We had 6 adults and 13 scouts attend the trip. It started off very well, and we made the 180 mile trip in 3:15. This was great time, and we were lucky to have no traffic. We didn't need to stop on the way. It is nice with a smaller group. In the group we had 8 scouts going to Philmont, one working on his hiking/backpacking merit badge, two brand new scouts and two first year scouts.
When we arrived we found all of the sites occupied with RVs and campers. So we hit the trail and hiked .75 mile to a campground. The trail was well marked and we made it in good time. There were a few equipment problems with one of the new scouts (bakcpack too big, too heavy and broken hip belt clasp. I was really proud however if this scout because he kept on going with no complaints.
The next morning we discovered we were in a very nice location, near a stream and in a wooded area. We packed up and hit the trail. We hiked together for a few more miles when it became evident if we were going to complete 10 miles that we needed to split into the philmont backpackers and the younger scouts. We split into 2 groups one with 2 adults and 4 scouts, and the other with 4 leaders and 9 scouts.
Our group had a plan to hike and set up camp (about 7 miles away) then do a hike w/o backpacks to complete the 10 miles. The trail was challenging. It was well marked, but it was quite steep in several places. The trail led across the hills so we were either going up or going down. The ups were just a bit tiring for me, but the downhills were brutal. My left knee acted up again after about 5 miles (I was even wearing my knee brace). We were averaging only about 1.5 miles per hour. The scouts handled it ok, but a couple of the adult leaders were in very bad shape.
We got to the campsite and set up camp. We were right next to a stream, so we had a great water source. It was also a great source of enjoyment for the boys. The cool water felt great on hot, tired feet. Two of the adults went off with the boys to complete the additional needed 3 miles. One of the adult leaders and I stayed and looked after the camp (and yes, ok - we did rest). The group that went off hiking were expected to return in about 2 hours, but they were back in around 1. They found that the trail became more rough after about 1 mile, and the signs said for expert hikers only. The scouts and adult leaders were tired and so came back to the camp.
Back at the camp we cooked dinner and talked about some of the things we would be facing at Philmont. We also talked about our 7 mile hike out the next morning. We were scheduled to meet the other group back at the parking lot at 12:30. We needed to break camp and be on the trail by 7:00. The boys agreed that they should get up at 6:20. We all were in bed by 9pm.
The next morning Mr. Lawrence started waking up the boys at 6:10. It was still dark, and was a bit damp due to the fact that it was lightly raining on and off all night. It took a while before the boys were up and packed up. the complaint from the tents was "but it is dark and it is raining". After a bit more prodding we were packed up and on our way. The time was 7:20.
Because we were not able to get in the 10 mile hike, we decided to go for one of the other backpacking requirements of 15 miles over 3 days. So for the hike back we added some additional (easy miles) going through a nature hike area. The hike back went rather quickly. We would have made it back exactly on time, but we had a bit of an unintended side hike.
This was a great event to let everyone see their level readiness for Philmont. I felt really good about my physical condition, and the condition of most of the scouts that will be going to Philmont. Now I just need to keep up the training.
