/UfqJCiJYFnI/AAAAAAAAAEM/B7YX6Neq-mc/s400/DSC05702.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-teKKUgi5qYk/UfqJOZFBCZI/AAAAAAAAAEc/a0q5duNDgm4/s1600/DSC05723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-teKKUgi5qYk/UfqJOZFBCZI/AAAAAAAAAEc/a0q5duNDgm4/s400/DSC05723.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Pepper!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up at 5:30 AM with the crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It had stormed overnight, so the tents were wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gave crew shirt and bottle belt to Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave us his card and candy from Puerto Rico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got
on the trail at 7:20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We said goodbye to
Christian when our paths diverged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
hiked through some picturesque canyons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was very humid and muddy in spots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It also got increasingly hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
had to stop once due to a close lightning strike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we ate lunch it was quite hot with
storms building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt good in the morning
but was sluggish after lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
starting to rain when we got to Sealy
Canyon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had the Wilderness First Aid program
inside their yurt as it rained quite hard with nearby thunder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rain was light when we left for Ring Place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We blazed our own trail with great views from
the saddle we passed over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finally
hit a fence, found the gate through it, and arrived at Ring Place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We set up camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used the 30K.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The views from our camp are outstanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Runs were made for food and water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had breakfast skillet, chocolate milk and
an orange for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Olivia greeted us
at our camp and brought us Dr. Pepper and bacon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner, clean up, and LNT bear bags took a
while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Went late to advisors
coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to camp after learning we
could not stay here another night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Slightly late for Astronomy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
skies cleared up pretty well and the stars were quite visible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could see the Milky Way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately they did not get out the
telescope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to camp for devotion,
TRB and oops bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bed around 10:30.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 7 - Tuesday, July 9, 2013 – Ring Place to Whiteman Vega</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To Whiteman Vega</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6Mg93jl4F4/UfqJoH9k37I/AAAAAAAAAEs/-D7soPl_vjc/s1600/DSC05789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6Mg93jl4F4/UfqJoH9k37I/AAAAAAAAAEs/-D7soPl_vjc/s400/DSC05789.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conservation Project</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMe0SGGOjaQ/UfqJpBMP-II/AAAAAAAAAE0/096OajmaD3w/s1600/DSC05831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMe0SGGOjaQ/UfqJpBMP-II/AAAAAAAAAE0/096OajmaD3w/s400/DSC05831.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Biking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up at 5:15 AM before the crew at 5:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last use of the 30K.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Broke camp a bit after 7:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Short hike to Whiteman Vega.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got there a bit after 8:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did our conservation project first helping
build a new mountain bike trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
divided into 3 groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two did finishing
work with Mr. Sanders working up a sweat with a sledge hammer. I worked with
the Trailblazers (Laura, Katia and me) building a rock wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First we gathered large rocks to use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we worked on putting stones in place to
extend the rock wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our first two
efforts were deemed not good enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
needed to be more picky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our third
attempt was acceptable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were replaced
by our brother crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked back and Bethany led a
devotional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then went mountain
biking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took their entire supply of
small bikes, so they modified one with a hack saw for Bethany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first mile was up hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wiped out going up a small gully because I went too slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could not get up the challenging technical
climbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bethany got further on one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last 3 miles were mostly down hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laura had a spectacular crash missing a
bridge, hitting a log, and flying over it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately she only had a scrape with a few cuts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the ride was challenging and a
lot of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Katia went from not really
wanting to ride to trying one thing over again to see if she could do it
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the ride, we cleaned off
the bikes and turned them in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then
walked to our camp site and set up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
had dinner 10 and did laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was
a large Diamondback Rattlesnake between our camp and the windmill water source
which only worked when there was wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Getting the clothes dry was a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The clothesline fell down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wore
one of my shirts to get it to dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before bed we went through another LNT lesson, had hot chocolate, and
TRB.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bed at 10:00.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 8 - Wednesday, July 10, 2013 – Whiteman Vega to Greenwood Canyon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MSFLzxCsR4k/UfqJ09WoEPI/AAAAAAAAAE8/XDACGG9uRAE/s1600/DSC05863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MSFLzxCsR4k/UfqJ09WoEPI/AAAAAAAAAE8/XDACGG9uRAE/s400/DSC05863.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Folk Weather</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72gYYOpW0yo/UfqJ7I9Ps7I/AAAAAAAAAFM/nnLaQ5R12sE/s1600/DSC05864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72gYYOpW0yo/UfqJ7I9Ps7I/AAAAAAAAAFM/nnLaQ5R12sE/s400/DSC05864.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expedition at Ring Place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1_tJFsr0Eo/UfqJ10hwhiI/AAAAAAAAAFE/qjv6NG1eizw/s1600/DSC05872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1_tJFsr0Eo/UfqJ10hwhiI/AAAAAAAAAFE/qjv6NG1eizw/s400/DSC05872.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to Baldy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Got up at 5:00 when the crew was supposed to get up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to alarm difficulties, they got up at
5:45 instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Broke camp and departed at
7:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hiked back to Ring Place stopping at Crystal Creek Camp
to use their facilities and eat breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At Ring Place
we got some of our food back that we had returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We listened to their Folk Weather program
which was quite good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hiked most of
the day to Greenwood
Canyon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The views in the morning from the meadows
were very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came across a few
Prairie Dogs and a Horned Lizard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
environment changed from meadows to forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It started looking like the Philmont I remember from 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate lunch at a windmill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It rained on us a bit after lunch, but it was
fairly gentle and refreshing without lightning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We got to our camp around 2:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It had a sump (though broken) and a pilot-to-bombardier toilet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then relaxed a bit at camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had dinner followed by advisors coffee
with our brother crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early bed at
8:00.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 9 - Thursday, July 11, 2013 – Greenwood
Canyon to Copper Park</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8IFMHWUJtZA/UfqKb6IFJjI/AAAAAAAAAFk/iXtLh26e8J0/s1600/DSC06004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8IFMHWUJtZA/UfqKb6IFJjI/AAAAAAAAAFk/iXtLh26e8J0/s400/DSC06004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rK8oyXxIteE/UfqKJDehApI/AAAAAAAAAFU/jxTFA0N7xFE/s1600/DSC06036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rK8oyXxIteE/UfqKJDehApI/AAAAAAAAAFU/jxTFA0N7xFE/s400/DSC06036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blacksmithing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Od4HATCxtc/UfqKbaiqzJI/AAAAAAAAAFg/DGmhfUoPCms/s1600/DSC06045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Od4HATCxtc/UfqKbaiqzJI/AAAAAAAAAFg/DGmhfUoPCms/s400/DSC06045.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mine Tour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up at 4:45 AM before the crew at 5:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Broke camp and hit the trail at 6:40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lovely hike along a stream with wind in the
leaves and birds singing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saw a
pheasant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ate lunch literally on the
trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hike was hard and at high
altitude, but the crew did great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
views from the top of the ridge were spectacular, especially of Baldy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Down the switchbacks into Copper Park
at 1:40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had camp mostly set up when
it hailed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watched from the Red Roof
Inn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hail was about a half inch in
diameter and it looked like snow on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When it stopped, we got ready and hiked to French Henry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We first did Blacksmithing with the girls
making a fancy double hook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we went
to Aztec Ponil 2 Mine for the tour there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We got to go inside and heard about the mine and the miners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hiked back and had dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Early to bed at 9:30.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 10 - Friday, July 12, 2013 – Side Hike to Baldy
Mountain and Baldy Town</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7P2DHZpjak/UfqKkyg81QI/AAAAAAAAAFs/3hEA_AkWsKM/s1600/DSC06048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7P2DHZpjak/UfqKkyg81QI/AAAAAAAAAFs/3hEA_AkWsKM/s400/DSC06048.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baldy Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3zysZcL3nVg/UfqKwneM69I/AAAAAAAAAF0/YePvsigUQ4A/s1600/DSC06141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3zysZcL3nVg/UfqKwneM69I/AAAAAAAAAF0/YePvsigUQ4A/s400/DSC06141.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of Baldy Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5BSVzn5Rh4/UfqKxwTW9OI/AAAAAAAAAF8/u9NjPak5IkY/s1600/DSC06154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5BSVzn5Rh4/UfqKxwTW9OI/AAAAAAAAAF8/u9NjPak5IkY/s400/DSC06154.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expedition on Baldy Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Got up at 5:00 AM with the crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ate breakfast and got ready for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Left camp at 6:30 with my backpack mostly
empty as we are staying in the same camp for two nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first part of our hike was up the
switchbacks that we came down yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The crew did a real good job getting up them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then hit the trail to Baldy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first part was a climb, but it leveled
out in a meadow that was relatively easy to hike through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we hit the scree field below the summit
of Baldy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a very difficult
climb, but we all make it and arrive at the top at 9:15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our brother crew made it up there soon
afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explored around the summit
and took a lot of pictures including group shots and Nick trying to fly a
kite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent over an hour at the
summit despite it being very windy and cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The trail down to Baldy
Town was very difficult
with a lot of loose rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at Baldy Town
around noon and ate lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a
shower and it began to rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote a
couple of post cards and sent them from Baldy Town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We picked up more food, and I got an orange
and chocolate milk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hiked back to Copper Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carried a lot of the food we had just
picked up which made my pack quite heavy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ben and Mark joined us for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had our devotion, LNT training, and TRB.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked around the meadow taking a few
pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girls played Uno.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early to bed at 9:00.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 11 - Saturday, July 13, 2013 – Copper Park
to Pueblano</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AN3-ZAVgjI4/UfqKyRA6ZfI/AAAAAAAAAGE/dln70iCIPnQ/s1600/DSC06299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AN3-ZAVgjI4/UfqKyRA6ZfI/AAAAAAAAAGE/dln70iCIPnQ/s400/DSC06299.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spar Pole Climbing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aoPBjZeexU4/UfqLGX31hRI/AAAAAAAAAGU/GmLR7ToT2Ls/s1600/DSC06324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aoPBjZeexU4/UfqLGX31hRI/AAAAAAAAAGU/GmLR7ToT2Ls/s400/DSC06324.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loggerball</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cu4XlJ0GaVE/UfqLItThrAI/AAAAAAAAAGc/6FMaYi-XZqU/s1600/DSC06343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cu4XlJ0GaVE/UfqLItThrAI/AAAAAAAAAGc/6FMaYi-XZqU/s400/DSC06343.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Company Meeting (Campfire)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up at 5:30 AM with the crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Had breakfast and broke camp hitting the trail at 7:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going down to French Henry was difficult, but
the rest of the trail was easy and nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We got to Pueblano in time to spar pole climb before lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started to rain, so we did not get everyone
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I climbed the spar pole in the rain
in just under 4 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bethany was a bit
faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate lunch under a shelter
during the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We set up camp and
returned to have the rest of the crew climb the spar pole and to watch our
brother crew do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All made it to the
top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Sanders raced his son and beat
him to the top in less than a minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
returned to camp for dinner and devotional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of the crew played loggerball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Katia did quite well, even scoring a run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Sanders had a spar pole competition which
Olivia won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The company meeting
(campfire) was really good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most stayed
late after it had ended for more music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In bed at 10:30 with no TRBs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 12 - Sunday, July 14, 2013 – Pueblano to Ponil with Wilson Mesa
side hike</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdzxItPRm-s/UfqLFtx4siI/AAAAAAAAAGM/rYRfbA1TuOg/s1600/DSC06359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdzxItPRm-s/UfqLFtx4siI/AAAAAAAAAGM/rYRfbA1TuOg/s400/DSC06359.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Wilson Mesa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JGs5iZT-CA/UfqLaaUHSkI/AAAAAAAAAGs/WBNHYei5V0w/s1600/DSC06424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JGs5iZT-CA/UfqLaaUHSkI/AAAAAAAAAGs/WBNHYei5V0w/s400/DSC06424.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cowboy Action Shooting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wcgUPuWbmE/UfqLcVeu1QI/AAAAAAAAAG0/8HB1dIaeEAw/s1600/DSC06427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wcgUPuWbmE/UfqLcVeu1QI/AAAAAAAAAG0/8HB1dIaeEAw/s400/DSC06427.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuck Wagon Dinner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up at 5:30 AM with the early crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most side hiked up to Wilson Mesa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a tough but short climb with the
reward of excellent views, especially of Baldy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Somehow there was a table up there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Olivia gave us a Wilderness Pledge talk and did an excellent job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a moment of reflection, she shared her
Philmont experience along with lots of quotes to explain the importance of the
wilderness and our care for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
finally learned what “out live the bastards” meant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to camp and hit the trail to Ponil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail was nice but a bit hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My right shoulder was hurting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We checked in, set up camp, and ate
lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had our horse ride at
1:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We rode in the rain which actually
stopped for most of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My horse was Klondike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a
good horse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We basically went up a
trail, turned around, and came back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
did Cowboy Action Shooting at 4:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hit my first target (big) but missed my final 4 (smaller).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Sanders hit one of the hardest
targets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We returned for Chuck Wagon Dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was good, plentiful and efficient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did our devotional and TRBs at the table
after dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a shower followed
by a couple of root beers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cantina
Show at 8:00 was pretty good even though they lost power and had a few other
things go wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walked back to camp in
the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bed at 9:30.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 13 - Monday, July 15, 2013 – Ponil to Dean Cow</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f2FpCri_-24/UfqLaDElVxI/AAAAAAAAAGk/RU2Rv-gdGEo/s1600/DSC06452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f2FpCri_-24/UfqLaDElVxI/AAAAAAAAAGk/RU2Rv-gdGEo/s400/DSC06452.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Branding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TuQH0xgtar0/UfqL5KNqHCI/AAAAAAAAAHE/ZLo69Zns-LQ/s1600/DSC06465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TuQH0xgtar0/UfqL5KNqHCI/AAAAAAAAAHE/ZLo69Zns-LQ/s400/DSC06465.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uLF-Wo02UsQ/UfqLvWrzItI/AAAAAAAAAG8/qUFew6bjVec/s1600/DSC06531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uLF-Wo02UsQ/UfqLvWrzItI/AAAAAAAAAG8/qUFew6bjVec/s400/DSC06531.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bouldering Wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up at 5:30 AM with the advisors making Cowboy
Breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was raining and had been all
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Decided to stay in the tent and
get organized as I was not needed to prepare breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfast consisted of one large pancake, two
sausages, syrup and orange juice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
stayed under the shelter all morning trying to get stuff dry and waiting for
the rain to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate lunch there,
got packed up, and hit the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
trail was very muddy but otherwise another good hike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to Dean Cow around 4:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Rock Climbing was already full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We set up camp and had dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Advisors Coffee, some of the crew
played volleyball and climbed around the bouldering wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then returned to our brother crew’s camp
and had a campfire as the fire restriction had been lifted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bed at 10:00.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 14 - Tuesday, July 16, 2013 – Dean Cow to Base Camp</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--msl6vTkWdw/UfqL9UxSpoI/AAAAAAAAAHM/8eRG_0v4Z6Y/s1600/DSC06566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--msl6vTkWdw/UfqL9UxSpoI/AAAAAAAAAHM/8eRG_0v4Z6Y/s400/DSC06566.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSyNFoSPtNk/UfqMEWe8RdI/AAAAAAAAAHU/RpcKhHewnHE/s1600/DSC06688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSyNFoSPtNk/UfqMEWe8RdI/AAAAAAAAAHU/RpcKhHewnHE/s400/DSC06688.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fPuNflQI4AU/UfqMU4JBOMI/AAAAAAAAAHk/LHCRGyxiDqM/s1600/DSC06703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fPuNflQI4AU/UfqMU4JBOMI/AAAAAAAAAHk/LHCRGyxiDqM/s400/DSC06703.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We All Made It!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up at 5:30 AM with the crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Broke camp and hit the trail at 7:11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Steep climb out of camp that provided great views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail was still very muddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to Turkey Creek Turnaround about 9:30
quickly followed by our brother crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our bus was early and had our brother crew’s ranger on it taking out
another crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We boarded the bus and
left the backcountry before 10:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
saw our ranger leaving on a bus as we returned to base camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We checked back in and got tent
assignments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got our gear out of the
vans, and I took a shower and shaved off my beard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch in the dining hall of chicken fingers,
mashed potatoes and vegetables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then
toured the Villa Philamonte.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good
tour with the same tour guide as in 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We drove down to Rayado and saw their living history program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also got to throw tomahawks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then headed for Cimarron and stopped at
the St. James
Hotel on the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw lots of displays there, and their
decorations were quite interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
then drove into downtown Cimarron for pizza: 5
of them with two being Six Meats and two being Pepperoni Pounders (80 slices –
one pound on each).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both were quite
good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked from there through
downtown and finally to the western shop that sells lots of interesting
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then drove to the Philmont Training Center
for ice cream sundaes provided by Ben.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then it was back to base camp for chapel and the closing campfire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The closing campfire was quite good and
included the song “Wagon Wheel”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both
crews earned and were given “We All Made It” plaques.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to my tent for some reorganizing and in
bed at 10:00.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 15 - Wednesday, July 17, 2013 – Base Camp to Cary, NC</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9oWjjy4YuCo/UfqMNdJb5XI/AAAAAAAAAHc/uZHxNu_x1Jw/s1600/DSC06704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9oWjjy4YuCo/UfqMNdJb5XI/AAAAAAAAAHc/uZHxNu_x1Jw/s400/DSC06704.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tooth of Time from Base Camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0LsMDcwm7MI/UfqMbeW99JI/AAAAAAAAAHs/VTiPfWgWj9s/s1600/DSC06715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0LsMDcwm7MI/UfqMbeW99JI/AAAAAAAAAHs/VTiPfWgWj9s/s400/DSC06715.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expedition at Philmont Gateway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxAcC__Jmfk/UfqMfaSwadI/AAAAAAAAAH0/yyv8WmFXirg/s1600/DSC06730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxAcC__Jmfk/UfqMfaSwadI/AAAAAAAAAH0/yyv8WmFXirg/s400/DSC06730.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shotgun Shooting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up at 4:45 AM before the crew at 6:00 to get a jump on being
packed up to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got things loaded in
my and Bethany’s
duffels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Loaded up the vans and had
breakfast in the dining hall of an egg and ham sandwich with hash browns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got to the Tooth of Time Traders when it
opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bought the things I knew I
wanted but did not really look around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bought a CD, some patches, a belt and maps along with things Bethany wanted including
a belt with a very fancy buckle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Went to
Lost and Found, but they did not have the lantern Bethany left in base camp before hitting the
trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then gathered at the Philmont
gateway for crew and expedition pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We finally left Philmont, first going to see the Allen’s old house in Cimarron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then
drove north stopping a couple of times, once for a flat tire on the brother
crew’s van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at Colorado Clays
near Denver
around 1:30 and had lunch of sandwiches, chips, cookies and lemonade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then shot shotguns in groups of 5 as time
permitted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hit 2 of 15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bethany
did much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then drove to the
airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relatives of Mr. Sanders who
live in the area and shot with us returned our vans to the rental agency from
the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We checked in for our
flight, checked luggage and got boarding passes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went through security without any
difficulty and rode the tram to Gate C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bethany and I had dinner at McDonalds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our flight boarded on time at 5:15 and departed on time at 5:40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately it took a while to take off, so
our flight was a bit delayed into RDU getting there a bit after 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were greeted at the airport by
Leslie-Jean, Christian and Miriam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long
walk to the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drove home completing a
wonderful adventure.</div>
Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257485641383095182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-55162817498063393082012-12-21T09:19:00.000-05:002012-12-21T09:20:08.787-05:002012 Christmas Letter<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">2012 Christmas Edition</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EePf5pwM5wg/UNRpQM6lvBI/AAAAAAAAAto/f0-YdSStVJA/s1600/creche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EePf5pwM5wg/UNRpQM6lvBI/AAAAAAAAAto/f0-YdSStVJA/s400/creche.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">We hope this letter finds you
well and that you have had a good year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>2012 has been another good year for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We took a couple of fun family trips to Washington, DC
and to the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Washington, DC,
we went to the Newseum, the Senate, and C-SPAN.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We camped at the beach going to the North Carolina Aquarium, Oak Island
Lighthouse via ferry, Fort Fisher, and of course the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the kids once again participated on the
summer swim team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three oldest
competed in robotics with the highlight being part of the winning alliance at a
tournament in South Carolina.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Miriam will be 12 next
month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She continues to enjoy dance and
has recently gone en pointe in her ballet class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam started braces this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She continues to enjoy cooking and
reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam swam very well this year
frequently anchoring her relays to wins.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Bethany</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> will soon be 15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She joined Venturing this year and has enjoyed going on their monthly
outings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is the crew Secretary and
is getting ready to go to Philmont next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bethany
got her braces off this year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Carl celebrated his 16<sup>th</sup>
birthday this year on Thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
won First Prize in the high school division of this year’s C-SPAN StudentCam
competition, was interviewed live on C-SPAN, and had an award ceremony with the
Cary mayor and
the C-SPAN bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carl attended the
National Scout Jamboree Shakedown to help get the Summit ready for next year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Christian recently turned
18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He became an Eagle Scout this year
after completing his project of building a hand rail at our swim club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian continues to make brickfilms having
one shown at BrickFlix where he was also on stage for a Q&A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has one entered in a Tongal contest in
which he is guaranteed to do quite well, and gets a steady income from his
YouTube partnership. Christian has also joined Venturing.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Leslie-Jean continues to home
school all four kids and holds a committee position at the home school
cooperative all the kids attend and enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dan continues to work for IBM and helps with math at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leslie-Jean and Dan celebrated their 20<sup>th</sup>
anniversary at Carolina Beach State Park
with dinner in Wilmington.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan completed a lot of Boy Scout training
this year earning his Wood Badge beads and completing BSA Lifeguard and Powder
Horn.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">How did Christian earn the
rank of Eagle Scout this year?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did so
by fulfilling all the requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
do we know that Jesus is the Messiah?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One reason is because He fulfilled all the Messianic prophecies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Christmas season, let us look at a
couple about His birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Messiah was
prophesized to be born in Bethlehem
according to Micah 5:2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But you,
Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will
be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew 2:1 tells us that Jesus was indeed
born in Bethlehem: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The Messiah was also
prophesized to be born of a virgin according to Isaiah 7:14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a
sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call
him Immanuel.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew 1:18 tells us
that He was indeed born of a virgin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was
pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found
to be with child through the Holy Spirit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus went on to fulfill all the Messianic prophecies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly Jesus also took our sins
upon Him, died for them upon the cross, and conquered death by rising again
three days later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through this, Jesus
offers the free gift of eternal life with Him in heaven for those who accept
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us celebrate Christmas as the
birth of Jesus and the beginning of the fulfillment of the Messianic
prophecies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merry Christmas and may 2013
be a blessed year for you.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Christian, Carl, Dan, Leslie-Jean, Bethany, and Miriam</b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>At the US Capitol</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Christian Becomes an Eagle Scout</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Carl at C-SPAN</b></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 36pt;"></span></i></div>
Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-69169522824550514402012-01-13T19:05:00.003-05:002012-01-13T19:15:05.255-05:00Team PyroTech UpdatesWell, the three older Colglazier kids are on a FIRST robotics team, Team PyroTech. On January 7, 2012, FIRST announced the 2012 game that the FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) robots will be playing. Our 6 week build season has begun and Team PyroTech is finishing up their first week! Check out <a href="http://teampyrotech.org">Team PyroTech's Website</a> to see updates from the team!Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09700196209110429450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-25979235524448463232011-12-24T13:19:00.004-05:002011-12-24T13:33:48.661-05:002011 Colglazier Times<!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1027"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <div class="Section1"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-.75in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:-.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center; text-indent:9.0pt" align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">The Colglazier Times</i></span></p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; margin-left:-.75in;margin-right:-.75in"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;text-indent:9.0pt; border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in" align="center"><b>2011 Christmas Edition</b></p> </div> </div> <span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language: AR-SAfont-family:SimSun;font-size:12.0pt;" ></span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><div class="Section2"> </div> <span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language: AR-SAfont-family:SimSun;font-size:12.0pt;" ></span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>We hope 2011 has been a good year for you.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has been an unexpectedly grand year for us with Carl winning the Grand Prize in C-SPAN’s StudentCam contest and the boys’ FIRST Robotics Competition team, Team PyroTech, qualifying for the Championships. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>We just celebrated having Miriam in our family for 10 years, which means she is almost 11.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She continues to enjoy dance and cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Miriam was recently baptized with her sister.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She scored quite a few points for the swim team this year and finished 15<sup>th</sup> the 9-10 girls freestyle in the City Meet.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Bethany is now our third teenager.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Earlier this year, she got braces on the same day Carl got his off.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bethany has joined her brothers on Team PyroTech.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She continues with piano lessons, and once again enjoyed the swim team and classes at SEEK (home school co-op).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Carl is 15 and about to get his learner’s permit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His StudentCam win was celebrated with a check presentation, an article in the newspaper, a City Council presentation, and a<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>live interview on Washington Journal with the Historian of the United States Senate, Donald A. Ritchie.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Carl continues with piano and enjoyed Philmont and Team PyroTech.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Christian is 17 and has his provisional driver’s license.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He taught a class this year at SEEK on brick filming and made quite a bit of money on YouTube from people watching his films and tutorials.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Christian enjoyed playing soccer, Team PyroTech and going to Philmont.</p>Leslie-Jean has had a busy year home schooling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She has assisted with Team PyroTech and has also been very involved with SEEK.<br /><br />Dan continues in performance at IBM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He is helping the three oldest with math.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dan greatly enjoyed Philmont and is working on completing his Wood Badge ticket.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He also continues to enjoy running.<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><br /><br /></span> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:8.0in; border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in" align="center">C-SPAN by Carl</p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>C-SPAN (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network) is a nationally televised cable network that covers Congressional proceedings and current events (with no commentary). This spring we got the chance to see C-SPAN from the inside! How?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As a part of their StudentCam documentary competition, winners get the chance to be interviewed on the network. Furthermore, first and grand prize winners are interviewed live during the Washington Journal program. I was able to get this chance by winning grand prize in this year's competition and our family was able to go to the set itself thanks to our close proximity to Washington, DC.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Some of my favorite things that we got to see were the sets for Q&A, Book TV, and more. From the lighting to the editing rooms to the lighting, it was really interesting to see how everything comes together. We were also able to answer the family mystery: is the background of the capitol building on Washington Journal real or fake? It turned out it is real. In fact the location was so good, FOX News and NBC took some of the other floors.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Another great part of this visit was the people we met including: Brian Lamb, founder of C-SPAN; Greta Brawner, one of the hosts of Washington Journal; and Joanne Wheeler of C-SPAN's education department. It was a very neat experience to get to see what gets put into a cable network behind the scenes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.25in"> </p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; border: medium none; padding: 0in;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;border:none; mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in" align="center">FIRST Championships by Bethany</p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>In April, our FIRST robotics team qualified for Championships in St. Louis. Championships started the day that Carl had his interview with C-SPAN, so the boys flew there while the rest of us drove. It took a day and a half to drive there. After eating lunch with the team, one of the team members and I went around to all the different pits looking around and collecting (what felt like) a million buttons, wristbands, and necklaces. We got to meet some really cool teams from all over the world! Later on we found the rest of the team in the bleachers getting ready to cheer on Team PyroTech. It was very crowded, loud and fun!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>The next day we woke up around 6 since we didn’t need to get there as early as the rest of the team. We were slow in getting up due to watching the end of the royal wedding. I got a ride to the Dome so I could see the opening ceremony with the team. The ceremony was cool and we got to see Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST. After the ceremony, we waited for will.i.am from The Black Eyed Peas, who was going to control an FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) robot and compete against Dean Kamen. It was an exciting match and turned out to be 77 to 9 with will.i.am winning. That day we watched many matches with and without our robot competing. At the end of the day we attended a very special concert for FIRST teams featuring The Black Eyed Peas. We were surprised in the beginning to also have Willow Smith. The concert was a lot of fun.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>The next day 8 teams qualified for the finals and each of those 8 teams got to pick two other teams to be in an alliance with. Unfortunately, we did not get picked. After lunch, part of the team and a few siblings walked over to the Gateway Arch. Then we went back and watched the closing ceremony and the last few matches of the competition. We did not win Rookie All-Star, but we were told we made it to the top 4 and that was exciting. After the competition was over, the team split up and headed home. </p><br /><div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.25in; border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in" align="center">Philmont by Christian</p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>On July 16<sup>th</sup>, Carl, Dan, and I went to the RDU airport and joined other members of our troop to go to Philmont Scout Ranch. We took a flight to the Denver Airport and picked up a rental van.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We got a bite to eat at a Mexican restaurant and decided to try a new (for us) soda called Inca Kola. It tasted like liquid bubble gum gone wrong but was a fun experience. After lunch we traveled to our first camp site in Colorado Springs after stopping at the Air Force Academy. The next day we went to the Garden of the Gods and then rode the Cog Railway up Pikes Peak. On day three we woke up and traveled to Philmont and prepared to go backpacking. At 1:00 PM the next day, we took a bus to North Country and our Philmont backpacking adventure began. We hiked to our camp site with our packs weighing around 50 pounds because of all the food we were carrying. The next day we picked up a burro and got to our next campsite. On day 6 we went spar pole climbing which is a method of climbing a tree with spikes attached to your feet that you drive into the pole and climb your way up. Day 7 we hiked to Miranda and did some tomahawk throwing and black powder rifle shooting. The next day we took a side hike to climb Mt. Baldy, a climb of over 3000 feet to reach an altitude of over 12,000 feet. It was tough day, but we made it for a total mileage on the day of 10 miles. Day 9 we hiked to Santa Claus camp site. Day 10 we hiked to our next camp site and played around on some massive rocks. The next day we hiked to Cimarroncito and completed a service project.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Day 12 we went rock climbing and took a side hike with some great views. Day 13 we hiked to Ponderosa Park and held horses because our horse ride was canceled due to a thunderstorm. Day 14 we climbed the Tooth of Time and faced the switch backs of death hiking in a zig zag style for miles in the blistering sun while seeing our final destination the entire time. Finally we made it and our backpacking adventure was done. We treated ourselves with a feast of pizza. After eating only freeze dried meals, it tasted amazing. The next day we went back to the airport and headed home having the adventure of a lifetime. After 15 days and hiking over 50 miles with a backpack on our backs, we were ready to be home.</p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;border:none; mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; border: medium none; padding: 0in;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;border:none; mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in" align="center">North Carolina State Fair by Miriam</p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Every year we like to go to the North Carolina State Fair. We really enjoy looking at the arts, crafts, and food people enter into the fair.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We also enjoy eating hush puppies and some fair food.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This year Christian, Bethany, and I were able to enter something into the fair.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Christian and Bethany entered the Website Design contest.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Christian came in 1<sup>st</sup> place and Bethany came in 3<sup>rd</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I entered chocolate truffles and earned a 2<sup>nd</sup> place ribbon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was fun to see my truffles at the fair.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; border: medium none; padding: 0in;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;border:none; mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in" align="center">Christmas – Good News Worth The Trip</p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>This year we received good news which caused us to travel to Washington, DC and St. Louis.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In Matthew 2:2 we are told the Wise Men asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They had received good news through the appearance of the star and had travelled in response to worship Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The birth of Jesus is truly good news.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Because of our sins, we are separated from God and unable to come to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To correct this, God came to us - as a baby.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Later on the cross, He became the perfect sacrifice for our sins forever travelling the gap between God and man.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Let us celebrate this Christmas by responding as the Wise Men did to the good news of the birth of Jesus by coming to Him and worshipping Him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center">The Colglaziers</p> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pXUYzhCwmVg/TvYZZXZiTII/AAAAAAAAAo8/xILHZNlbjUE/s1600/family-2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pXUYzhCwmVg/TvYZZXZiTII/AAAAAAAAAo8/xILHZNlbjUE/s320/family-2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689763102797745282" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.25in" align="center"> </p>Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-47781637505545365082011-08-07T12:13:00.003-04:002011-08-07T12:31:24.031-04:00Philmont Adventure - Day 1 - Cary to Colorado Springs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5D5pVhgTU0/Tj69WlJpcHI/AAAAAAAAAjM/hgaNURr49-c/s1600/DSC09337.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5D5pVhgTU0/Tj69WlJpcHI/AAAAAAAAAjM/hgaNURr49-c/s320/DSC09337.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638151979141787762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ankVmR8-4oE/Tj69W_ojuWI/AAAAAAAAAjU/-Rn9qibBm9Y/s1600/DSC09396.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ankVmR8-4oE/Tj69W_ojuWI/AAAAAAAAAjU/-Rn9qibBm9Y/s320/DSC09396.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638151986250758498" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2q853Mvvx_k/Tj69Xe4TorI/AAAAAAAAAjc/m9eSrlhpjPs/s1600/DSC09425.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2q853Mvvx_k/Tj69Xe4TorI/AAAAAAAAAjc/m9eSrlhpjPs/s320/DSC09425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638151994638312114" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Saturday, July 16, 2011</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Woke up at 3:00 AM and got a few last minute things done.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Went back to sleep and up again at 5:50 AM with the alarm.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Breakfast of eggs and toast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Left to go to the airport at 7:45 AM stopping at Sheetz to pick up snacks for the plane.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everyone arrives at terminal 1 on time by 8:15 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Last insurance card copy collected.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tickets handed out to all but Keegan and Chris who got theirs “later”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Mostly smooth through security except Jordan got his bottle of sunscreen confiscated.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Had to wait a while for our 9:55 AM flight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got seats together in the back of the plane.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Good flight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Read about half of “The New Cool”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Had “plane” crackers, pretzels, peanuts and Sprite Zero along with the chocolate chip cookies I brought.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got to Denver about 30 minutes early.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Talked to a Scouter from Baltimore at baggage claim.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Found Dollar Rent-a-Car bus and got on the second one.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Discovered at Dollar that our reservations were with Thrifty.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fortunately it was right next to Dollar.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wound up renting a 12-passenger van instead of the 3 full-size cars that were reserved.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drove out of the airport looking for a place to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Crew wanted Mexican, so I suggested Casa Bonita.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got directions there by cell phone.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Turned out to be the wrong place.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ate at Ludita’s instead.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Had tamales and Inca Cola.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drove to the Air Force Academy (75 MPH speed limit).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We walked around the campus and saw the chapel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When we returned to the van, Christian could not find his ID. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I ran back to look for it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I received a cell phone call to come back as it had been found.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>On to the Garden of the Gods Campground.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Set up camp around other Scouts including Crew 718-S from West Virginia.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drove to Flying W Ranch for a chuck wagon dinner and western show.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The food was quite good: beef brisket, baked beans, apple sauce, biscuit, and spice cake.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The western show was really good with the Flying W Wranglers – the second oldest western band at 59 years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They were all very talented.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The opossum song was the highlight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drove back to camp with one wrong turn.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Great orange full moon seen on the ride back to camp.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All went to bed pretty quickly at 10:00 PM.</p>Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-22803633587136871072011-08-07T12:12:00.000-04:002011-08-14T15:07:21.978-04:00Philmont Adventure - Day 2 - Colorado Springs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqM0dGy3PK0/Tj7Fd-xqNII/AAAAAAAAAjs/xfMbVckfqwI/s1600/DSC09506.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqM0dGy3PK0/Tj7Fd-xqNII/AAAAAAAAAjs/xfMbVckfqwI/s320/DSC09506.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638160902372603010" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-14uuFKAKaT4/Tj7FcCyik5I/AAAAAAAAAjk/hT_CmhxQEeg/s1600/DSC09495.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-14uuFKAKaT4/Tj7FcCyik5I/AAAAAAAAAjk/hT_CmhxQEeg/s320/DSC09495.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638160869090300818" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZQXgXwtdFA/Tj7FeCOc8iI/AAAAAAAAAj0/86eB2Og88zw/s1600/DSC09598.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZQXgXwtdFA/Tj7FeCOc8iI/AAAAAAAAAj0/86eB2Og88zw/s320/DSC09598.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638160903298675234" border="0" /></a>
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Sunday, July 17, 2011</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Up around 2:00 AM to go to the bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The moon was so bright that I did not need a flashlight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Up again at 5:30 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Took a very nice shower.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Other scoutmasters went to Starbacks and brought back donuts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Given watermelon slices by a troop from Omaha, NE.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pancake breakfast with sausage and beverage for $4.50 at camp.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ate 3 very large pancakes which were very good.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drove to Garden of the Gods and walked around seeing the amazing rock formations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Climbed a few and got lots of great pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drove around to see more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stopped at Balancing Rock and wound up doing a lot more climbing and taking pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drove back to camp to get warm clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lunch at A&W/KFC – root beer float!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drove to Pikes Peak Cog Railway missing the turn on the way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got to park in an RV spot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rode Aspen car up Pikes Peak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Very steep in parts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lots of good views on the way up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Took lots of pictures at the top.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Called home on Dr. G’s cell phone from the top.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Felt really tired on the way down.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drove to Old Colorado City and ate dinner at Thunder and Buttons.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Had buffalo brat with elk chili.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Back to camp.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Boys went swimming.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got ready for tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bed early.</p>Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-25844931127020898142011-08-07T12:11:00.000-04:002011-08-14T15:08:36.036-04:00Philmont Adventure - Day 3 - Colorado Springs to Philmont Base Camp<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ly5QWiOCdxI/Tj7HH2WQ2MI/AAAAAAAAAj8/bOLKVN043QU/s1600/DSC09641.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ly5QWiOCdxI/Tj7HH2WQ2MI/AAAAAAAAAj8/bOLKVN043QU/s320/DSC09641.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638162721176344770" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28pUb1qhYco/Tj7HIDBjNNI/AAAAAAAAAkE/g7FnZOVfg6U/s1600/DSC09652.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28pUb1qhYco/Tj7HIDBjNNI/AAAAAAAAAkE/g7FnZOVfg6U/s320/DSC09652.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638162724579128530" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2iFfdwFNz5Y/Tj7HIdS_FVI/AAAAAAAAAkM/b6jO2p2psdc/s1600/DSC09660.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2iFfdwFNz5Y/Tj7HIdS_FVI/AAAAAAAAAkM/b6jO2p2psdc/s320/DSC09660.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638162731631580498" border="0" /></a>
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Monday, July 18, 2011</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Everyone up by 5:30 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Broke camp and departed at 6:30 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stopped at Starbucks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drove to Pueblo for breakfast: Big Breakfast with Hot Cakes at McDonalds.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drove to Philmont.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>First view of the Tooth of Time and Baldy Mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Checked in at the Welcome Center with Caleb.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got our tent assignments (D31 – D36) and met our Ranger, Garrett.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I went by myself to handle the paperwork – fast and easy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Caleb and I went to Logistics to learn our trek and mark our map.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lunch of two chicken tenders and mashed potatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then medical checks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All went well except Carl had brought an expired prescription.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Took two hours to resolve.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rest of the crew went on to Services to get equipment and food.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rejoined the crew at the end of equipment check.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Carl and I did ours quickly afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some ranger training: maps and first aid.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dinner of pork and potatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Advisors meeting while the boys attended Crew Leader, Chaplain’s Aid, and Guia meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Chapel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Campfire on the history of Philmont.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Quick shower and asleep by 10:00 PM.</p>Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-75108929810982471832011-08-07T12:10:00.000-04:002011-08-14T15:09:24.071-04:00Philmont Adventure - Day 4 - Base Camp to Sioux<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jm0pGav_o80/Tj7J1reHKOI/AAAAAAAAAkc/xRYbI_Ei-8w/s1600/DSC09678.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jm0pGav_o80/Tj7J1reHKOI/AAAAAAAAAkc/xRYbI_Ei-8w/s320/DSC09678.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638165707553712354" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ssq4SCIH9cY/Tj7J1b06COI/AAAAAAAAAkU/xTjkL0eGWxM/s1600/DSC09675.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ssq4SCIH9cY/Tj7J1b06COI/AAAAAAAAAkU/xTjkL0eGWxM/s320/DSC09675.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638165703354353890" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aIju9MzV-Vc/Tj7J17jkwfI/AAAAAAAAAkk/ARHKijXPqpE/s1600/DSC09725.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aIju9MzV-Vc/Tj7J17jkwfI/AAAAAAAAAkk/ARHKijXPqpE/s320/DSC09725.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638165711871590898" border="0" /></a>
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Tuesday, July 19, 2011</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Got up very early to repack.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>By making good use of all space, got everything in my pack including my fleece.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Breakfast of waffles and ham.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Had to make Villa Philamonte reservations after 8:00 AM and returned to do so in the van.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got 10:30 AM reservation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Checked out of base camp.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Boys played cards at the Welcome Center.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Went to the Tooth of Time Traders for final items – lighters.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Toured Villa Philamonte.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Excellent tour with lots of information.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Brian played their piano.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Had to leave early to get back for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lunch of turkey with cheese removed sandwich.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long wait for 1:45 PM bus to Ponil Turnaround.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Put last things in the van.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Boarded the bus for our trip through Cimarron to Ponil Turnaround.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bus went pretty quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lots of “misinformation” from the rangers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got off the bus and hit the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Saw some of the effects of the 2002 fire.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got to Ponil pretty quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stopped for porch talk, branding and root beer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Started to rain a bit, so we put on our pack covers and hit the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got to Sioux pretty quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Set up camp: water bottles in the fire ring, tarp set up, bear bags, and then tents.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Made dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had beef stew while others had Fettuccine Primavera.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Back to Ponil.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Went to the trading post and waited for the cantina show.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Boys played horseshoes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cantina show was not very good and very hot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Left before it was over.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got to play some horseshoes in the dark.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Back to camp and bed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Started raining hard.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Checked on my stuff which I had left out under the tarp and found the tarp had blown off our stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tried to get Caleb up but failed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Others who were up helped with the tarp.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fixed my tent so the rain fly worked properly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finally to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It rained hard twice during the night with strong winds.</p>Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-23369888163622093132011-08-07T12:09:00.000-04:002011-08-14T15:09:48.582-04:00Philmont Adventure - Day 5 - Sioux to Flume Canyon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbarom1C2pg/Tj7MMrEPdYI/AAAAAAAAAks/HtRNKFxJ1kc/s1600/DSC09804.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbarom1C2pg/Tj7MMrEPdYI/AAAAAAAAAks/HtRNKFxJ1kc/s320/DSC09804.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638168301605451138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THD9YyudiQ4/Tj7MM-n9MqI/AAAAAAAAAk0/V31FPFKDMKs/s1600/DSC09812.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THD9YyudiQ4/Tj7MM-n9MqI/AAAAAAAAAk0/V31FPFKDMKs/s320/DSC09812.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638168306855522978" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xE4tdlbXMUg/Tj7MNJcVQhI/AAAAAAAAAk8/qqnOCO8Ba9Y/s1600/DSC09813.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xE4tdlbXMUg/Tj7MNJcVQhI/AAAAAAAAAk8/qqnOCO8Ba9Y/s320/DSC09813.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638168309759558162" border="0" /></a>
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Wednesday, July 20, 2011</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Up before the crew (4:30 AM instead of 5:30 AM).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got tent and sleeping pad dried out.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Broke camp and hiked back to Ponil.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ate breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Boys picked out a burro.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Burro training.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Messed up the diamond hitch demonstration twice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Christian and Carl both selected to help with the demonstration.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Both called “Freckles”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Boys did not get the burro they had picked out because it had just gotten off the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got B-17 instead.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Still named it “El Guapo”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our crew was the first one done getting the burro ready, so they were asked to help out another crew.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finally on the trail with El Guapo.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hiked on a road straight to Flume Canyon with only a few short stops.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>El Guapo was pretty good except for looking for any opportunity to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kermit rode on El Guapo.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Keegan and Christian corralled El Guapo while the others set up camp.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Challenged to set up camp in 20 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Did not accomplish that since Keegan and Christian had things we needed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ate lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Completed ranger training.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Filtered water.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some time to relax.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Camp site was very nice, but it did have a few flies.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Had a bit of trouble hiking today but able to keep up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rinsed myself off in the stream with my bandana – felt wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Went to watch the feeding of El Guapo.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dinner of turkey and breakfast skillet which we had swapped for the stuffing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hiked to Pueblano for loggerball and campfire. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Loggerball was basically baseball with logs for bats and a large ball of duct tape for the ball.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One oddity was running the bases backwards for the second inning.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Staff vs youth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Staff won.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Garrett and Brian both got hits.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Brian hurt his finger fielding a pop up in the crowd of Scouts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Saw a double rainbow during the game.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Had to hike a ways to the campfire which was really good.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lots of songs with 2 guitars, 2 banjos, a mandolin and a wash board.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Also had stories and “Logger Love Connection” which included Garrett.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Campfire ended with a heartfelt talk on the Philmont experience.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>On the way back to Flume Canyon we helped a Scout without a flashlight and separated from his crew back to his camp.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We sang songs along the way to scare off bears and mountain lions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We also did “roses, thorns and buds” on the way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then straight to bed around 10:30 PM.</p>Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-57689913827846195222011-08-07T12:08:00.000-04:002011-08-14T15:10:15.665-04:00Philmont Adventure - Day 6 - Flume Canyon to Head of Dean<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLJBqc8qbJo/Tj7Pm7odQkI/AAAAAAAAAlE/AbWRIuOZCeQ/s1600/DSC09839.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLJBqc8qbJo/Tj7Pm7odQkI/AAAAAAAAAlE/AbWRIuOZCeQ/s320/DSC09839.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638172051263799874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFOl38N--nw/Tj7PnORCFqI/AAAAAAAAAlM/f_ubyNr4-RI/s1600/DSC09980.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFOl38N--nw/Tj7PnORCFqI/AAAAAAAAAlM/f_ubyNr4-RI/s320/DSC09980.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638172056265823906" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv03N9yVfWQ/Tj7PneZi8QI/AAAAAAAAAlU/NEalpwZJj8Q/s1600/DSC09991.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv03N9yVfWQ/Tj7PneZi8QI/AAAAAAAAAlU/NEalpwZJj8Q/s320/DSC09991.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638172060596498690" border="0" /></a>
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Thursday, July 21, 2011</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Woke up at 4:30 AM before the crew at 5:00 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It had rained during the night and the rain fly was very wet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Packed the tent away wet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Broke camp, got El Guapo ready, and hit the trail back to Pueblano.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some of the boys put El Guapo in the corral while most of the crew hurried to sign in for an early spar pole climbing spot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got 8:00 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ate breakfast while waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Good and fun instructions on how to spar pole climb.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The whole crew successfully climbed the pole, some better than others.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I got tired on the way up and really struggled to finish but did.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Somehow got a bloody finger.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Took lots of pictures and video.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got El Guapo ready again and hit the trail to Head of Dean.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This was a very nice trail that started with a series of switchbacks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lots of burned trees and great views.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We saw Baldy for the first time on the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Made it pretty quickly to Head of Dean and checked in.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got a 12:30 PM slot for Challenge Events.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Was given the camp site near the corral which was pretty far away.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got Challenge Events time switched to 1:00 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Set up camp and ate lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The camp site was nice but had a large slope.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Started to rain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Walked to Challenge Events which got switched to Porch Games because of the weather.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Best games were Green Door and Ghost which was a spelling game.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Went back to camp and took a nap.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Was awakened for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Went to the advisors meeting and learned a lot from the other advisors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Back to camp and early to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Felt better hiking today as it was cooler with a nice trail.</p>Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-66788921243562542212011-08-07T12:07:00.000-04:002011-08-14T15:10:38.526-04:00Philmont Adventure - Day 7 - Head of Dean to Ute Meadows<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLOuA1uKSIU/Tj7RhaGHdUI/AAAAAAAAAlc/3UAZZkk6-8I/s1600/DSC00008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLOuA1uKSIU/Tj7RhaGHdUI/AAAAAAAAAlc/3UAZZkk6-8I/s320/DSC00008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638174155385304386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AXnWz9cl9pE/Tj7Rhg-hupI/AAAAAAAAAlk/AIbjeAUbnc0/s1600/DSC00045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AXnWz9cl9pE/Tj7Rhg-hupI/AAAAAAAAAlk/AIbjeAUbnc0/s320/DSC00045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638174157232519826" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtvVlThrfDs/Tj7Rh96YGsI/AAAAAAAAAls/5rco9Zr61NY/s1600/DSC00092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtvVlThrfDs/Tj7Rh96YGsI/AAAAAAAAAls/5rco9Zr61NY/s320/DSC00092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638174164999740098" border="0" /></a>
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Friday, July 22, 2011</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Woke up at 5:00 AM with the crew.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finally broke camp at 7:00 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hiked to Miranda stopping along the way to play Frisbee and enjoy the views.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Returned El Guapo.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Logistics had told us incorrectly how to return the burro which slowed us down.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got the 2:00 PM slot for black powder rifle shooting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Crew threw tomahawks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I washed my laundry before my turn.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Did pretty well ending with sticking a bunch in a row.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Christian almost nailed a mini bear.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We cooked our dinner for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It rained a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fortunately it did not affect our shooting except we did not get to load the rifles as Uncle was much faster at it and did it to get us done before any more bad weather.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Carl nailed his hat twice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had no idea how I did as my target had fallen over before I had a chance to shoot it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Short hike to Ute Meadows.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Boys took a long time to select a camp site.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Boys finally chose a good one except that the bear bag cable was far away.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tomorrow’s lunch for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Slowly got camp ready for the night and went to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Chris had had a hard day with many things going wrong including a mini bear getting into his Gu which then exploded in his pack and on the map.</p>Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-77352106363210848092011-08-07T12:06:00.000-04:002011-08-14T15:11:01.487-04:00Philmont Adventure - Day 8 - Side Hike to Baldy Mountain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpNWC512Fpo/Tj7UDx9bhHI/AAAAAAAAAl0/LJVNLwM6bac/s1600/DSC00127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpNWC512Fpo/Tj7UDx9bhHI/AAAAAAAAAl0/LJVNLwM6bac/s320/DSC00127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638176944930129010" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjWQII-tU5o/Tj7UEL6iryI/AAAAAAAAAl8/CNHd0KC7uac/s1600/DSC00158.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjWQII-tU5o/Tj7UEL6iryI/AAAAAAAAAl8/CNHd0KC7uac/s320/DSC00158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638176951897337634" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--CArtqHqbr0/Tj7UEe4I-gI/AAAAAAAAAmE/bihy1VBCAbM/s1600/DSC00168.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--CArtqHqbr0/Tj7UEe4I-gI/AAAAAAAAAmE/bihy1VBCAbM/s320/DSC00168.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638176956987537922" border="0" /></a>
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Saturday, July 23, 2011</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Got up at 5:00 AM with the crew.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not feeling 100%.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hiked up the road to Baldy Town and had breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Caleb learned that he needed “Onion” which he had not brought.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He and Jordan ran back to camp and back to retrieve it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Used the delay to read the informational posters about mining and habitat change with elevation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finally left for Baldy Mountain at 8:15 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got lost once at the beginning of the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The trail was rocky and quite steep.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We did 10 minutes of hiking followed by 1 minute of rest to drink – worked well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We actually caught up and passed two crews on the way up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The last part was straight up and very difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I found that taking short steps worked the best.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The crew got separated for a bit, but Caleb got the crew to the summit together.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It took about 2 hours from Baldy Town to the top of Baldy Mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We spent time enjoying the views and taking pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We ate lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then we took crew pictures with Mr. H’s monopod trekking pole.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The weather was great when we arrived – mostly sunny with a few clouds.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When we left it was cloudy, cooling off, and it looked like it was about to rain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The trail down was quite steep with loose rock.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We finally made it to a ridge which was very open when it started to rain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We hiked fast to get off the ridge with lightning in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Unfortunately Carl went too fast and had an asthma attack.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We had to wait while he recovered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We were then on a very pleasant trail down with a lot of switchbacks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We then found the trail to French Henry and it was terrible – steep with lots of wet rocks as it was lightly raining.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was feeling miserable.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Carl found a hot spot which we treated twice on the trail and once at French Henry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We wound up doing nothing at French Henry except sitting and resting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We took the road from there back to Baldy Town.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At Baldy Town, we bought some things at the trading post.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I replaced my broken spork and got another canister of fuel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Took a shower.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Did not have a towel but dried off very quickly anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The shower really made me feel better.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Boys got our food at the commissary.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I got a fresh pear which was quite good.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hiked the road back to Ute Meadows.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Was not feeling well again and neither did Carl.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ate dinner of beef and potatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Took care of things and went to bed at 9:00 PM.</p>Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-74695132947838425692011-08-07T12:05:00.000-04:002011-08-14T15:11:24.329-04:00Philmont Adventure - Day 9 - Ute Meadows to Santa Claus<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2VIgGDpix8/Tj7Vlgn5WHI/AAAAAAAAAmM/KL9-JZ1Pz4s/s1600/DSC00210.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2VIgGDpix8/Tj7Vlgn5WHI/AAAAAAAAAmM/KL9-JZ1Pz4s/s320/DSC00210.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638178623903586418" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICUb8WDKCEE/Tj7Vl3Ms1cI/AAAAAAAAAmU/EtxfRIPG28M/s1600/DSC00217.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICUb8WDKCEE/Tj7Vl3Ms1cI/AAAAAAAAAmU/EtxfRIPG28M/s320/DSC00217.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638178629963535810" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSpSYdcK4MY/Tj7VmfqDa8I/AAAAAAAAAmc/0U-5B7avv4c/s1600/DSC00221.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSpSYdcK4MY/Tj7VmfqDa8I/AAAAAAAAAmc/0U-5B7avv4c/s320/DSC00221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638178640824069058" border="0" /></a>
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Sunday, July 24, 2011</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Was awakened at 6:00 AM with the rest of the crew.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cooked breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Saw two deer by our camp site.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Broke camp and hit the trail back to Miranda.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Threw tomahawks again.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Had a tournament which Brian won.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hit the trail again to Head of Dean.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ate lunch there.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Reserved the 2:00 PM Challenge Events slot which was rained out again.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Caleb was nice to a female staffer who rewarded him with snack packs for the entire crew.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Left in the rain for Santa Claus.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hiked through a large, burned out forest.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got to Santa Claus and set up camp.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Boys found Garrett with another crew.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Went and talked to him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Boys filtered water.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Late dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Two of our snack packs were given to Garrett.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To bed at 9:20 PM.</p>Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-92133784846073381332011-08-07T12:04:00.000-04:002011-08-14T15:11:47.477-04:00Philmont Adventure - Day 10 - Santa Claus to Upper Bench<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AJZKxUNMXWI/Tj7X2Kxj-jI/AAAAAAAAAmk/LXZpYfZVEgw/s1600/DSC00259.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AJZKxUNMXWI/Tj7X2Kxj-jI/AAAAAAAAAmk/LXZpYfZVEgw/s320/DSC00259.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638181109119580722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48fmZkiXt5k/Tj7X2TMGr3I/AAAAAAAAAms/uFHYA3kAO-s/s1600/DSC00262.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48fmZkiXt5k/Tj7X2TMGr3I/AAAAAAAAAms/uFHYA3kAO-s/s320/DSC00262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638181111378390898" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAXvxtDHMlk/Tj7X2k21XXI/AAAAAAAAAm0/iSFfFN64ico/s1600/DSC00273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAXvxtDHMlk/Tj7X2k21XXI/AAAAAAAAAm0/iSFfFN64ico/s320/DSC00273.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638181116121013618" border="0" /></a>
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Monday, July 25, 2011</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Up at 6:00 AM with the crew.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Broke camp and hiked to the Cimarron River.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Carl was having trouble, so the boys took a lot of his weight from his pack.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This sped Carl up quite a bit making me the slowest of the crew.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My feet were really hurting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We got to the river and soaked our feet in it while filtering water.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The coldness on the feet felt wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We ate dinner for lunch knowing our evening camp had little or no water.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was mostly downhill to the river.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was mostly uphill from there to our camp at Upper Bench.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We probably hiked 9 to 10 miles total for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We set up camp pretty quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dr. G had medical consultations with each crew member.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Advisors meeting to discuss how things were going.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lunch for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Keegan led a devotional.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Used a latrine (no walls) for the first time after our sister crew showed me where it was.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Walked around the dry lake bed and found a fairly fresh deer leg.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Also found a log that had been rolled and lots of animal droppings.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Saw a deer and fawn walk through the lake bed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Boys climbed the rocks at the end of the lake bed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They then showed the deer leg to our sister crew.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This camp had the first mosquitoes that I saw.</p>Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-74812101576493771512011-08-07T12:03:00.000-04:002011-08-14T15:12:07.637-04:00Philmont Adventure - Day 11 - Upper Bench to Cimarroncito<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDdS4mbFox0/Tj7ZthUa1CI/AAAAAAAAAm8/6PzlOl9Ozx4/s1600/DSC00295.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDdS4mbFox0/Tj7ZthUa1CI/AAAAAAAAAm8/6PzlOl9Ozx4/s320/DSC00295.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638183159575794722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BX4SIN9kU64/Tj7Zt1Wt-jI/AAAAAAAAAnE/rVILIie5vTg/s1600/DSC00308.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BX4SIN9kU64/Tj7Zt1Wt-jI/AAAAAAAAAnE/rVILIie5vTg/s320/DSC00308.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638183164954147378" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJJbxlanr7c/Tj7ZuHUBtAI/AAAAAAAAAnM/l8qPGGEbGMc/s1600/DSC00310.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJJbxlanr7c/Tj7ZuHUBtAI/AAAAAAAAAnM/l8qPGGEbGMc/s320/DSC00310.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638183169774695426" border="0" /></a>
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Tuesday, July 26, 2011</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Up a couple of times in the night and the stars were incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Unfortunately my findings the previous evening prevented me from going too far from my tent to look at them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Up at 5:00 AM with the crew.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Left on the trail at 6:15 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Carl was rattled by a rattlesnake along the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We had to hike around it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ate breakfast on the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got to Ute Gulch Commissary pretty quickly for our last food pickup.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Had another pear.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At the trading post, bought a Philmont Nalgene for Christian to use, some more fuel, and sock liners and foot powder for my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The last two items seemed to help a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hiking through Grouse Canyon was very nice with lots of interesting rock formations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Quite quickly we were at Cimarroncito.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We had our porch talk while Christian defended our packs from mini bears.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We set up camp and had lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lots of laundry was done.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We did our conservation project at 2:00 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>First we moved their equipment from where it was to the Hunting Lodge.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It took two trips.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then we pulled up Musk Thistles and pulled off their seeding heads.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is an invasive species.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ironically it is also on the Philmont staff badges as it has a pretty purple flower.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was a long way back to camp and Carl hit his limit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Therefore we made the long, slow walk back together while the rest of the crew went on ahead. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We took a very nice shower on the way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dinner was pretty late and Christian missed it because he had to attend a Guia meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He wound up eating quite late.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Carl went to bed quite early and we were all in bed by 9:00 PM.</p>Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376335628253460718.post-66778597348478516972011-08-07T12:02:00.000-04:002011-08-14T15:12:28.192-04:00Philmont Adventure - Day 12 - Cimarroncito<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAY60J4dDG4/Tj7cOUa6O8I/AAAAAAAAAnU/VszsUbFUNQk/s1600/DSC00337.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAY60J4dDG4/Tj7cOUa6O8I/AAAAAAAAAnU/VszsUbFUNQk/s320/DSC00337.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638185922072296386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaKNOVimRtk/Tj7cO6Dt5VI/AAAAAAAAAnc/mKGps45tZxw/s1600/DSC00379.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaKNOVimRtk/Tj7cO6Dt5VI/AAAAAAAAAnc/mKGps45tZxw/s320/DSC00379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638185932175566162" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfXVjCRatOQ/Tj7cPPly9II/AAAAAAAAAnk/pPr3rgM0OhU/s1600/DSC00447.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfXVjCRatOQ/Tj7cPPly9II/AAAAAAAAAnk/pPr3rgM0OhU/s320/DSC00447.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638185937955648642" border="0" /></a>
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Wednesday, July 27, 2011</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Got up at 6:00 AM before the crew got up at 6:30 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Did my laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Slightly late for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rock climbing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All climbed up and rappelled down.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There was a race to see who could climb up the fastest.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Chris won and got a Snack Pack.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Back to camp for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Took a side hike to the Hunting Lodge and Window Rock.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Hunting Lodge was interesting in terms of construction and items in it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The tour itself was a bit long and hot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Getting up to Window Rock was very slow as Carl was really struggling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The view from the top rewarded our efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You could see the Tooth of Time Ridge, the Philmont Training Center, and I believe Baldy Mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Keegan led a very good devotional while we were up there.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was very impressed hearing how the Philmont experience had drawn everyone closer to God.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Had a talk with Carl about his pace and dealing with adversity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I told him we would need to send him to base camp if he could not pick up his pace, that I would have to go with him, and that I did not want to go.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Carl flew so fast back to camp that I had a difficult time keeping up with him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got back and took a shower and washed the clothes that I had been wearing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dinner of chicken and rice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Got somewhat organized for the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Watched the boys try to conquer the climbing wall challenge without success.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They could have earned a dozen donuts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To bed at 9:00 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>By the way, no significant rain today – a first for us on the trail.</p>Leslie-Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053834075327101996noreply@blogger.com0