Darren, Stephen, Lior, our adults, and I just arrived back from our fall-break backpacking trip along the Buffalo River in Arkansas. Everyone had a fun time as we were on the trail for three days, hiking over 20 miles. On this trip, we were able to explore a 440-foot tall bluff and a 290-foot tall waterfall. On our trip, we also spotted several elk, deer, snakes, and a bald eagle. Check out all of our pictures on our photo page. Don’t miss next year’s trip!
Scott Davey
As you know, Philmont is the BSA’s premier high adventure base. We are lucky enough to have a trek all to ourselves. Even better, the troop from Houston that we are working with looks like they will have enough empty spots in one of their other crews to accommodate our overflow. I’ll pass along more information as it becomes available.
Located in the Sangre de Christo Mountains of northern New Mexico, Philmont covers an area of 214 square miles. There are thirty four staffed camps and 55 trail camps operated by the ranch. The rugged mountains in the area range from 6,500 to 12,441 feet in altitude. Wildlife is abundant in the area with deer, elk, antelope, coyote and black bear commonly seen.
Each trek is ten days on the trail and covers from 51 to 106 miles. Activities along the way are based on the camps that you visit on your itinerary.
The beauty of Philmont is only part of its allure. Nearly a million scouts have hiked the trails of Philmont since it opened in 1939. All agree that there is something almost magical about the place and the experience of completing a trek there.
Great news! We hit it big in the lottery for 2011 Sea Base expeditions. Our group decided it had two different activities to try for – Live Aboard SCUBA and Coral Reef Sailing. Any scout who is 14 years old by September 1, 2011 is eligible. You have to be certified to do the scuba.
Scuba is cool!
The scuba activity involves sailing around the Florida Keys for eight days and scuba diving at will. Most crews are able to do 15 dives including two or three night dives. While under way, we get to learn to sail a big sailing ship and fish. We chose our week based in part on a special lobster season so hopefully we’ll be eating like kings! We depart July 23rd and return July 30th of 2011.
Coral Reef Sailing
At the time the divers are doing their thing, a second group will be sailing the keys on a 45 foot sailboat. There will be ample oportunity to snorkel all the best reefs and to fish while under way. Everyone should return as an expert sailor. This trip is from July 22nd to July 28th.
Sign ups for both these trips will get serious at the end of the summer. I can’t wait!
Recent Comments