The End is Near!

My summer is starting to wind down and this makes me a little unhappy. It makes me unhappy that I have to leave this simple way of living and go back to school and work. All I need to remember is "to keep my body active and alive". I fear once I get back I won't have the time to take a hike in the woods anymore. Although everyone thinks they don't have the time. They don't realize that you won't have the time, if you don't make the time.


I'm actually looking forward to alot of things back home. My family, friends, and food. Especially the kind of food that isn't freeze dried, or dehydrated. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with letting the woods rub off on you a little bit. Once you've lived in the wilderness for two summers you begin to respect them a little bit more. I know when I came out here when I was 15, I deffinately didn't have as much respect for the wilderness as I do now.


You can deffinately tell the difference between someone who respects the wilderness, and someone who doesn't. Take for example: Most rangers make sure to follow all principles of Leave No Trace camping, and have a high respect for the wilderness, but I noticed that some begin to disobey these rules once they leave the backcountry and throw all the rules and principles out the window once they leave the backcountry. hypocrites...


Anyways... I have been doing extremely well out here. I've been taking advantage of my tentmates alchol stove to boil water for tea. It boils water surprisingly fast. I have also been doing alot of hiking lately. My last most interesting hike took place in the Rayado River from Craggs to Abreu. Thats right, I hiked a river. It was an awesome experience! The water at times was up to your chest, and other areas down to your shins. I hiked the river with another ranger named Machee (Muh-Shay). Shes an excellent hiker and actually managed to keep up. Aside from a few slips and falls we made it. At some points we took off our backpacks and slid down the slippery parts like a big Slip'n'Slide. It was tons of fun!

Pictures...

Me Sliding down the river. Machee thought I was going to float away! Haha

The water was nice and cold. Whereas it was nearly 100 degrees in the sun!

Sunset from Lookout Meadow

Flower I never seen before.

Beautiful flowers. They were all over in the meadow.

Just a bridge I thought was cool.

Trail surrounded by Aspens.

Trail Surrounded by Douglas Firs.

Bonito Canyon



For Those Leaving to Philmont:


Head Advisor: Make sure All documents are completely filled out by arrival. Crew Roster, Talent Release Form, Medical Forms, Tour Permit, First Aid and CPR Cert.(for at least two adults). Also be sure everyone brings any and all perscription medication. And make sure to bring a Map of Philmont. Lean to keep up with your ranger and scouts. good luck.


Crew Leader: You can begin creating a duty roster including activities such as Cooking dinner (breakfast, and lunch will not need cooking), getting water, bear bags, setting up dinning fly. Assign a navigator and a pace setter for each day. Start weilding your iorn fist, and learn the power of deligation and decison making. Your the strongest and most important part of this trek. Just remember it's not a democracy, it's a "Nate'tatorship".


Chaplin: Learn Philmont Grace. Begin practising thorns and roses. Learn how to make god smite unruley advisors. You'll be the crew's spiritual advisor.


Everyone remember, no matter what, that you Will All Make It!