[Philmont]: Winding Down

This, from a first time Philmont Ranger, sums up his summer in Paradise.

YiS,

-- 
Calvin H. Gray
Scoutmaster, Troop 405
Associate Advisor, Venturing Crew 405
Georgetown, Texas
I used to be an Owl (WM-62-2-98 @ Philmont)
http://www.troop405.org/
********
My summer in the great mountains of New Mexico at Philmont is
(technically) over. I hiked in yesterday from my last crew, leaving me
with three days of random, various, and slightly boring work around Base
Camp until I leave on the 11th. Yes, I am glad to be heading back, but yes
I am also a bit sad to be leaving this place I have come to love.
It has certainly been an unforgettable summer. From the time I arrived on
May 30th to the day I leave on August 11th, I will have met many
interesting people - both on staff and with crews - have hiked through
some splendid mountains, encountered some vicious rain and hail storms,
ate more dining hall and trail food than should be legally permitted, and
certainly grew as a person from my experiences.
My second to last crew was my favorite. They were from Maryland, all new to
Philmont, but all 17 or 18 years old. They were a lot of fun, could
actually relate to my level of intelligence, and were pumped about hiking.
On the second day, we took a 10-mile side hike from Aguila to Trail Peak,
which was wonderful.
This last crew turned out to be much better than expected. When I
initially met them, I became concerned that I had finally gotten my
problem crew. Advisors were complaining about waiting around at Base Camp
during all the procedures, kids were whiny and pretty apathetic, and they
just didn't seem very excited to be here. But as soon as we hit the trail,
things changed and they quickly became a very sociable, entertaining, and
enthused crew. We had a good time, chatting it up about how it was my last
days on the trail. They even let me pick the final meals, which I enjoyed.
My last night on the trail was spent at Rich Cabins, one of my favorite
camps. Coincidentally enough, this was also where I spent my first night
on the trail during training, which was a good way to wind down the
summer.
School awaits. I'll make it home on the 12th, only to turn around and
leave for San Antonio on the 13th. But I don't mind. I'm excited to be
returning. Excited to take on my new Res Life responsibilities, excited to
take on my newspaper duties, excited to be back around all my friends and
professors, and excited to share my stories from my not so typical summer
vacation.
I am anxious to return home, but am spending these next couple of days
just saying bye to all the friends I've made, eating a few final putrid
dining hall meals, and just thinking about what kind of experience I had
this summer. I don't think there could have been a better way to spend
three months. Though a long ways away, depending on how the world turns, I
will definitely take the opportunity to return next year, and would gladly
spend my time as a ranger. After all, there's no better job in the world.
Take care, and see you soon.
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As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
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