Re: [Philmont]: Mt Phillips

To me, Mt. Phillips was the most emotional and awe-inspiring experience I
had at Philmont. We left Clear Creek shortly after 6:00am, and
consequently, were the first crew to arrive at the summit on a beautiful and
clear morning. (Being first wasn't our goal. It just happened that way.)

After the requisite photos at the flag pole and walking around a bit to soak
in the panarama, it hit me. After being a Scout myself and now an adult
advisor, I was on Mt. Phillips... at 11,711'... at Philmont Scout Ranch...
with the most amazing and wonderful crew... including my own son.

I started to cry.

There was a huge lump in my throat and I couldn't talk to anyone. I just
had to be by myself for a while. And just when I thought I was "coming
around", I'd see one of our Scouts staring off to the mountain ranges seeing
what his Dad saw almost 30 years ago and that prideful welling-up started
all over again.

If I never make it back to Philmont again, that memory will stay with me
until I hit the end of the trail.

Pete Swiggum
Green Bay, WI
Philmont 2005
ICWTGBTP!!

>
> While the hike from Clear Creek to the top of Mt Phillips can be daunting,
> after you have done it one time, it seems to go much easier the second. I
> guess you know what to expect.... We did it in 2002 and 2004 and weren't
> disappointed either time. The pictures we took at the top were everyone's
> favorites. YIS. Mike ('76, '02, '04 and '07).

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Received on Wed Feb 8 09:21:04 2006