HOmE

I had a most amazing adventure recently.  As always, it is a pleasure to return to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.  Our crew was on a twelve-day trek.  It was challenging, to be sure, but such a grand and wonderful experience.  We hiked over 70 miles above 6,000 feet in altitude.  The photos speak for themselves and are a brief look at our adventure.  I have yet to see the photos from Jim and Jeff.  We will combine all the photos and make a DVD.  In Philspeak HOmE means Heaven On Earth.

A beautiful evening for the opening campfire.

At opening campfire, our crew lead (center below the stars of the flag backdrop) receives his flag, which will be attached to the outside of his backpack.

While waiting at the welcome center, a former chaplain's hiking staff was also a flute.

Our crew lead, Jim, and Ranger Logan review the check-in process.  We did Itinerary #3.

Before meals, the Rangers gather around the bell and this is called the trust fall.  One shouts out a story and they fall into the arms of the other Rangers.  Our crew is wearing orange shirts on the left.  

Our first campsite at Vaca.  Upon arrival we had to assume the lightning position in the cold rain for at least 30 minutes before we could set up camp.  Wow, what a storm!  The thunder sounded like stereo.  I kept my head down to stay as small and warm as possible.  Luckily the storm subsided, we set up camp, fixed a meal, and dried out!  Fortunately we got the rain out of the way early.  We had weather move in every day, but we were always in camp and set up in plenty of time.  

Logan shows how to set up for the bear bags.  All smellable items must go in the bags at night.  An extra "oops" bag is attached to a carabiner and can be lowered by itself.

We reloaded at Harlan before going out to do our trail building.

A gorgeous view from our cons project--trail building.

Spectacular views were to be had when we emerged from the woods. 

Nothing is better than to hike with the one you love!

On a side hike to Window Rock, I felt as though I was on top of the world.  What a glorious day!

The back door at Hunting Lodge shows evidence of a curious bear.  The window had been replaced.  The cabin doors were built to be bear proof.

I fell in love with the Hunting Lodge.  It was a stop on the way to Fish Camp for the Phillips family.

Testing out a trap for coyotes.

Clarks Fork was a nice place to stop to fill up our water bottles and rest a bit.

Cimarroncito Camp is the home of hummingbirds.  There were at least six of them flitting about.  The noise is amazingly loud.

A gorgeous spot to take a break.  

Bones were here and there on the trails.

A curious mini-bear checks out our pack line at Beaubien Ranch.

Kelly branded my leather bookmark and belt.  She was a talented musician as we found out at the campfire.

Crater Lake was another stop for water.  A storm rolled in while we were there, but didn't dim the beautiful view of the Tooth of Time.

No photo of Philmont is complete without a photo of a latrine.  This one at Crater lake is a pilot to bombardier configuration.  The view was lovely.

The scenic hike to Trail Peak was relatively easy.  Toward the top is the site of a WWII B-24 Liberator plane crash.  

Roping some cows at Beaubien.  I wanted to be a cowboy when I was little.  

Aspens towering over us and keeping watch on the trail.  The leaves will be bright yellow soon.

I couldn't resist writing a twig message.  The log was in our campsite.  I think it made a good mascot.

Our last camp was Abreu and the turn of the century house had a comfortable porch with swings and rockers.  We gladly removed our boots and rested a bit.

In view of the house is the cantina... 

We played cards and had root beer at the cantina.  Oh my did that ever taste good!  Great atmosphere--I expected Clint Eastwood to enter at any moment!

We did not make adobe bricks, but we did make mud to patch the wall outside the cantina.  The goats like to rub against the wall and it destroys the adobe.

Burros and goats were the livestock.  There were chickens, but apparently they escaped and have not been seen since.

We had a Mexican dinner with fresh vegetables.  Such a nice change from freeze dried food.

As we were one of the last 12-day treks, we had the Abreu camp all to ourselves.  The Rayado River was rushing beyond our tents and the sound was cool and calming.

Back in base camp after getting a shower and having supper, we walked to the closing campfire.

Yes we did!

Smiles and funny faces = happy campers.  Hike on!

Finished Objects!

When I got back from Philmont a couple of projects were waiting for me.  The Goblin Hat is a quick knit and I used stash (the natural color) from a previous project and a skein of Liberty Wool.  The hat can be worn with the button in back or on the side.  The folded fabric gives the appearance of "ears" when the button is in the back.  I rubbed the unfinished button with beeswax and popped it in the microwave for a few seconds to melt the wax and buffed it with a soft cloth.

Goblin Hat

The perfect button gives the hat personality.

The Little Black Vest was on the chair waiting for me to add the zippers.  I went back and forth between brown 7-inch and black 5-inch.  Once I found black ones with brass I settled with them.  The umber is close enough to black and looks good.  The dark green tagua nut buttons blend in beautifully.  Sally Melville's design is a winner and it was a pleasure to knit.  I can't wait to wear it when the weather cools down.

Little Black Vest--I call mine LUV (Little Umber Vest)

I am continuing to work on Greta for the shop.  Rowan's Finest yarn is soft and wonderful to work with and the design is a classic.  The second sleeve is just about finished and when it is done I can begin the body--autobahn knitting!