February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1

Permit 8 ® CIMARRON NM T h e M a g a z i n e o f t h e P h i l m o nt S ta ff A ss o c i at i o n® PAID U.S. POSTAGE

Non-Profit Organization high countrY check us out! www.philstaff.com ® Mission unites (PSA) Association Staff Philmont The and present— staff—past Philmont the adventure, purpose of serving the the for Ranch Scout Philmont of experience and heritage Boy Scouts of America. and the 17 DEER RUN ROAD CIMARRON NM 87714 Our Mission High Country®—Volume 38, Number 1 Philmont Staff Association® February 2015 Board Of Directors Ed Pease, Editor Mark Dierker, Layout Editor John Murphy, President Colleen Nutter, Vice President, Membership Randy Saunders, Associate Editor Tim Rosseisen, Vice President, Service in this issue Bill Cass, Copy Editor Warren Smith, Vice President, Development Dave Kenneke, Staff Contributor Adam Fromm, Secretary Kevin “Levi” Thomas, Cartoonist Matt Lindsey, Treasurer columns

Contributing Editors: Robert Birkby, David Caffey, National Directors 4 from the prez Bill Cass, Gregory Hobbs, Warren Smith , Mark Amy Boyle Stinnett, Mary Stuever, Stephen Zimmer Ken Davis 25 ranch roundup - nmgf@ponil Bryan Delaney High Country® is the official publication of the Catherine Hubbard 25 ranch roundup - grant reigelman Philmont Staff Association® and is published six Lee Huckstep 26 ranch roundup - wounded warriors times per year as a benefit to its members. Dr. Dan Miller Steve Rick 31 short stuff © 2015, The Philmont Staff Association, Inc. All rights reserved. No copyright claimed for Regional Directors 39 good campsite previously copyrighted or public material. Northeast Permission granted for non-commercial reprinting Kathleen Seitz or redistribution with proper attribution. Rick Touchette articles High Country®, Philmont Staff Association®, Central PSA® and the official PSA logo® Mitch Standard 6 psa news - autumn adventure are all registered trademarks of: Phil Winegardner 15 psa news - Houston Christmas The Philmont Staff Association, Inc. Southern 16 psa news - new year’s at psr 17 Deer Run Road Anne Marie Pinkenburg Cimarron, 87714 Doug Wahl 18 psa news - psa@sbr 575-376-1138 Western 20 psa news - annual giving success For membership and subscription information, Nancy Stickelman visit our website at: Michael Waggoner 24 c4p, cont.

WWW.PHILSTAFF.COM 28 burrito banquet closes Jim lynch, Immediate Past President 30 linda davis honored Mark Anderson, Philmont Staff Advisor On the cover: Members of the 2014 Autumn Adventure Trek rest atop 33 philmont history - dawson igh ountry® welcomes articles photos and Ex Officio Members H C , the . See story on letters for consideration for future issues. Emery Corley, Legal Advisor Submission does not guarantee publication. Douglas Fasching, Technology Manager page 6. other The editors and publisher reserve the right to select and edit materials to be published. 5 bulletin board

Send submissions, letters or comments to Randy Saunders, Executive Director 37 trail talk “ High Country” at the above address or e-mail: Dollie O’Niell, Office Manager [email protected] PSA® FELLOWS ® If you would like to receive High Country Bob Harvey Fellow in electronic rather than paper format, please PAUL and MARY JANE HARVEY contact the PSA office at [email protected] Glenn A. Fowler Fellow BRUCE BARNES Opinions expressed in High Country®are those of George A. Bullock Fellow Members Only Access the writers and, unless otherwise stated, WILLIAM D. BRYCE Contributing Writers do not necessarily reflect the views of the Emery Corley Lee Huckstep Joe Davis Fellow USER NAME: WILDHORSE Philmont Staff Association®, Philmont BILL CASS David Kenneke Dan Miller Scout Ranch, or the Boy Scouts of America. John A. Maxbauer, Jr. Fellow Password: crookedcreek Rick Thom ANONYMOUS

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 3 from the president how the subject of Philmont always The PSA has been blessed to have a lot comes up. And to find out that of dedicated and visionary people give of someone else was a former Philmont their time to build the organization over One of the important things for any PSA was a struggling young associa- Staffer and is a current PSA member the years. Thanks to Mr. Holman and all organization is to document its history. tion. But, dedicated men and women makes it all very special. of you who have been a part of that team Where did we start from and what within the PSA have made it what it is since. I hope you enjoyed that look back as occurred back when the group was today. Berne J Holman much as I did. finding its identity? We have an archive Hopefully each and every one of PSA President 1986-1990” of documents, but I wondered what we you who has chosen to be a PSA Mem- John Murphy would learn from PSA Past Presidents ber knows that you are helping to en- PSA President as they look back now. This is a letter I tice generations of Scouts and Scouters received from Berne Holman, PSA Past who visit, train and work at Philmont. President (1986-1990), describing how You help carry on the traditions of BULLETIN BOARD the PSA survived during those early Philmont in your scouting interests, Upcoming PSA® Events times. Thank you Berne for this special school, work and pleasure from what look at the PSA in the late 1980s and you have taken away having been a PSA Florida Regional Reunion – Saturday, January 31, 10:00am to 4:00pm your message for PSA members today. Philmont Staff member. Paynes Prairie State Park, Near Micanopy, FL Contact: Randall MacDonald at [email protected] “For those of you who have recently I encourage each and every one joined the Philmont Staff Association, of you to continue to pay your yearly PSA Weekend at the Summit – June 19-20, 2015 you have joined a very special group of dues, become a PSA Life member Summit Bechtel Reserve, Beckley, WV dedicated Scouters who’s love is that of and be active in your Regional PSA PSA Summer Reunion – July 10-12, 2015 and the perpetu- reunions. Share your stories and Philmont Scout Ranch ation of Philmont to future genera- Philmont experiences within the High PSA Summer Trek – July 12-18, 2015 tions who come to explore the majestic Country magazine. Come back to the Philmont Scout Ranch Backcountry, training programs and Ranch on a PSA Trek or attend a PSA staff experience. annual meeting or be a Crew Leader PSA Autumn Adventure – October 11-16 Philmont Scout Ranch As I look back on where the for those young Scouts. And if you can Philmont Staff Association has come afford it, donate to one of the PSA proj- and when I was President, the PSA has ects or General Fund. It all helps the come a long, long way since that time. Philmont Staff Association, Philmont I am amazed. In the late 1980s we had Scout Ranch and the Boy Scouts of less than 500 members. The High Coun- America. from the editor try magazine was published on a hap- Yes, as I look back on the Philmont The December 2014 issue of High Country included an article based on the impact hazard basis. We had just begun the Staff Association, it has come a very of the 1965 flood on Philmont’s South Country, and the reminder that the 2015 PSA Backcountry treks. The Rayado long way from the fledgling days when PSA Trek will cover much of that territory, now 50 years later. Included in the scholarships were just begun. We had I was President. I am proud to be a article were a number of pictures, for which we failed to give credit. We do now no internet. There was no Executive part of this organization and I enjoy - to Phil Yunker, Camp Director at Fish Camp that fateful year. Thanks, Phil - and Director and the Philmont management reading the High Country and staying in we look forward to seeing you at the Ranch this summer as we commemorate that was not as supportive as today. We did touch with many fellow Staff members. summer and the work you and so many others did to put Philmont back on its not have an office on Philmont property Whereever I go in the United States on feet. or a mailing address at Philmont. The different Scouting experiences, some-

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 4 from the prez bulletin board 5 psa® news

2014 Autumn Adventure Trek

by Rick Thom a guide, we decided to combine the crews since most people wanted to do Steven and Cynthia Truemper orga- the same trip. nized the PSA Autumn Adventure Guides Colin Bowser and Sarah again in 2014. Twenty adventurers Burgess helped us to select our food, gathered at the St. James Hotel in distribute group gear, and review our Cimarron for the traditional pre-trek individual equipment. As we loaded dinner on the night before leaving for our gear at the Backcountry Services the Backcountry. dock the weather looked foreboding. October 12: As we discussed itin- Dark clouds gathered over the west- eraries on Sunday morning, consensus ern Backcountry and winds gusted formed around a South Country trip to 30 mph in Base Camp. Our guides that would include a layover day at reported that snow was in the forecast Fish Camp, side hikes on that day, and for that night. During lunch at the PTC Rest Break At The Notch. an option to climb the Tooth of Time on dining hall a cold rain spit against the photo by George Segelken the last day’s hike. Although we were windows. This might be our last warm organized into two crews, each with and comfortable meal for a while. Philmont Suburbans dropped us zucchini, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, off at Zastrow Turnaround about 2:00. and parsley. The cold rain resumed as We shouldered packs and pushed up we continued our trek. We stopped at the trail against a windy, icy drizzle on Rayado Creek below Old Abreu Camp our way to Carson Meadows. Seg- to draw water for the night. Today’s ments of the trail between Zastrow and destination lay within a mile, yet we Carson Meadows cross soil derived trudged this short distance with effort from black marine shale--soil that turns as our boots continued to collect and slippery and sticky when wet. We redistribute mud along the trail. As we slipped along as black mud accumu- arrived at Carson Meadows about dusk lated on our boots with each step until the sun again peeped through, washing it became so heavy that it broke off in the distant Tooth of Time in a magical big globs. Then the process repeated. evening glow. We set up tents at the We took a break at Abreu as the edge of the meadow near the cabin. sun briefly peeked through a gap in Some of us gathered wood and the clouds. The summer staff at Abreu built a cheery warming fire in the Group photo at Black Mountain. Front: Jon Thompson, Rick Thom, Michael Riojas, Cynthia Truem- plants a garden as part of its living his- fire ring behind the cabin as Michael per, Steven Truemper, Sarah Burgess, Colin Bowser, Mike Blocher. Back: George Segelken, Jack tory program. We raided that garden Riojas (with his trusty MSR Dragonfly Person, Scott Tritt, Paul Court, Chris Cook, Carl Gebauer, James Livermore, Reif Kessler, Eric Kessler, Ed Fisher, Matt Fisher, Meredith Barnes, Tim Barnes. and harvested some tasty remnants-- stove), Jon Thompson, and our guides photo by George Segelken

6 psa news Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 psa news 7 one side, shattering a carbon trekking take Bill Matthews back to base camp. pole and cutting his face and arm. He had decided that his balance was Scott Tritt and Colin Bowser patched not quite good enough to risk continu- up his wounds and fellow trekkers ing. We all respected Bill. At 74 years relieved his pack of some heavier items. old, he had been the senior member He hiked on with us to Fish Camp, of our crew on the last three Autumn arriving about 4:30. Rayado and Agua Adventures. Right after graduating Fria creeks had greatly increased their from high school in 1958, Bill served flow since we last saw them on the 2012 as a ranger in the second year of the October trek. The same skilled chefs Philmont ranger program. We gave prepared Sante Fe chicken for dinner, him a good send-off. and we again enjoyed a warm campfire After breakfast all but one of us near the cabin. The sun sets early in began our day hike. Michael Riojas October-- especially early when deep stayed back with his fly rod to catch in a canyon. It always amazes me how dinner. With lightened packs we quickly balmy conditions turn winter- headed up Agua Fria Creek, crossing like as mountain sunlight fades. This it many times on single plank bridges would be another cold night. and big stepping stones. This trail October 14: The thermometer regis- tested our balance and composure-- tered 23 degrees as we gathered around the first of many balance challenges to Campfire At Black Mountain. photo by George Segelken the fire shortly after dawn for hot come. We left the canyon to climb the drinks and warmth. It had been colder switchbacks toward Apache Springs prepared a wonderful dinner of whole- Country. The geology section of the than that last night. My water bottles Camp. Our guides told us that we wheat spaghetti, enhanced with fresh Philmont Guide describes it well. The froze. But the bright morning sun might see elk in that meadow, so we produce from the Abreu garden. We sun felt great on those portions of trail quickly boosted temperatures. After hiked the last half mile silently. Indeed ate and visited around the campfire that it struck. The shaded areas were breakfast a Philmont truck arrived to there was much fresh sign of elk in the and on the cabin porch until the rain still cold, and snow had accumulated returned. About 8:30 we sought the in patches on the shaded, north-facing dry havens of our tents and fell asleep slope cut by this trail. At The Notch we to the pattering of cold raindrops. took a rest and photo break. A beauti- October 13: Temperatures fell to ful geological scene lay ahead of us--a the 20s last night as the sleety rain gave cliff-faced canyon with many shades way to clear, cold skies. The frosty of rock from different eras and events. sheen of tent flies glistened in the sun’s The trail seems to end at The Notch. first rays, but soon melted away. We Those of us new to this trail were enjoyed breakfast on the cabin porch surprised to discover the sharp turn with a bright blue sky and a sunlit view around the rock face which allows the of the Tooth of Time. Today we would trail to continue. hike the beautiful Rayado Canyon Trail An accident occurred as we hiked to Fish Camp. This well-designed trail toward Fish Camp. Bill Matthews Campsite At Shaefers Pass Camp. highlights the geology of the South tripped on a rock and tumbled off to photo by George Segelken

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 8 psa news psa news 9 area, both tracks and scat. The first few The gourmet cooking team pre- hikers to emerge in the meadow did see pared another special meal for tonight, a single bull elk, but it quickly vanished chicken and rice with zucchini, onion, into the trees. and bell peppers and an appetizer of Apache Springs Camp displays a fried trout. Guide Colin Bowser admit- wilderness quality, a place where one ted that this was his first taste of trout. expects to see impressive wildlife. We He liked it. Fred Cribbett, head of enjoyed a leisurely lunch near the cabin maintenance, came up from base camp and rested in the sunlight. Some of to join us for dinner. He relieved us of us took a short walk up the Boundary our trash and extra food, and dropped Trail to the Philmont property line to off a batch of chocolate chip cookies look west over Garcia Park. The group that Cynthia had baked for this occa- returned to Fish Camp via the trail past sion. We enjoyed Fred’s deliveries as Lost Cabins. Several of us got a good well as his company that evening. We look at a dusky grouse perched in a had another inviting campfire before tree on this stretch. As we neared Fish we peeled away for our tents. The Camp we found Michael, still fish- night was clear, still and starlit. ing, with a nice catch of rainbows and October 15: We rose early and brookies. packed up for the trek to Black Moun-

Fish fry at Fish Camp . photo by Jon Thompson

tain Camp via Phillips Junction and the ridge, and then down, down, down Beaubien. We negotiated many tricky through spruce, pine, and aspen forests Rayado Creek crossings on the trail to to the bottom of the narrow, steep-sided Phillips Junction. Several of us got wet valley and Black Mountain Camp. feet when we slipped off of the crossing Enough sunlight remained to pitch rocks. Those of us who slipped into tents and hang smellables. Dinner was the creek maintain that our balance is a tasty new Philmont menu item, Black perfect; wobbly rocks were always to Bart’s Chile with Beef and Beans, with a blame. By exposing these treacherous fresh zucchini side dish. rocks to the rest of the crew, we sacri- Narrow and hugging the creek, the ficed our dry feet for the greater good. valley floor lacks suitable locations for After a snack and sock-changing break latrines due to proximity of the water at Phillips Junction we left the creek table. A few box seat latrines are thinly trail and ascended to Beaubien where scattered along the steep slopes above Carl Gebauer, Scott Tritt, Eric Kessler, Reif Kessler and Ed Fisher enjoying the view from The Tooth we lunched in the expansive meadow. some of the camping areas. There are Ridge Trail (Anklebuster Trail) . photo by George Segelken From Beaubien we hiked northeast to no obvious trails to these hillside two-

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 10 psa news Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 psa news 11 American introductions of large domes- placement. We all made it safely to tic grazers. Four mule deer wandered the bear bag cable at the Tooth of Time through camp before dusk, further spur. We hoisted food and smellables, enhancing the natural aura of this stowed our packs, and began the place. I was excited to experience this challenging scramble over bus-sized, landscape. Most of the West has been randomly-angled slabs of dacite por- so dramatically altered by civilization phyry to the top of the Tooth. that few remnants of true naturalness I last summited the Tooth in 1969, at remain. 20 years of age. This revisit taught me Our second accident occurred as we that geological processes are not always arrived at Shaefers Pass Camp. James immeasurably slow from the perspec- Livermore fell and dislocated his shoul- tive of a human lifetime. In just 45 der. Fortunately Scott Tritt knew how years these jumbled boulders had to treat this condition. Scott success- grown considerably larger and steeper. Mike Blocher and Ed Fisher crossing the Rayado. fully reduced the dislocation, relieving, At this rate, in a few more years, it may photo by George Segelken but not eliminating, James’ pain. Our not be possible for people to summit guides held a group meeting to discuss the Tooth without technical climbing seaters, and they are fairly far from the Although a few of the crossings were tomorrow’s pack-out options. Colin gear. (Other older members of the cabin. Prudence dictated locating a challenging (some even had wobbly would hike with James, Tim Barnes, group also noticed this phenomenon.) latrine in the daylight for future refer- rocks), no one slipped into the creek and Meredith Barnes north to Clarks But the view from the top, and the thrill ence. As we sat around the campfire today. Fork for vehicle transport to Basecamp. of looking down from this Santa Fe that evening, we occasionally noticed At the junction to Shaefers Pass we The rest of us would hike to Basecamp Trail landmark, remained as awesome random lights zig-zagging around on would leave our last water source for via Tooth of Time Ridge Trail with op- as my original memory of it. the slopes above us, as if the valley the next two days. We paused here to tional climbs to Shaefers Peak and top As we looked north from the Tooth were haunted by mysterious, wander- cook dinner and to tank up at the creek. the Tooth. we saw a Philmont Suburban driving ing ghost-lights. But we knew that Lunch will be our evening meal in to- October 17: The ridge trail group east past Webster Reservoir. It had to the lights belonged to fellow campers night’s dry camp. After a hearty meal got up about 4:30 to break camp. We hit be carrying Colin’s part of our crew. searching for these hidden necessities. we hiked north to Shaefers Pass Camp. the trail by headlamp, our first objec- We tried to call them, but no one picked October 16: Before departing this This trail camp lies within wide- tive being breakfast on Shaefers Peak in up. (We later learned that it was, in morning we took group pictures in spaced ponderosa pines and small time to watch the sunrise. Successful, fact, our group on their way to Base- front of the cabin, and pictures to com- meadows. Native grasses, forbs, and we ate as we watched the spectacu- camp from Clarks Fork, and phones memorate the three multi-generational shrubs cover the meadows, which are lar landscape greet a new day. From were off.) hiking duos: Tim and Meredith Barnes, interspersed with denser groves of Shaefers Peak we picked our way along We carefully descended from our Reif and Eric Kessler, and Ed and Matt pine. These grassy areas show little an anklebuster segment of trail toward last Philmont high point and contin- Fisher. We then hiked down the North evidence of grazing by cattle or horses, the Tooth of Time. The rocks forming ued the long and switchbacked trail Fork Urraca Creek Trail. This lovely unlike all of the larger meadows that the surface of this trail are just the right down to Basecamp, arriving in early path stays intimate with the creek we have visited. These are probably combination of sizes and shapes to be afternoon. After showers and snacks which cascades through narrow mini- too high, small, and inaccessible to uncomfortable and to feel unsafe. Trek- we were treated to a tour of the Chase gorges and beneath the Grizzly Tooth. entice domestic animals. Consequently king poles do not work well here; they Ranch home and learned of the new We counted forty-nine creek crossings the scene better resembles my notion of just get jammed between the uneven opportunities for historic interpreta- before reaching the trail junction across what the ponderosa pine natural com- rocks. Every step required careful foot tion and hiking that the arrangement from North Fork Urraca Trail Camp. munities looked like before European/

12 psa news Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 psa news 13 with this special place and Philmont working on the medical basis of this PSA Christmas Party in Houston will provide. We ended the evening at year’s balance problems. He’s not giv- PSA Board member Lee Huckstep came from the December High Country, the Colfax Tavern where we celebrated ing up on backpacking and hopes to be opened his Houston home for a the Philmont Guidebook to Adventure, the successful trek with our guides, joining the 2015 Autumn Adventure. Philmont Staff Christmas Party on and the book Beyond the Hills. “David Philmont staff, and the folks who James Livermore found that in addition Saturday, December 20. With co-hosts Romack” was the most common reply operate the tavern (owned by PSA Life to the dislocation he had fractured his Doug and Sharon Latimer, along with for the questions that left the audience Member Roger Smith). collar bone and tore a ligament, both of assistance from David Davis, Nicole clueless. There were prizes for those in As we shared memories of the past which have been repaired. He had to Duran and her son Isiah, Lee provided attendance, too. few days over food and drink, it was immobilize the shoulder for six weeks, an evening of food, fun, and fellow- As usual with PSA gatherings, the obvious that everyone was pleased and then do rehabilitation. He will ship. Over 30 PSAers, family members, Philmont map was brought out and a with the trip. As Philmont treks go, heal. Our best wishes go out to both of and guests were in attendance. crowd gathered around to scope out this one was not especially rugged or these fellow trekkers as they recover. The evening was kicked-off with trek routes. Tim Rosseisen, VP Service, ambitious. But backpacking in mid- drinks and appetizers. Then, dinner came to the reunion all the way from The 2015 Autumn Adven- October always includes the challenges Editor’s Note: was served… the ultimate one-pot snowy Colorado. There were current ture has already been scheduled for October of short days and wild temperature meal, a cassoulet with rice. There was Philmont staff in attendance, too. Lee’s 11-16. Participants should plan to arrive swings from warm, sunny days to also salad, too. A decadent choco- home was well adorned for Christmas, on October 10 and depart on October 17. exceedingly cold nights. There is a late cake was served for dessert. The including a beautiful tree. It was a won- Details will be forthcoming in future issues feeling of racing the clock for daylight, highlight of the evening was a trivia derful reunion, and everyone enjoyed of , but it is not too early and packs must be heavier and bulkier High Country contest. The answers for the contest the event. to accommodate cold weather gear. As to start planning now for this increasingly we visited along the trail and in camp popular PSA program. Those who have we enjoyed sharing our stories about participated will tell you that, no matter Scouting and Philmont and our moti- how many times they’ve hiked Philmont vations for this trip. Trail-generated in the summer, the absolute serenity and fellowship is always a highpoint and a completely different weather and color in key ingredient of every Philmont trek. the mountains makes Autumn Adventure a “must do” for those who love the Ranch. Medical Update: Bill Matthews is

High Country Index updated

Contributing Editor Bill Cass has once again searched the texts of last year’s High Countrys and used the results of his research to update its digital index. Available on the PSA website, philstaff.com, the index includes every issue of High Country from our founding in 1973 to the holidays of

2014. Our thanks to Bill for this major contribution. PSA members gather for a Christmas reunion at the home of Lee Huckstep in Houston.

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 14 psa news psa news 15 New Year’s at Philmont

As 2014 came to a close, Philstaff past puzzles, pool, ping pong, and TVs and present gathered at Philmont showing football games and the New to celebrate the beginning of a new Year’s Eve programs from Times year. About 80 people, including local Square. The “minute-to-win-it” games Philstaff and their families, shared were once again popular with the dinner at the PTC Dining Hall on New children at the party. There was also Year’s Eve. There were several people a spread of snack foods for everyone that endured the winter storms to be to munch on. Though the crowd at Philmont for the occasion, including diminished as the evening progressed PSA President John Murphy and his (former PSA President Ed Pease, bow- wife Elizabeth. As per annual custom, ing out at 10PM noted that, “Hey, it’s Gene Schnell drove through the night midnight in Indiana…”), about 20 and blizzard conditions from St. Louis. people stayed around and were on Steve Nelson, Philmont’s comptroller, hand to count down the end of 2014 gave a Ranch update following dinner. and the beginning of 2015. The Silver Sage Staff Activity Center New Year’s Day was bitterly cold was the scene for the New Year’s Eve – four below zero at breakfast - with festivities. There were board games, another light dusting of snow. How-

New Year’s Reunion participants pose for a group photo under the entrance sign at Camping Head- quarters.

ever, the sun was out and the sky was a went hiking to Lovers Leap, some perfect blue. The PSA provided omelets watched football games on TV, and for breakfast. Special thanks to our some relaxed and took naps. Even omelet crew: Randy Saunders, Stephen though the weather was frigid outside, Alexander, Andrea Watson, and Nicole 2015 was rung in at Philmont with just Duran. Following breakfast, there as much spirit as any other year – and was a 5K run/walk, organized by the it’s not too early to make your plans to Philmont Fitness Committee. About 25 come to Philmont for New Year’s 2016. people participated, which helped put a lot of resolutions on the right foot. If you shop at Amazon, Following the run/walk, there were hot drinks on hand to warm everyone up. please use their no cost From there, people participated in “Smile” program to give to Ranch management lend a hand in serving food for the other reunion participants. different activities for the rest of New Year’s Day. Some went skiing, some the PSA. Thank you.

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 16 psa news psa news 17 PSA Weekend at the Summit 304-461-7851. At the Summit Center, you will have the choice of the Visitor’s Pass ($25) or by Lee Huckstep with Dan Miller the best and most fun deal, the Action Pass ($55). You will make your choice at We’ve all heard about Scouting’s new- the Visitors Center and purchase your est High Adventure facility, the Summit pass directly from the Summit on June Bechtel Reserve located near Beckley, 20. WV, but most of us don’t know much The minimum age for Action Pass Whitewater rafting at The Summit about it. That’s going to change. participation is 11 years old. Your Philmont Staff Association and Whitewater rafting and meals will Lunch at Scott Summit Center on Summit management are pleased to be purchased from the PSA. The prices June 20 will be provided courtesy of invite PSA members and their guests are as follows: your PSA. to the PSA Weekend at the Summit The cut-off date for purchasing --Rafting full day, $85. This includes June 19 and 20, 2015. For those of you Zip lines at The Summit rafting and meals is June 13. You can with children aged 11 years (for Sum- lunch on river. use the form (an insert in this issue), or mit activities) and 12 (for whitewater Grill @ Adventures on the Gorge, June register on-line at www.philstaff.org rafting) and up, this will be the most 19. --Rafting half day, $65. More information about rafting, action-packed family weekend the PSA • Scott Summit Center including Ac- Summit Center activities and the has ever offered. tion Point, all day June 20. (It takes a Minimum age for rafting is 12 years dinners will be presented in the April On Friday, June 19, you’ll get your whole day to do it all!) old. edition of High Country and at www. eyelids peeled back whitewater rafting • Gourmet dinner @ Smokey’s on the philstaff.org If you cannot wait until on the gnarliest section of the famous Gorge, June 20, 6:30 p.m. – the view is --Barbecue dinner at Bufflers, $26 for then to find out about the Summit Cen- New River Gorge rapids and on Sat- breathtaking. adults, $13 for kids under 14. This is all ter activities, check out the Summit’s urday, June 20, you will participate in • Depart June 21. you can eat. Beer and wine available for website at www.summitbsa.org all the activities at the Summit’s Action additional charge. The Summit is located near Beckley, Point and get a broad sampling of the We have procured a block of 20 WV, (limited air service) and 1.5 hours program the Summit offers. When you rooms at the nearby Holiday Lodge in --Gourmet dinner at Smokey’s, $36 for from Charleston, WV (good air service). leave, you’ll have a good idea of what Oak Hill, WV, for $74 per night for up adults, $18 for kids under 14. This is There are plenty of nearby sites and the Summit is all about. to 4 persons per room, 2 queen beds per all you can eat, with a million dollar activities which allow your visit to West room. The rate includes a hot breakfast view of the river thrown in for free. Full Virginia to become a full-blown family The schedule is as follows: for up to 4 persons. The rate is good bar service is available for additional vacation. until June 10 and you will make your charge. • Arrive in Summit area on evening reservation directly with the hotel by Questions? Contact: of June 18 or early morning June 19. asking for the Philmont Staff Associa- • Whitewater rafting, all day or half tion rate. Dial 888-885-5556. If this block Dan Miller at [email protected] day, on New River, June 19. sells out, we can likely get more rooms. Lee Huckstep at [email protected] • For those not rafting, or only doing Camping, from primitive sites at $15 PSA office at psadirector@philstaff. a half-day trip, a VIP briefing at the to wall tents to cabins is available at the com or (575) 376-1138 Summit, afternoon of June 19. nearby Adventures on the Gorge. You Mark your calendars now and get • Barbecue dinner at Bufflers BBQ ready to check out the Summit. will make your own reservation. Dial Ropes course at The Summit

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 18 psa news psa news 19 2014 Annual Giving Another Big Success Steven Eubanks Matthew Painter George Gomez Benjamin Feril Doug Palmer Annual giving by PSA members and friends surpassed the goals set by the Associ- J. B. Hodgdon James Fleming Gina Rezner ation’s leadership for the 2014 budget, exceeding targets in each of the component David Jolkovsky Kevin Frederick Jennifer Rigdon-Teter parts. Annual giving in the PSA comes from four individual parts: the Annual Douglas Kaderabek Allan Gibbs Jay Rivara Fund, the President’s Circle, the 19.73 Club, and Miscellaneous Support (primarily Andrew Koo Jan Gimar Guy Robinson the annual Silent Auction). Thomas Olmstead Thomas Giugni Laura Rosseisen Annual Giving (the total of the four components above) is one of three ma- David Phillips Bill Grogg Tim Rosseisen jor sources of financial support sustaining the operations of the PSA. The other Gerry Quinlan Michael Growney David Rumbarger two are annual dues and income from the association’s Sustaining Fund (which Doug Rennels Scott Hall Mike Rutland includes the Life Membership Fund and the Scholarship Fund). The income from Len Scheel Alan Hart Jim Ryffel these three sources pays for the entire operation of the Philmont Staff Association Lloyd Stout Carl Hart Tom Sadlo – High Country magazine, staff and staff-related expenses, program funding, direct John Sucher Steven Hentzelman Gary Scott financial support to Philmont, and financial support to Rayado/ROCS participants Benjamin Heyser D. Edward Shea and current seasonal staff. Philturn Society William Huddleston William Shriver Annual giving this year totaled $139,136. By source, those funds came from the Brett Brier Steven Johnson Sam Sibley Annual Fund ($87,745 – which includes the monthly contributions by members Kent Brown Rick & Debra Kagawa Chrystene Speed of the 19.73 Club), the President’s Circle ($49,000), and the Silent Auction ($2,391). Mary Gilbert John Kee Mitch & Christine Standard The 19.73 Club membership continues to grow (reaching 121 in 2014), as did the Kenneth Goertz Clyde Keller Rod Stipe total number of donors (422). Michael Griffin Joe Leisz Richard Thom By comparison, 2013 (also a year when goals were exceeded) yielded $133,345 Steve Hoffer Matt Lindsey William Thomison from 412 donors. Thanks to all who donated to any of the funds which keep the Brian Johnson David Lyons Scott & Denice Toney PSA vibrant. They are listed below. Brian Kopas Jim MacGillivray Richard Touchette Bruce Lanier President’s Circle 19.73 Club Chris Manheim Sam Vivian David Lentz Anonymous Edward Pease Rick Barnes Eric Manneschmidt Michael Waggoner Charles Pint Gregory Ayers Peter Pharr Andee Barnett Larry Marcy Bob Walton Eugene Schnell Tim Barnes Chris Rautman Raymond Bartlett Doug Marks Mark Washam David Setzer Bruce Davis Dave Romack David Berry Stuart Martin Levi Webb Jim Thomas Bryan Delaney Stephen Shea Jason Boyle Jason Mascitti Dan Westbrook Dean & Bonnie Tooley Scott Engle Russell Smart Stephen Braunlich Julie Mascitti David Wilson Douglas Wahl Keith & Lois Jean Gallaway Robert Smith Eric Carlson Steve Matthews Phil Winegardner John Weyer Barry Gossett Rowland Smith Gerard Case William Matthews Dave Woodman Paul & Mary Jane Harvey The Waite & Genevieve Cary Coglianese Paul May Mark Wray Villa Associate Jim Heath Phillips Foundation Angelo Coppola William McCleery Mark & Linda Anderson Lee Huckstep John Thomas Fred Cribbett John McDonald UU Bar Benefactor Clarence Baldwin Bill & Jackie Lockwood Scott & Denice Toney Raymond Czech Danny McMurphy Charles & Beverly Aldredge George Boyett Jim & Jane Lynch Scott Tritt James DeLair David Meyer Paul Anderson Charles Brown Daniel Miller Russell Tucker Dennis DuBois David Mitchell Dave Bates Gary Brunsman John Murphy Debra Wallace Matthew Dukeman Richard Munger William Cass David Caffey Tom O’Brien John Wiebke Dana Edwards Richard Newton Richard Davies Donald Carlson Scott Ontjes Philip Yunker Chip Elliott Kristi Noble Joel Eacker Michael Christopher

20 psa news Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 psa news 21 John & Janice Clark Richard Wertz Walter Kailer James Talley Jane Harris Brigitte Therivel Clay Davis Dan Zaccara Nobutaka Kidoura Matthew Terribile Carlos Harvey George Waters Kenneth Davis Bill Kitchens Aaron Walker Thomas Hedderick John Welch Scott Dick Beaubien Donor Doug Latimer Billy Warf John Henderson Clinton Woods Mark Dierker Michele Allen Barry Longman Michael Welch Steven Hickle Thomas Ervin Anonymous Robert Longoria Oscar Wells Jeffrey Higbie Contributors Rosena Fasching Doug Bearce Mark Lucas Warren Williams David Hillon Neal Allgood Lowell Flickinger Scott Begin Patrick Malloy Joe Young Donna Kemper Timothy Andreychek Thomas Florer Kevin Belknap Larry Marcy John Kennedy Michelle Barrentine William Fromm Larry Blair David Marshall Maxwell Donor Shane Kim Dan Beckelman Kimberly Green Amy Boyle Robert Martin Nathan Abele Ray Kinerd Ronald Bender Fred Gregory Bill Brier W. Fritz Maxwell C. Gavin Alford Kelly Kirkwood Charles Berlin Matthew Greulich Paul Brilliant Michael Mazzocco Charles Alsmiller Joshua Leibovich Nelson Block Robert Grove Gerald Brown Alan McKee John Bacon David Liebmann John Calcaterra William Harken Raymond Burett Wally Meyer Dennis Baker Ronald Marr Michael Coe Rod Harms Peter Calkins George Michaels Vickie Bakken Larry McCollough Ethan Conover Lewis Hiltpold Thomas Cantarine Richard Mills Paul Beames Doug McDonald Gregory Cox Eric Hiser James Cash Doug Minnich Justin Berger David McNeel Jamie Dunn John Hoyle Dawn Chandler Catherine Mirick Marshall Berger Bradley Merkling John Eppensteiner Anthony Kiel Nancy Chazotte Tony Money Steven Brown Ned Miller Edward Fisher Gene Klingler Mark Clasen Lewis Moore Roger Cannell John Mills Benjamin Foote Kurt Kowalski R. Dean Davenport Ellie Morrison Theodore Chappen Ron Morton Michael Forner Greg McEwen Robert Dealaman Emile Oestriecher Deborah Cowden David Moskal Ben Fox Thomas McKenzie Shelby Dickerson Marc Paige Kandra Dickerson Michael Myers Barbara Garcia Bill McKown Rod Dippel Richard Penland William Easley Matt Nichols David Gifford Russell Meals Dawn Ebach Royce Read Jed Fogle Colleen Nutter Andrew Goesl James Mills Douglas Fasching Frank Reigelman Matt Frawley Kevin O’Brien Joseph Grant David Musolf John Ficke Ronald Riesinger Max Furbringer Charles Osborne James Gregg Shelley Taylor Odille Suzanne Gero Jason Rziha Matthew Galchus Mark Ray Keith Grove Tracy Ohmart Gerald Gettelfinger Lou Salute James Gardner David Reasoner Matthew Guinta Jack Person Paul Grasse Ed Schlichtenmyer William Garrison Marguerite Redford Alan Hejnal Oren Peters William Griffin Dennis Schneider Alan Godwin Gary Schuschke Brad Hughes Gail Plucker Bill & Trish Guglielmi Lanny Schnipper Dennis Green David Schweer G. Arthur Janssen Alan Rolley Ronald Hartman George Segelken Kip Grosshans Mark Schweer James Kachmar Bill Ryan Roger Hemminghaus Albert Silldorff Gerald Grossman Richard Searfoss Thomas Lechowicz Randy Saunders Thomas Hendershott Bob Sirhal William Gundlach III T. Rusty Seifert Peter McGinn David Shaver Wesley Heyser Jennifer Slaney Gary Hale Edward Shea Ralph Morris Gary Starling James Hinkle Bill & Sandra Spice Chad Hall Robert Stambaugh Katherine Panek Kevin & Nancy Stickelman Gregory Hobbs Debra Spilman Steve Hall Benjamin Swank Chris Pierson Susan Thrasher James Hohl William Stansfield John Halloran Shannon Szymczak Douglas Roberts Richard Walters Michael Jones Gerard Sullivan Steve Harmony Dave Taliaferro Charles Rohrbacher

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 22 psa news psa news 23 J. Andrew Rosenhamer David Short Sara Warren ranch roundup Edward Rudnicki Jason Sides Ellyn Washburne Christopher Saxton Ronnie Sims Emily Weaver New Mexico Game and Fish Assesses Daniel Schoenekase Zachery Sinsheimer Martin Weir Thomas Schonberger Christopher Smejkal Don Wendell Ponil project Andrew Sheets William Ward Carol Wilson After more than a decade of work by North and Middle Ponil watersheds, Philmont to remove non-native fish but the South Ponil escaped without species from the Ponil and replace them major damage and the fish there sur- with a native New Mexico threatened vived. Periodic testing since then has Campaign4Philmont exceeds goal, cont. species, the Rio Grande Cutthroat shown a small but healthy population, Trout, the project is nearing a success- with the most recent previous survey Even though the Campaign4Philmont (C4P)announced in the December High ful conclusion. Philmont, with a major three years ago revealing five age class- Country that the goal of $1.4M in pledges had been met, with more than $1.2M assist from the Philmont Staff Associa- es. The most recent survey by NMGF, collected and the balance expected in 2015 – contributions still came in after our tion, cleared the Ponil of all fish, erected conducted October 24, 2014 with sup- printing deadline. The loyalty and generosity of Philmont’s friends and former a barrier at the south end of the South port from John Celley, Sarah Burgess, staff is impressive and humbling – and deeply appreciated. Those who donated Ponil so that we could control the fish and Katie Heiss of the Philmont staff since the December issue include: population above the barrier, and New monitored in three places: the Barrier Mexico Game and Fish restocked in near Ponil, Flume Canyon Camp, and Jeff Brewer Wally Meyer Richard Touchette 2001 with the Rio Grande Cutthroats. Pueblano Camp. That study revealed Most of those released in 2001 died a growing and healthy population, Cary Coglianese Jackie Powell Todd Turner as a result of the massive 2002 North including more mature fish. Future Rod Dippe Jason Rziha Greg Wilke Country fire, but a second effort in 2003 monitoring will move further upstream Scott Johns Eugene Schnell was successful. to Pueblano Ruins to determine wheth- The Ponil Complex Fire of 2002 er there has been migration upstream. Additionally, Bruce Davis, who had already given to the campaign, made created major silting problems in the another gift, bringing his total to the amount necessary to endow a permanent scholarship for Philmont staff. Reigelman new Associate Director of Program For these and all the others who helped ensure the success of the Campaign- 4Philmont, we are very grateful. Ranch management added a new face – but a familiar name – in December, when Grant Reigelman was ap- pointed Associate Director of Program. Grant spent some of his “growin’ up years” at Philmont in the TREKS AVAILABLE FOR 2015 1990s, when his father Frank was Philmont’s Director of Program, and he returned later as a program coun- It now appears that Philmont will exhaust its waiting selor at Apache Springs, then camp director at Baldy- town, and camp director at Sawmill. And – adding to list for 2015 treks, leaving slots available for next sum- the family Philmont connection, Grant’s wife Ronnie mer. The available slots are primarily in August, though worked as a Group Leader at PTC in 2010. there will be a few in June and July. If you are interested After graduation from Eastern New Mexico Univer- Grant Reigelman in sending a crew to Philmont next summer, you must sity in 2011, Reigelman served as a District Executive for Conquistador Council in Portales, NM, also overseeing council fundraising, act quickly. Go to [email protected] immediately to membership, and camping. At Philmont, he will work with Associate Direc- reserve your space. tor of Program David O’Neill to staff, develop program for, and oversee the 36 Backcountry camps.

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 24 psa news ranch roundup 25 Philmont Expands Wounded Warrior Program

Thanks to the work of PSA Vice- Chris Werhane, Program Coordinator President Tim Rosseisen, Philmont has for Adaptive Adventures, a Denver expanded its Wounded Warrior pro- nonprofit, as a potential partner to gram to include a fall fishing weekend. expand the program to include fishing. In 2011 Philmont Ranch Committee Werhane provided assistance on how member Jim MacGillivray and former to work with vets with major physi- PSA President Ed Pease worked with cal injuries, or TBI and PTSD, or in several Wounded Warrior programs many cases all of the above. He then and Philmont Ranch management to handpicked the volunteers to work the institute an elk hunt for severely in- event, for it was obvious it would take jured veterans. Philmont provided two a special kind of fisherman to make the permits, housing, food and guides the program a success. initial year. Later, the Express UUBar Anna Fuchs, who directed Philm- Ranch partnered with Philmont, adding ont’s first-ever operation of the Chase another two permits and taking over Ranch, served as the professional the housing and food responsibilities. coordinator teamed with Rosseisen as Charles, one of the Wounded Warrior participants, practices his casting skills. Philmont, through private donors, con- the volunteer. Together they planned tinued to cover expenses for licenses, a program that began with a private have it to themselves). Not only was the fishing licenses. Tim hopes that do- other program expenses, and the cost of party at the Colfax Tavern (Roger Smith the event “perfect in every respect”, re- nations in years ahead will be sufficient processing the meat. closed the venue to the public on a ports are that the prime rib was superb. for us to cover the costs of transporting Last year, Rosseisen identified Friday night just so the warriors could This year, there were four par- the warriors to the Ranch as well. ticipants, four guides, and Rosseisen In addition to Rosseisen, Fuchs, and serving as cook. The program was Werhane, others who donated their centered at Phillips Junction, where a time and energy to the project included quiet evening on the back porch listen- Bob Longoria, Doug O’Connell, Ben ing to the river can be as therapeutic as Herman and J. Harvey. Thanks to the time spent fishing through the day. them, to ranch management for their So can the conversations and shared support throughout, and to all the experiences and new friendships that donors who helped make the program develop as a consequence. possible. All costs for the program are cov- Plans are already under way for a ered by donations. Philmont has an repeat in the fall of 2015. If you would account for its Wounded Warriors pro- like to support either this program or grams, so contributions can be made the elk program, checks made payable directly to the Ranch and designated to Philmont Scout Ranch with “Wound- for this account. In addition to the ban- ed Warriors” on the memo line may be quet at the Colfax Tavern and the base mailed to Philmont Wounded Warriors, camp and Backcountry meals, Philmont 17 Deer Run Road, Cimarron, New Participants and staff of the 2014 Wounded Warrior fishing project. Top row- left to right- Felipe, Chris Werhane, Michael, Bob Longoria, Tim Rosseisen, Ben Herman. Bottom row-left to right- J. provided fleece jackets, Mexico 87714. Harvey, Robert, Doug O’Connell, Anna Fuchs, Charles with Buck the therapy dog. epigram booklets, water bottles, and

26 ranch roundup Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 ranch roundup 27 End of an Era Another loyal supporter and Philmont Burrito Banquet Closing after 30 Years staffer was J.J. Stevens. He commented to Nancy not long ago that there were staffers who had worked at the Ranch husband, Gayle, a longtime ranch hand for four or five seasons and had not with the CS Cattle Company, found the even heard of the Burrito Banquet. trailer for sale in town. After a couple Nancy usually had two helpers of other locations in Cimarron during working with her in the tight quarters the first four years of business, Nancy of the trailer. Anna Archuleta -- the bought the land on Highway 64, had longest-tenured employee -- worked the pole barn built and moved the little for Nancy during high school and col- blue and white trailer one more time. lege. Anna was there on the historic Nancy made everything fresh from 130-lunch day. Sadly, Anna passed scratch -- tortillas, salsa, red and green away some years ago, but Nancy’s chili. It was not just a job, it was a pro- favorite memories were of working The Burrito Banquet in operation. with Anna. “She was so efficient,” photo by Emery Corley fessional restaurant operation. reminisced Nancy. “She learned the job by Emery Corley There were ups and downs, of course. Business was slow at first. The quickly and could do everything but make tortillas. We just thought alike, I After 30 seasons, Nancy McBrayer, Burrito Banquet became a Philmont guess.” Nancy’s eyes clouded a bit as Nancy McBrayer, owner of the Burrito Banquet, owner of the Burrito Banquet in Cimar- staff favorite due to efforts of Todd hard at work. she remembered Anna. “I go home and ron, closed up shop and retired on Conklin. He would show up with 15 photo by Emery Corley I think about it.” Julie Sanchez Marti- Labor Day 2014. The iconic small white Phil-staffers at a time -- especially on nez and Christina Romero were veteran camping trailer trimmed in sky blue sits the days when the dining hall was ing cattle, stopped by. Working alone staffers as well. along Highway 64 where Nancy served serving hot turkey sandwiches. The that day and needing help from anyone The Totale burrito was the best sell- fresh burritos and chili. Some have best day ever was a July 3 sometime in willing, Nancy “scraped him off” and er -- green chili with beef, pinto beans, referred to it as “their first food truck,” the 90s. Nancy couldn’t pin down the he started serving drinks. And from onions, lettuce, tomatoes and shredded although the trailer hasn’t moved in exact year. That day she and her crew that the “Range Caterpillar Special, cheese wrapped up in a homemade about 26 years. sold 130 lunches. The worst day was Flavored by Ranch Hands” was born. flour tortilla. And there was humor in The origins of the Burrito Banquet on the last day of the first season -- the Take heart that there were no actual the menu. The second best seller was are rooted in the fundraising efforts of “season” being Memorial Day week- caterpillars served to customers and a burrito that had everything but the the Miami, NM Volunteer Fire Depart- end through Labor Day. Nancy took that Gayle’s impromptu cleanup surely tortilla. So the story goes, Nancy had ment. The fire department needed to a load of chips, salsa and lemonade to met the local health standards. run out of tortillas that day and, at the raise enough money to get the state of the park to donate for Cimarron Days. What is Nancy going to do with all time, avocados were expensive and low New Mexico to take them seriously and Husband Gayle manned the trailer -- of her free time in the summer? Golf, quality. A local cowboy came in that provide additional state funds. Nancy, and sold nothing. No one even drove garden and make pottery. Her pottery same day and said he would scrape the who lives in Miami, and other volun- up. The halcyon days may have been creations are available at Schwenk’s squished range caterpillars off of his teers knew that burritos would sell. the 90s when she sold 60 - 80 lunches a Gambling Hall in Cimarron. She’ll boots to substitute for the guacamole It was 1985, and after the fire de- day. Toward the end, selling 60 lunches visit her daughter in Clayton, NM, an (the bug’s innards and the guac were partment was taken care of, Nancy, a was a good day. And the Burrito EMT and volunteer firefighter, who is the same color). And then, Gayle, transplant to the Cimarron area from Banquet’s popularity with the Philmont married to the fire chief. She’ll miss dusty and dirty after a day of brand- West Los Angeles, needed a job. Her Staff seemed to decline over time. the people who came to eat at her

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 28 burrito banquet burrito banquet 29 restaurant. “But I’m not going to make Banquet closed for the last time. That day short stuff tortillas” was her final statement on her was cool with puffy white clouds against plans for the future. the cobalt blue New Mexico sky. Nancy Want to buy a food truck? Albeit bustled about during the interview -- roll- Fourth time’s a ... one that hasn’t moved in a really long ing burritos for customers, getting supplies Folks – time. It’s for sale. Maybe you could from the refrigerator in the storeroom, and spend the next 30 years selling burritos occasionally sitting down to recount the I got the October High Country today and found “Third Time’s The Charm (we to generations of Philmont staffers, history of her business. The aroma of sim- sure hope!)” on page 37. Nope -- hope aside -- number three didn’t quite do it. locals and tourists. mering chili and the taste of a fresh burrito, The correction is not quite correct. I was awarded the Silver Antelope, not the with chips with homemade salsa, washed Buffalo. I’m sorry for all of the confusion. Emery Corley is an attorney in St. down with a cold RC Cola made memories The June issue reported Silver Buffalo and Antelope recipients. While at Louis, MO, a PSA Life Member and the le- that will last a lifetime. Many thanks to Joe Philmont in July I went into the PSA office to pay my dues, and reported that I gal advisor for the Philmont Staff Associa- Leisz of the PSA for introducing the author was an Antelope recipient. I suspect that was too late and the August issue with tion. He visited with Nancy McBrayer on to the Burrito Banquet many years ago. the first correction was likely already at the printers. August 30, 2014, the day before the Burrito Thanks, John ‘Jack’ Metcalfe Davis Honored by International Women’s Forum Old photo sparks memories Linda Davis, matriarch of the re- is the true definition of this kind of nowned CS Ranch, has been named one person,” stated the Managing Direc- Philstaff editors Rangers always are. I am the tall guy in of nine recipients of the International tor and Interim CEO of the IWF, Chad the middle of the back row, blond hair On page 8 of the October 2014 issue and duck neckerchief slide. Women’s Forum annual honor as a Flemming. “The International Women’s of High Country is a photo of PSATrek Not sure of PSA policy on giving “Woman Who Makes a Difference.” Forum considers her to be a change- Crew 1. I was looking at the photo and out email addresses, so I will ask that Based in Washington, DC, the IWF maker, a force of nature, and a legend. the names on the photo and two names possibly someone from High Country identifies and connects high-achieving We are proud to honor a woman who were familiar to me. can forward my email to Randy and women in 26 countries on five conti- serves as an inspiration to countless In 1971 I was a Kit Carson Man and Craig. nents. The 2014 awards were presented girls and young women in the US West the two Rangers for our crew were Ran- As a matter of when I worked at a gala in Atlanta in October. Deflect- and beyond.” Among the eight other dy Roth and Craig Vandell and they Philmont staff. In the summer of 1972, ing attention from herself, Davis said honorees were Zanele Mbeki, Former are both in the Crew 1 photo from the the year after my KCM trek, I was that she was humbled that the IWF had First Lady of the Republic of South Af- High Country. When I left Philmont that offered a job as a Ranger at Philmont. “honored New Mexico.” rica, Heba Morayef, Egypt Director for summer, at the end of the KCM trek I My letter came from Joe Davis offering “There are some people who live Human Rights Watch, and Chua Sock never did have any contact with either me the job. But, for various reasons, I of our two Rangers until I saw this High decided to turn it down. And then life by an inner drive and determination Koong, CEO of Singapore Telecommu- Country photo. But I remembered them and career moved on. to live life to the fullest. Linda Davis nications, Ltd. as soon as I saw their names. In fact I I went on treks to Philmont in 1997, recognized Roth in the photo, although 2001, 2004 and 2008 as an Advisor and Philmont’s work with the American Kestrel at first I did not know where or why brought most of my children. All 6 of until I looked at my KCM crew photo. my kids have worked on Philmont staff Partnership yielded results in 2014, with the I have attached a photo of our KCM for a total of 17 summers and a few first nesting pair identified on the Ranch. crew from 1971. Randy and Craig are in Autumns. Finally, in 2012 I retired as a the middle of the front row - I guess as Forester from the Missouri Department

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 30 davis honored short stuff 31 philmont history Dawson, NM 2014 Annual Reunion

By Emery Corley goes into the Reunion weekend. Under the leadership of Dawson New Mexico Dawson, New Mexico was a coal Association President, Joe Bacca of company town owned by the Phelps Raton, arrangements are made for the Dodge Corporation that was a thriv- event - permission of the landowner, ing community from 1906 until it was getting the road graded, printing the closed and razed in 1950 and all of the souvenir handouts, renting out the residents moved elsewhere. Noth- Elks Club, publicity, portable toilets, ing much is left of Dawson - very few mowing the cemetery and painting the buildings and foundations, mine tail- iconic white iron crosses and pipe fenc- ings and the cemetery. But the love of ing. Together with his daughter, Bobbie Dawson by former residents and their Jo, and other family members who tire- relatives has kept the fond memories of lessly donate their time and sweat, the the town-that-was vibrantly alive for event comes together. nearly 65 years. Every Labor Day weekend in even- Friday - August 29, 2014 numbered years, the Dawson New of Conservation and I came to Philmont took me 40 years, until 2012, to finally Mexico Association holds a reunion to At 8 a.m. on Friday morning of the on staff (and also for the summers of get a Philmont staff patch!! keep those memories burning brightly Reunion weekend, a crew of volunteers ‘13 and ‘14) as a Visiting Forester - stay- for past and future generations. The met at the town site to set up for the ing at Hunting Lodge and spending Greg Hoss Reunion is a two-day affair with spe- Sunday picnic. The main gathering each day at the Demonstration Forest. Kit Carson Man 1971 cial tours of the Dawson exhibits at the area is under a grove of cottonwood So, from my initial offer of a job in Philmont Staff 2012, 13 & 14. Raton Museum during the weekend, a trees in the heart of town, across the 1972, and my decline of that offer, it Saturday night social gathering at the ‘street’ from the Old Mercantile build- Raton Elks Club and an all day picnic ing location which was raked and Going the Prez one better at the Dawson town site on Sunday. flagged. Portable toilets were brought 2014 was a reunion year and was in on trailers for the anticipated crowd. Sirs, I got at Philmont for all those years. attended by Dawsonites from many The big task was to complete the Both have my initials carved on the states, including, New Mexico, Texas, cleanup of the cemetery. The Daw- I enjoyed reading the president’s let- back of them. It’s just my connection Arizona and California. There were son cemetery contains hundreds of ter from the October High Country. I to the great trails and memories of at least three attendees who were not graves. The graves date back to the thought he had taken a photo of my Philmont. “Dawsonites” but were genuinely early 1900s and there are current buri- cup. I have carried the green cup interested in the history and people of als as well. Two large mine explosions which I got at Philmont in 1966 as a Sincerely, Dawson. Myself, together with PSA in 1913 and 1923 provided rows of camper on more than 50 backpacking Board Member Amy Boyle and her white iron crosses (provided by Phelps trips, including 4 to the Wind River Terry Peterson, husband John joined the festivities for Dodge) - one for each of the 388 miners Mountains. But I can do him one bet- 1967 Ranger, 1968 Training Ranger and the weekend. killed in the explosions. Joe Bacca and ter. I have carried the metal plate that 1970 Headquarters Staff Much preparation and planning family members had been working

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 32 short stuff philmont history 33 al population got along together. mounds of food. And pictures. There Amy Boyle presented her extensive were lots of pictures to look at. slideshow that she had assembled with The day is about remembrance, historic photos of the town and its resi- both the good times and the bad. There dents along with facts about the mine was a re-dedication of the plaque at explosions that claimed so many lives the cemetery presented by the Italian in 1913 and 1923. Dawsonites gathered American consulate in Los Angeles around the projection on the wall and last year in memory of the Italian commented on each of the pictures as miners killed in the mine explosions they scrolled past pointing out long- on the 100th anniversary of the 1913 gone relatives and remembering Daw- mine explosion. John DiRuggiero of son. As a geologist and a Wyoming Albuquerque made the presentation. state mine inspector, Amy has much Memorial services were performed by to offer in both expertise and genuine representatives of the Greek Orthodox interest in the history of the town. It Church of Santa Fe, a Roman Catho- might be easy to get an impression that lic deacon from Raton and, perhaps Dawson as it currently looks. photo by Emery Corley the town of Dawson closed abruptly in most interestingly, a Japanese religious 1950 and without warning. And to be speaker. All offered words of comfort on the cemetery for several weekends signed in at the museum over the sure, finding a new home in another and prayers of remembrance. And already, but there was still grass to weekend. town on 30 days’ notice wasn’t easy. there was a raffle to raise money for mow. The Trujillo family was mowing On Saturday evening, about 200 But the demise of Dawson had been in the 2016 reunion. There is no charge a part of the cemetery that included Dawsonites gathered at the Raton Elks the making for a long time. Produc- for the reunion events - relying instead their relatives. Once they finished, Club. Not surprisingly, the event is like tion had steadily decreased as had the on free labor, some donations and the there was still about a quarter of the a family reunion. Many attendees have number of miners. The use of coke raffle. cemetery in tall weeds. By about noon known each other for their entire lives (produced from coal) was discontinued We were generally free to roam the work crew had dwindled to four, and many are related to one another. for smelting copper in favor of natural the grounds. Amy and I hiked west Joe, Bobbie Jo, grandson Angelo and There are still a few living former gas, and, perhaps more importantly, across the valley floor to the original myself. For about three hours we ran citizens of Dawson. Since the town the railroads switched from coal-fired home site of John Barkley Dawson. In three lawnmowers back and forth over closed in 1950, one has to be at least age steam engines to diesel engines around addition to researching the technicali- the bumpy, weedy ground. We circled 64 to have a claim of former residency. 1950. ties of the mine explosions, Amy has around fenced gravesites and clumps of I met several Dawsonites who left focused on the original owner of the scrub oak. Joe worked to finish paint- Dawson while they were still children. Sunday - August 31, 2014 ranch that became Dawson and name- ing the white iron pipe fence and the Here was where mowing grass for a sake of the town, including interviews white iron crosses. few hours paid off. Even though I was The big event is the Sunday picnic. with Dawson descendants. Dawson not a Dawsonite, I had met a dozen or Joe Bacca and his reunion committee originally purchased the ranch from Saturday - August 30, 2014 more Dawsonites the day before. I was welcomed 630 attendees for the day. . There isn’t much left no longer an out-of-town stranger; I The gates opened at 8 a.m. Everyone of the original two story home. Just the On Saturday afternoon, Amy, John was the guy who had come out to help had to sign a liability waiver since the foundation and a stacked stone retain- and I visited the Raton Museum. Many with the work of setting up. I spent event is on private property. They also ing wall. of the exhibits are devoted to Dawson. the evening talking to people I had met handed out souvenir laminated posters. The Dawson Cemetery, just up the Museum curator, Roger Sanchez, is during the set up. The most common The picnic area could have been lifted hill from the picnic site, is a highlight well versed in the history of the area sentiment that I heard expressed was from any tailgating area at a football of the day. Families visit the graves and spent the afternoon giving tours how much the residents loved living in game. Folks had tables and tents, grills, of loved ones. The rows of white iron to interested folks. Over 200 visitors Dawson and how well the multi-cultur-

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 34 philmont history philmont history 35 crosses, one for each of the miners lost on Highway 64 and when you can see trail talk in the two great mine explosions gives Roger Smith’s Colfax Tavern ahead, one pause to think about the great loss start looking for the turnoff on Colfax of life that occurred twice in a horrible, County Road B-50 with a “Dawson 1960s 1970s tragic instant. Some graves are marked Cemetery” sign on the fence just after with professionally carved and in- you cross the railroad tracks and the Rich Jennings (67, 74) since leaving the Philip Hertzog (75, 78) has been teach- scribed monuments. Others are much Vermejo River. Turn northwest and go Ranch has worked for the US Forest ing high school biology in Tacoma, more simple - a wooden cross, a small about 5 miles to the end of the road. Service in Idaho, Oregon, and Alaska, and serves as a volunteer Backcountry picket fence or nearly faded stone. You can visit the Dawson Cemetery; volunteers as a disc jockey for the local ranger at Mt. Rainier National Park, In the late afternoon, I took a long however, the remains of the town site PBS station in Petersburg, hunts and also serving for two years as volunteer walk up the road through the main are off limits behind locked gates. To fishes a lot (it’s Alaska!), and contin- Nordic Patrol Coordinator. Contact: canyon. It’s surprisingly empty. I saw learn more of the history of the town, ues to volunteer for the BSA – which 2126 MacArthur St, University Place, only an old aqueduct, concrete sup- the out-of-print book Coal Town: The awarded him the Silver Beaver in 2002. WA 98466. 253-460-0194. zog3@earth- ports for a bridge and a short stretch Life and Times of Dawson, New Mexico by Contact: PO Box 2186, Petersburg, AK link.net. of concrete street curb that I could only Toby Smith is a good, readable history 99833. 907-518-0628. [email protected]. imagine had been the edge of a main of Dawson. If you want to be a Daw- 1990s Robert Sadler street at one time. After the closing of sonite for a day or two, think about (64-68) after complet- ing his Ph.D in physics, began a career Dr. Nathan Dawson, many homes were sold and attending the next reunion set for Labor in teaching at the university level, but Schaumleffel (96) moved. Once you know the general Day weekend of 2016. Maybe mow also included work as a National Park announces (via shape of the low-pitch hipped roofed a little grass or help set up the picnic Ranger. He is now semi-retired as Amazon.com) the houses, you can spot them fairly eas- area. You’ll meet some fine folks who Professor of Physical Science at Culver- release of his latest ily in Raton, Maxwell, Springer and will welcome you to Dawson. I was Stockton College, teaching astronomy, book, Cooperate Cimarron. asked more than once whether I’d be geology, climatology, and astrobiology. – Advancing Your Dawson isn’t far from Philmont. back next time. It was a compliment. Contact: 25597 State Hwy E, Monticel- Nonprofit Organi- Head out from Cimarron toward Raton lo, MO 63457. 573-406-2070. r.sadler@ zation’s Mission culver.edu. Through College & Community Bill Shriver (68-76) may have retired Partnerships: A from employment, but he is more ac- Guide for Nonprofit Leaders. Contact: tive than ever in Scouting. When he Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, took over as Scoutmaster of the Scout and Sport, Indiana State University, Troop at his church, there were three Arena C-09, Terre Haute, IN 47809. active Scouts. There are now 22, and 812-237-2189. nathan.schaumleffel@ he has expanded his service to both the indstate.edu. district and the council. It hasn’t gone unnoticed. On February 21, the Musk- Anna (Lundsteen) Tuohy (90-94) since ingum Valley Council will recognize graduating from Southern Illinois him with the Silver Beaver, the highest University, worked two years as a BSA volunteer award for service at the District Executive, twelve years as an IT council level. Contact: 14282 Beckley manager, and 5 years as a project man- Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. 740- ager. She is married with three children 392-9962. [email protected]. (Alex – 10; Trent – 7; Kirsten – 5) and remains heavily involved with Scouting (Den Leader, WB Course Director, Sil-

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 36 philmont history trail talk 37 ver Beaver, FOS Chair, Asst. Scoutmas- most recently as a Roundtable Commis- Another Good Campsite ter…). Contact: 2708 Berman Road, N. sioner. Contact: 49 Alicia Court, North Aurora, IL 60542. 630-768-3947. anna@ East, MD 21901. 410-287-8892. bengm- lundsteen.com. [email protected].

2000s Sam Schoevaars (11,14) after complet- ing his BS in Environmental Science Matt Guinta (05, 08) after graduation and Management from UC-Davis with a Master of Architecture from decided to travel (Italy, Hungary, University of Detroit Mercy, spent two Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, years in outdoor retail/marketing, and Netherlands…) before accepting a full- now has settled into architecture, but time position with Atria Senior Living still chases outdoor travel goals. His at their location in Walnut Creek, CA. newest adventure involves renovat- Contact: 112 Doris Drive, Pleasant Hill, ing his new house – a 1966 high-rise CA 94523. 925-323-1168. sjschoevaars@ apartment in Detroit, looking south to ucdavis.edu. Canada! Contact: 8200 E. Jefferson Ave Apt. 1603, Detroit, MI 48214. 586-945- Chris Zapple (11-14) is working as a 6611. [email protected]. business analyst at Deloitte Consulting in McLean, VA and driving with Uber Rayado Valley from Toothache Springs. 2010s on the weekends, while training for the photo by Dave Kenneke Richmond Marathon and climbing Mt. Ben Feril (12-13) retired after 34 years Rainier in 2015. Contact: 3401 Slack Toothache Springs a surprising gem in the United States Navy, but remains Run Dr, Falls Church, VA 22042. 571- Just below the rimrock on the southwest side of Urraca mesa, a good spring flows very much involved with Scouting, 214-4328. [email protected]. from the malpais rock as it has for millennia. The water is cold and clear, and tastes good. The water trickles down the mountain to an old tank where it lingers for a while before it disappears back into the mountain on its constant journey. Less than a quarter-mile mile square, Toothache Springs Trail Camp is another one of those gems that make our mountains so special. Hidden from the floor of the Rayado Valley, the tiny bench is surrounded by pinon and scrub oak, and provides some of the flattest tent sites on the ranch; all it takes is a few miles and a little climb to get there! The vistas as one might expect are anything but tiny, with commanding views of the mesas and plains to the east and south; Rayado Canyon to the west, and cliffs of Urraca to the north. On this cold January day, only a handful of mule deer were visiting the seeps below the spring for refreshment, but a fresh dusting of snow revealed the ear- lier visits of bull elk and a young mountain lion. As I gazed toward the old settlement of Rayado I wondered how many early hunters, travelers, shepherds, cowboys, and hikers had quenched their thirst at this special place. I came to the sudden realization that it had been years since I had drunk from this spring and sat wondering at the views. -Dave Kenneke

Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 Volume 38, Number 1— February 2015 38 trail talk good campsite 39 PSA Weekend at Summit Registration for Rafting, June 19, & Group Dinners, June 19 & 20

Name: ______Email address: ______Phone #: ______Addition members in party: 1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______Rafting, June 19: SO MANY CHOICES Full-­‐day (lunch included) -­‐ $85 per person # people: ______total $: ______on how to receive High Country. Half-­‐day -­‐ $65 per person # people: ______total $: ______Dinner, June 19: Barbeque at Bufflers, all you can eat: ALL OF THEM GOOD. One of them green. Adults -­‐ $26 per person # people: ______total $: ______

Kids under age -­‐ 14 $13 per person # people: ______total $: ______Print or digital? Color or black and white? Early or traditional delivery? Dinner, June 20: Smokey’s on the Gorge, all you can eat: But instead of choosing, how about taking “all of the above”? Adults -­‐ $36 per person # people: ______total $: ______

Kids under age -­‐ 14 $18 per person # people: ______total $: ______If you convert your paper subscription of High Country to digital, you will receive: • Each issue via downloadable PDF email attachment a week before the Total $ due to PSA: ______release of the paper edition. Payment methods: • Each online issue is in full color (the paper edition is in black and Credit Card (circle one): VISA MASTERCARD white). • The opportunity to buy a bound (paper) annual edition (pictured Credit Card #: ______Exp. Date: ______above) for $5 (less than our cost). 2009 through 2014 are available.

Check enclosed – make check out to PSA. Send to: PSA, 17 Deer Run Road So – convert and you will receive the color online early version and every Cimarron NM, 87714 December you will be given the opportunity to purchase the paper edition of all copies from the previous year bound into a book, for a total of $5. There you have it: Print and digital. Color and black and white. Early Questions? Contact: Lee Huckstep [email protected] at and traditional delivery. For 5 bucks. Dan Miller [email protected] at PSA office [email protected] at or (575) -­‐ 376 1138 Convert now by contacting the PSA office at 575-376-1138 or psadirector@ philstaff.com.

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