Back to the BackCountry

The Ranger Office, AKA ~ R.O.

Ever since I arrived at Philmont I had almost no time to get on a computer. It's been non-stop training for the incomming campers. I've been tweaking my knowledge of Philmont's backcountry, tying knots, hiking, and learning more than enough saftey precautions.

My training began after I was placed in a TC(training crew) comprised of random staff members. For five days my TC and I went in the Backcountry with our Ranger Trainer, or RT, to learn the required knowledge.

If you have a Philmont map: We went from the Turkey Creek Turnaround to Deer Lake first night. From Deer Lake to Lower Sawmill the next day. Lower Sawmill to Lamberts Mine the third day. Lamberts Mine to Black Mountain Camp. Blackmountain Camp to Crater Lake. And finally, from Crater Lake to Base Camp (no bus in).

After camping on the trail with my TC, I've become quite attatched to the group. We all learned to respect each other as people. When your in the wilderness everyones labels vanish. It doesn't matter what religon, race, gender, or personality you have. When it comes down to it, the people in your group are the only ones there for you, and you learn to treat them as family.


My TC taking off their packs at Deer Lake, You can see Black Mountain in the background.


My Ranger Trainer checking out Deer Lake


Deer Lake is so beautiful after all the rainfall Philmont got in the off-season.


A "Red Roof Inn" on the way to Sawmill Camp.


My Crew relaxing at Sawmill before we went over Thunder Ridge.


ME!!!


Hello! From Ohio! I think I'm used to these conditions. Camanche Pass


The Whole Gang. TC 10.


Lover Leap, picture taken while hiking into Basecamp.


Ranger Fun-Day in Taos, NM. We all passed the RAT. (Ranger,Ability,Test)