December 2016 Volume 39, Number 6

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HIGHT h e M a g a z i n e o f COUNTRYt h e P h i l m o nt S ta f f A ss o c i at i o n ® www.philstaff.org PHILMONT STAFF ASSOCIATION PHILMONT STAFF 17 DEER RUN ROAD CIMARRON NM 87714

High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 National Museum – Heading to Philmont! High Country®—Volume 39, Number 6 December 2016 In This Issue From the President Ed Pease, Editor Emeritus Mark Stinnett, Editor Mark Dierker, Layout Editor Articles Pausing to Admire Dollie O’Neill, Associate Editor Bill Cass, Copy Editor 8 National Museum In mid-October we held a President’s that donated to the BSA so Dave Kenneke, Staff Contributor 10 First Volunteer Vacation Kevin “Levi” Thomas, Cartoonist Circle weekend at Philmont under wispy many years ago has been the source of 16 Cimarroncita Contributing Editors clouds and blue skies. About fifteen PC inspiration for so many of us, providing Robert Birkby, David Caffey, Bill Cass 24 Words from the Staff members piled into vehicles and bounced lots of memories and shaping our lives. Gregory Hobbs, Warren Smith Mary Stuever, Stephen Zimmer 28 Land Grant Pioneers our way up to Baldy country on Saturday Just like the fallen leaves, it is good to Contributors to This Issue morning. What a great time it was check- pause here at the end of 2016 and look Greg Hobbs, Lynn Larkin, Larry Murphy Brad Plumb, Phil Winegardner ing out Miranda, French Henry, Copper back at another year in the books. I have Regular Features Park and Baldy Town. While at French mentioned before what incredible work © 2016, The Philmont Staff Association, Inc. eer un oad imarron Henry I looked down and admired a Philmont does in providing a summer ex- 17 D R R , C , NM 87714 3 From the President E-mail: [email protected] carpet of bright yellow aspen leaves perience like no other. It bears repeating. 4 PSA News covering the trail up to the blacksmith Now as we near the close of 2016, I Philmont Staff Association® Board Of Directors 7 Building HOmE shop. They signalled yet another season want to wish each of you a wonderful of growth high up in the North Coun- winter season filled with fun and laughter John Murphy, President 17 Ranch Roundup Colleen Nutter, Vice President, Membership try which had now paused for a winter and hope for the future. Enjoy the times Tim Rosseisen, Vice President, Service 26 I-Camp break. Those leaves waved to crews all with those around you and get ready Mariah Hughes, Vice President, Development 34 Short Stuff Adam Fromm, Secretary summer long as they passed underneath for new adventures. The PSA Service Matt Lindsey, Treasurer 36 Trail Talk and now with their job complete they can Committee is in the process of organiz- National Directors 39 Poems of Philmont rest. ing regional events for 2017. We want to Amy Boyle, Ken Davis, Bryan Delaney Catherine Hubbard, Lee Huckstep bring that spirit of Philmont to your area. Dr. Dan Miller, Steve Rick Help us make these events a success by Regional Directors Other Stuff attending and bringing others who might Northeast: Kathleen Seitz, Rick Touchette Central: Mitch Standard, Phil Winegardner enjoy them as well. Part of the purpose 5 Outgoing Directors Southern: Anne Marie Pinkenburg, Doug Wahl of these events is to keep you in touch Western: Nancy Stickelman, Michael Waggoner 6 Planned Giving with the ranch, but also to rekindle old Jim Lynch, Immediate Past President 6 Worth Remembering Jim MacGillivray, Ranch Committee Rep friendships and make new connections Mark Anderson, Philmont Staff Advisor 20 Sunset with PSA members. We will do our best Ex Officio Members 22 Staff Scholarships to bring images and news for what is Emery Corley, Legal Advisor happening around the ranch. Douglas Fasching, Technology Manager 33 PSA Week at PTC Finally, a reminder in case you have Dollie O’Neill, Executive Director 38 Parting Shots changed your address, e-mail or other : PSA® FELLOWS On the Cover “Welcome to Philmont” information in recent months, be sure to by Clay Helfrick, 2016 NPS photographer. let Dollie O’Neill know at 575-376-1138. Bob Harvey Fellow PAUL AND MARY JANE HARVEY Second place winner in “Philmont Skies” We don’t want you to miss out on any Glenn A. Fowler Fellow category in the 2016 Staff Photo Contest. upcoming announcements. All the best BRUCE BARNES from the Philmont Staff Association! See George A. Bullock Fellow WILLIAM D. BRYCE MEMBERS ONLY ACCESS It is great to see how nature renews itself you next year! Joe Davis Fellow Username: HartPeak year after year, returning the land to that BILL CASS pristine state we all enjoyed as staff mem- John Murphy John A. Maxbauer, Jr. Fellow Password: stonypoint ANONYMOUS bers and guests of Philmont. The land President

2 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 3 Thanks to Our Outgoing Directors! PSA® News Seven members of our current Board of Directors are stepping down at year-end. Our thanks to each of them for their dedicated service to the association! New Counsel Appointed

Tom Washburne ( 83-84, PC Colleen Nutter, Highlands Ranch, Colo. Miranda 85), an attorney and Indiana Vice President – Membership State Representative from Evansville, will (CHQ Activities 88, Ranger 89, PC Indian Writings 90-91, CD Indian assume duties as the association’s legal Writings 92, 95) counsel beginning January 1. Three of his children worked on the staff this past summer. Adam Fromm, Arlington, Va. Emery Corley, who has served as our Secretary legal advisor since 2008, is taking a well- (Ranger 99, OATC 00, Assoc. Dir. Cons./Surveyor 01) deserved break. Our thanks to Emery for keeping us out of trouble all these years! Attendees at the annual President’s Circle Weekend Steve Rick, Cimarron N.M. in October. Members each contribute $1,000 or New Board Member more in the first quarter of the year. National Director (Ranger 78, PC Pueblano 79, PC Crater Lake 80, PC Black Mtn. 81, PSA member Jim MacGillivray, a member PC Beaubien 83, PC Kit Carson 84) of the Philmont Ranch Committee since BULLETIN BOARD 2006, has been appointed by that group Upcoming PSA® Events to serve as its representative on the as- Rick Touchette, Coeymans, N.Y. sociation’s Board of Directors. The Ranch Northeast Regional Director PSA® Winter Adventure Trek (Ranger 71, PC Cyphers Mine 72, PC Miranda 74, PC Urraca 75, Committee representative’s position is February 17-21, 2017 required by our constitution, but has been CD Abreu 76, CD Fish Camp 77) vacant since the death of Bill McKown PSA® Week at PTC in 2014. Jim also serves as chair of the Ranch Committee’s Properties and Facili- July 23-29, 2017 Anne Marie Pinkenburg, Fort Worth, Tex. ties Task Force. Southern Regional Director PSA® Summer Treks (Ranger 92-95, 97) July 29 – August 5, 2017 Around the PSA® PSA® Autumn Adventure Treks PSA members donated more than $7,800 September 10-15, 2017 Doug Wahl, Murrells Inlet, S.C. to the Building HOmE Campaign on Southern Regional Director Giving Tuesday, November 29 . . . Mariah PSA® Volunteer Vacation (Trail Crew Asst. Foreman 96, 98, CD Urraca 99, ROCS Coord. 2000) Hughes, elected to become Vice Presi- September 16-22, 2017 (Tentative) dent – Development beginning January 1, 2017, was appointed by the Board of SAVE THE DATE Nancy Coleman Stickelman, Las Vegas, Nev. Directors at its September meeting to fill Western Regional Director that vacant position immediately. . . the Northeast Region Reunion (PC Head of Dean 97, PC Fish Camp 98, CD Head of Dean 99, PSA now boasts more than 3,200 mem- Washington, D.C. Area CD Fish Camp 00, CD French Henry 01, CD Cyphers Mine 02, bers, an increase of seven percent from Saturday, March 18, 2017 Backcountry Mgr. 03) 2015.

4 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 5 Going Home: A Testimony of Planned Building HOmE Giving and the PSA®

Like all of you, I don’t spend much time you draw it up, or update it. I think the first year my family went to thinking about my passing. But last week I hope to have many more camp- Philmont was either 1952 or 1953 for my a fellow Scouter in my district, who was ing seasons in my future, but it’s good dad to take a course at what was then the ten years younger than me, passed on. It to know that I have taken proper care VTC (now PTC). We went two years for made me check my meager “estate plan” to leave behind a small portion of my him to take training, and then my mother to see that it was up to date. While it savings to the organization that supports decided we needed to work there the next is not a large “estate,” I thought it was the people, place and programs that are summer. As we were packing the car to important to “be prepared” for that time Philmont. head home, mother caught Mr. Potter when I do pass. If you are interested in talking about (Dick), who was the VTC director. He I did make it a point to specify a small details of making a gift, call our Executive told her to send him our applications and token of my esteem for “The Philmont Director, Dollie O’Neill at 575-376-1181, the rest is part of “my” history. Staff Association.” That way my loved or e-mail [email protected]—she I started working in 1954 or ‘55 PSA life members John and Ouida Henson. ones will have no doubts about what I would be glad to provide any help you along with my mom, dad and sister, and meant to have done when I passed. It is a would need to draw up your documents. worked every summer through 1964. I Those Scouters may be laborers or they simple process—just specify the amount Thanks. Future participants will ben- didn’t work in 1965 because I decided may be CEOs, but they are all dedicated that is to donated to the PSA and spell out efit from your generosity! to follow my then girlfriend to summer Scouters. Those Scouters, both volunteer “The Philmont Staff Association” in Ci- school. We married in January of 1966 and professional, always took time to marron N.M., so that there isn’t any ambi- Jim Lynch and I postponed our honeymoon until talk to and with me about any question guity about your bequest—and make Immediate Past that summer when I brought my new I asked. What a great opportunity for a sure it is included in your will or trust, as President bride to work at the Training Center. young boy! That was my last summer until I Yes, I owe so much to Philmont and retired in 2010 and had on my bucket can never repay what those years did for Worth Remembering list to work at least one more summer at me. That is why I am a member of the Philmont. Fortunately, I had an inside PSA and support “OUR” projects to the Real philanthropy consists of helping others, outside our track because I had worked with Mark best of my ability. If you have not made own family circle, from whom no thanks is expected or Anderson as a volunteer in the East Texas that pledge for this latest capital fund required. Area Council where Mark was one of the campaign, do so today, don’t wait. As professional staff. I was blessed to be the story in the October High Country Regardless of ability no one individual can accomplish and hired as the Welcome Center manager in said: If all of our 3,400 members pledged complete anything worthwhile without direct or indirect 2010, and had the time of my life. as little as $10/month for four years, the cooperation from others. Why am I telling this rather long cost would be covered. So again, make story? Because Philmont totally changed that pledge. You know and I know that Nothing worthwhile was ever accomplished without the my life. It molded my dedication for my and your experience while on staff is will to start, the enthusiasm to continue and, regardless of volunteering as well as teaching me how certainly worth more than $10/month!!!! temporary obstacles, the persistence to complete. to relate with all individuals. I worked all those years (except 2010) at the Training John Henson The only things we keep permanently are those we give Center managing both East and South away. Tent Cities among other things. When Pledge today at you work in the tent city area, you meet Waite Phillips the best people in the world, Scouters. www.philstaff.org

6 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 7 National Scouting Museum 10-8 to Philmont

Compiled from various reports

The National Scouting Museum is head- ing to Philmont! On December 5, the announced plans to relocate the National Scouting Museum from Irving, Tex., to Philmont Ranch, where it will become part of the expansion of the Philmont Museum and Seton Memorial Library and Education Center that is cur- rently under way. “We honor the trust placed in our organization by generous donors and The museum is committed to pre- The museum holdings moving to benefactors by continuously assessing our serving the rich 100+ year history of the Philmont will not include the BSA’s col- stewardship of all of the historical assets Scouting movement through collecting, lection of paintings entrusted to the Boy Scouts of America,” organizing, preserving and displaying and other fine art. A study committee is explained Rick Bragga, BSA National merly the Johnston Memorial Museum, some of Scouting’s greatest treasures, working with the Museum Committee chairman. “We was established in New Brunswick, N.J., including 600,000 artifacts. Philmont will and others appointed by the national considered all possibilities and decided in 1959 as the official museum of the Boy likely be constructing a new facility in the president to make recommendations that relocating the museum to the iconic Scouts of America. It later moved to the admin area to provide additional space regarding the fine art holdings. best accelerates grounds of Murray State University in for processing those items not on display John Green, BSA’s Group Director what the museum is trying to accom- western Kentucky in 1986 before relocat- in the actual museum. for National Adventures (and overseer of plish.” ing in 2002 to its current location adjacent “We are humbled and excited about Philmont), helped spearhead the reloca- The National Scouting Museum, for- to the national service center of the BSA. the opportunity to welcome the National tion plan and is excited about the mu- Scouting Museum to northeastern New seum’s future. “This move will allow us Mexico in 2018,” said Director of Program to share the rich history of Scouting with Mark Anderson. “We look forward to tens of thousands of campers, volunteers, introducing the thousands of visitors we alumni and visitors each year,” he said. get annually to the rich history of Scout- The relocation will take place “thought- ing by adding this important attraction to fully and with great care over the next 18 our community.” months,” he added. Sharing that history with more visi- This move has a huge impact on the tors is a major goal of the relocation. A PSA as well, as our planned new office national task force chaired by former BSA will now be a part of not only of the National Commissioner Tico Perez con- Philmont Museum and Education Center cluded that the museum holdings are not complex, but the “National Scouting currently being viewed and enjoyed by Museum” complex. The new facilities are a large number of people, but would be now under construction and are slated for if they were located in the new museum completion in 2018. now being constructed at Philmont. Be a part of it – contribute today!

8 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 9 ductions. The PSA volunteers spanned tion staff cooked the first night’s meal six decades of Philmont employment and for everyone – fantastic fish tacos. Fresh history. Young to old – they were ready food throughout the week was greatly to begin work. appreciated! Sunday morning consisted of final Serious trail construction began on equipment preparation and then trans- Monday morning. The staff first per- portation to a trail-road intersection formed an in-depth tool talk and demon- above Sawmill Camp. From there, a short stration before the volunteers hiked to the hike took the volunteers to Whistle Punk actual work site, approximately ¾ mile Trail Camp. This would be their home away. No work had been performed on for the next five days. Whistle Punk, at the new trail other than the survey and approximately 10,000 ft. elevation, was some chainsaw activity. Wooden stakes just put into service for campers in 2016. in untouched ground showed the direc- It’s a beautiful wooded and level site with tion. a spring nearby. The conservation staff Dirt, rocks, and debris quickly began had already spent several days packing to disappear from the new trail loca- in large quantities of food and supplies. tion. Corridor branches were trimmed. Their hard work was greatly appreciated Tree stumps were dug out by hand or by everyone. The volunteers finished removed with a grip hoist. Huge rocks camp setup, established a group cooking were excavated. Proper back slopes, Sarah Johnson and crew use a grip hoist to move a heavy load. area, cleared tent areas, set up personal tread, and critical edges all began to take tents, hauled water, and performed some shape. Everyone quickly realized that Giving Back to Philmont: The First PSA® nearby trail maintenance. The conserva- performing this physically demanding Volunteer Vacation by Brad Plumb and Phil Winegardner greatly aid crew itineraries, especially the Photos by Phil Winegardner & John May increasingly popular 7-day treks. The volunteers immediately sold out the event when registration first opened “Far and away the best prize that life has to back on March 1. They were more than offer is the chance to work hard at work worth willing to commit their own dollars and doing.” - Theodore Roosevelt time to have the opportunity to give back to Philmont. IWGBTP didn’t translate Mark Anderson, Director of Program, to just “I wanna go back to Philmont;” recited those very appropriate words at it now stood for “I wanna GIVE back to the closing dinner for the 27 participants Philmont.” in the first annual PSA Volunteer Vacation When the volunteers arrived at held September 17–24. It was definitely Philmont, they were welcomed whole- hard work as the volunteers built the first heartedly by Director of Conservation 800 feet of new trail to Cimarroncito Peak, John Celley and his autumn seasonal a Philmont summit with no previous ac- staff. On Saturday in Base Camp, the first cess of any type other than bushwhacking evening was spent describing the work to your way to the top. The new trail, along be performed, logistics, schedules, equip- Brothers Joe (left) and Jim Schmidt tackle a stubborn stump. with other new routes in the area, will ment shakedown, and participant intro-

10 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 11 volunteers. It will be several years before the trail is completed, but everyone understood their hard work and effort for the week would help to provide future Scouts and backpackers with yet another inspirational mountain view at Philmont. On Thursday, the volunteers spent the morning breaking camp at Whistle Punk, cleaning up, and assisting the conservation staff with various tasks. Next on the agenda was the opportu- nity to relax and enjoy some traditional a fantastic full rainbow just after reach- Philmont backpacking. The destination ing the meadows. The three crews each was another new campsite, Minnette took a campsite and cooked a traditional Meadows Trail Camp, located on the re- Philmont trail meal. A steady rain moved cently acquired Cimarroncita property. A in at nightfall and lasted through most beautiful 7-mile hike, almost all downhill, of the night. No one complained and the took the hikers through Sawmill Camp, sleeping was excellent. Upper and Lower Sawmill Trail Camps, The following morning, the volun- Ute Park Pass, and eventually Minnette teers awoke to a foggy Minnette Mead- The panoramic view just east of the Cito Peak summit. Meadows. Some rain along the way, the ows. Camp was quickly broken since the first precipitation of the week, kept the group was scheduled for a 9:00 a.m. bus work was going to be a lot harder at the work! Also, there was nothing easy for hikers cool and rewarded everyone with pickup at the new Ute Park Turnaround. 10,000 ft. elevation. Any of the volunteers the water crews – the spring was nearly who were new to trail building, other a half mile away. Carrying three- and than the typical three-hour conserva- six-gallon water containers back to the tion project during a trek, definitely campsite after having worked on the trail developed a deeper understanding and all day long was not a fun activity. profound respect for what it takes build The volunteers did take a break a properly designed trail. High quality, on Wednesday afternoon and hiked to sustainable trail was built. Everyone the new trail’s eventual destination, contributed. Everyone gave back. Cimarroncito Peak. They followed the The Philmont conservation staff was stake line that marks out the future route professional, enthusiastic, and extremely of the trail, but currently stops on a sad- knowledgeable. They were excellent dle west of the summit. The final push instructors directly responsible for the required a bushwhack straight up the volunteers’ successful week. side of the peak. The top of Cimarroncito During the week, the volunteers divided Peak (10,475’) is a little underwhelm- into three groups to handle the regular ing – too many trees for a good view. camp chores of cooking, cleanup, and However, just a few hundred feet to the water support. With fresh food on the east, a talus field opens up to provide a menu in the evenings, the dinner menu spectacular panoramic view. Beautiful was always eagerly awaited and each skies, vibrant fall colors, Tooth Ridge, crew did an outstanding job. There were eastern plains, Villa Philm- Fresh food = happy campers! Kristi Noble and Carol Munch chop dinner. huge appetites after each day’s hard onte - all combined to totally impress the

12 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 13 The trail passed by the old buildings of closing dinner, held at the Baldy Pavilion. Cimarroncita. The fog shrouded the de- The continuing strong winds seemed crepit structures and presented a ghostly to make it colder than any time spent feel. However, by the time everyone through the past week at Whistle Punk reached the nearby turnaround, the sun and Cito Peak. Nonetheless, everyone was beginning to burn off the low-lying enjoyed the dinner, highlighted with clouds and a beautiful view of Baldy buffalo steak as the main entrée. To close Mountain emerged while waiting for the the event, John Celley presented each bus. volunteer with the first-ever edition of Back at Base Camp, many of the the Philmont Conservation PSA Volun- volunteers stored their gear, did a quick teer Vacation patch, an instant collector’s clean-up, and gathered again for an after- item. Also, John had prepared for every- noon Tooth of Time hike. 55 mph winds one a special map printout from Philmont did not deter them and everyone reached GIS that showed their week’s trail work the summit. They especially enjoyed as well as their hike to Minette Meadows. looking to the northwest and pinpoint- A great souvenir. ing the recently conquered Cimarroncito Yet another treat for the volunteers Peak. were some statistics that John had assem- The final event for the vacation bled. The 27 volunteers had completed volunteers was the previously mentioned 800 feet of finished trail in less than one

week. This represented nearly 20% of all Brad Plumb Dan Shamblin new trail completed on the Whistle Punk Michael Rounds Craig Vandell conservation project for the entire sum- Jim Schmidt Phil Winegardner mer. Truly a great accomplishment. But, Joe Schmidt regardless if it was 100 feet or 800 feet or whatever, the volunteers left the dinner Editor’s Note: Registration for the 2017 that night knowing they had experienced PSA Volunteer Vacation will open on March a great week in Philmont’s backcountry, 1, 2017. Additional details will be published had a lot of fun, had worked extremely in future editions of High Country and on hard, and most importantly, had given the PSA website. something back to Philmont that would last for a very long time. The 2016 PSA Vacation Volunteers:

Jeanne Babiez Alex Johnson Suse Bell Dan Johnson Daniel Bihn Sarah Johnson Mark Clasen Pete Johnson Edward Cook Lynn Larkin Wesley Daugherty Gerry Larkin Justin Fletcher John May Matthew Galchus Carol Munch Brian Gill Kristi Noble Before and after – 800 feet of finished trail! Kevin Hogan Jack Person

14 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 15 Cimarroncita Ranch Roundup by Lynn Larkin Flooding in the Villa

Today is the last day on the trail of the Photos by Bryan Hayek, Philmont NPS Volunteer Vacation and we are hiking from our camp at Minnette Meadows to Staff arriving for work at the Villa Philm- the Ute Park Turnaround for our 9 a.m. onte on the morning of November 4 dis- pickup. Our hike will take us through covered a flood of water in Waite Phillips’ Cimarroncita, a girls’ camp which closed Trophy Room and adjacent Gun Room on in the 90s. the Villa’s lower level. Water had flooded Like most treks I have been on, the both rooms to a depth of about 14 inches. last day is bittersweet. On the one hand, I Staff from across the ranch imme- am looking forward to Base Camp where The “Cita” brand. Photo by Dollie O’Neill. diately responded with two immediate a warm shower and a good meal await. tasks: evacuate all of the furnishings and But it’s important to savor what little time repaired? Did anyone think that the bug- contents from the flooded rooms, and is left on the trail. This is always the time gies would be parked for so long? Who find and fix the source of the flooding. when the same questions begin to domi- was the last camper to dive into the pool? And those rooms had no shortage of nate my thoughts. When will I return to Did the horses that lived here wonder stuff to remove: chairs, sofas, books, guns, the backcountry? WILL I ever return to why the campers never came back? Why papers, artwork, rugs, hides, fishing gear General Manager Kevin Dowling had the backcountry? I sing to myself a line did this ranch, a place that feels so alive and more started making their way out high praise for his staff’s response to the from a Seals and Crofts song, “we may in my mind, well, die? to the Villa garage, driveway and lawn. emergency. “What they did in a short never pass this way again.” I purposely Finally, my emotions overwhelm me Drying operations were set up all around amount of time to save that from being a hike alone, the silence comforting. and I begin sobbing uncontrollably, tears the Villa to preserve or save water-soaked disaster was awesome,” he said. He cited As I enter the ghost camp of Cimar- washing down my face. Somehow, I feel papers, books, and artifacts. as an example staffer Ben Herman, who roncita, an old truck sits, its engine miss- the joy of the thousands of campers that ing. Further down, I step off the road to visited here. I feel their sorrow as they look at a faded sign on a stable building. said goodbye to friends, new and old, all It reads “OK Corral.” More buildings faithfully promising to write to each other appear amongst the trees. I walk past until they meet again. an open shed. Inside, three horse-drawn Once I got back home, I did some buggies sit, collecting dust. Next is a research on the ranch, learning, among large adobe structure; the sign above a other things, that it was in operation door simply reads “Office.” Untended for over 60 years, and that Waite Phil- flower beds border the walkway. Next to lips’ daughter was once a camper there. it is an empty swimming pool, one that Philmont, of course, owns the place now, had a real diving board. On a wall, the but its plans for the place are incomplete. “brand” for the ranch, a “C,” overlain However, I can think of no entity that with a backward C. would do a better job of bringing the My earlier questions are replaced ranch back to life. with equally unanswerable ones. Who I don’t understand why I was so pushed that Ford truck out of the way, affected by my visit, but I do know one decided that its engine couldn’t be thing – I want to go back to Cimarroncita! Above: Flooding in the Trophy Room. Top: Pumping out the Villa.

16 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 17 Notes From All Over Philmont is participating in public meet- ings conducted by the U.S. Forest Service for comments on revisions to the forest plan for Carson National Forest, which includes the . . . fall fencing crews have completed “lots of miles” of new fencing, especially around Apache Springs . . . new logging (thinning) opera- neke reported that many of the saddles tions are planned for the Bench area, with still being used date back to the original crews accessing the area through Cimar- Philturn days. A number of the saddles roncita . . . Philmont is joining area land- being replaced are being made available owners for quarterly meetings to address for purchase as collector pieces through common forestry issues . . . the Apache Tooth of Time Traders. All proceeds from Springs cabin underwent a fall makeover, those sales will go to the Philmont saddle with the previous porch closed in and replacement fund. made part of the cabin and a new porch added . . . bear sightings by crews were Part of the massive drying operation outside the Villa garage. up from 15% in 2015 to 35% last summer, likely due to dry months in June and July “was walking stuff in and out in his bare into other parts of the building. . . . overhead electrical lines at PTC and feet.” The actual source of the leak proved Camping Headquarters are gradually be- Director of Program Mark Anderson to be a check valve that stuck in an open ing replaced with underground lines . . . said that almost everything in both rooms position and allowed water to escape burros are back as part of the program at was saved, and that most of the water- from a large pipe. Dowling said that dur- Black Mountain, with new pens in place soaked furniture could be restored. “One ing the installation of the new sprinkler for the animals . . . all tents assigned to set of books was damaged,” he said, “but system on the Villa lawn, crews had crews and backpacks rented to campers Horse Department staff with new Phil-saddles: Ben they were not Waite’s – they were just discovered a “very old” water line across Vargas, Chuck Enloe and Andy Rankin. are now washed after each use . . . uku- books of the period that Philmont had the lawn and replaced it. It appeared that leles (yes, ukuleles) are a popular item at obtained.” None of the guns in the Gun higher pressure from the new line may Org Chart Changes Tooth of Time Traders, with more than Room suffered damage. have caused the equally old check valve 100 sold over the summer. Pumps and hoses were quickly set in the boiler room to open and stick. The permanent staff organization chart up to begin removal of the flood waters. has undergone a few updates, with new The leak was eventually found to have Back in the Saddle Again (and mercifully shortened) titles for most originated in an old boiler room on a level of Philmont’s senior management. The below the rest of the Villa. That room had The Philmont Ranch Department took new lineup reporting to General Manager completely flooded, allowing water to delivery of 75 new replacement saddles in Kevin Dowling: move to the next level where the Trophy November, thanks to the generosity of the • Steve Nelson, Director of Business and Gun Rooms were located. A raceway Phillips family and Philmont Ranch Com- Operations (formerly Comptroller) built under the floors to drain water in mittee members. The new saddles feature • Dave Kenneke, Director of Ranching just such a situation couldn’t keep up a custom Philmont design and will be (position formerly Ranch Superintendent) with the volume. Fortunately, the water used across the ranch in backcountry and • Ray Hayden, Director of Facilities only rose to the top of the steps down into Cavalcade programs. (position formerly titled Facilities and The Apache Springs Cabin got a new porch this the Trophy Room, and did not spill over Director of Ranching Dave Ken- Maintenance Superintendent) fall.

18 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 19 Tooth of Time, Philmont Scout Ranch, © James W. Brown. Reprinted with permission. This photo by Dr. Brown, a professor and executive dean emeritus at the Indiana University School of Journalism, now graces the cover of the latest reprinting of Larry Murphy’s classic work, Philmont: A History of New Mexico’s Cimarron Country. Dr. Brown took this photo at Philm- ont’s first photography workshop held in conjunction with the BSA’s National Outdoor Con- ference in October 2011. Check out his thoughts on photography at his website, www.storytellingonline.info.

20 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 21 PSA® Staff Scholarships $1000 Awards For Staff Completing Two Years of Service: Jeanne Babiez (STEM/Env. Ed.) Education Daytona State Univ. James Brady (Hd. Cook Clarks Fork)Elementary Ed. Univ. NC Greensboro The PSA’s Seasonal Staff Scholarship Zachary Clarida (PTC Swing Cook) Geology So. Illinois Univ. Program has once again set a record with Bailey Coleson (PC Abreu) Appl. Behav. Anal. Univ. North Texas $59,500 awarded to 65 recipients. The Ryan Eggemeyer (PC Apache Spgs) Accounting Truman State Univ. challenge for the committee was, as usu- Padraic Elliott (OATC Foreman) Biology Florida State Univ. al, determining which of the outstanding Ian Furst (PC Cyphers Mine) Political Science Goucher College applicants were the most outstanding. DeForest Gould (TTT Clerk) Business Admin. Illinois Central Coll. If anyone ever has questions about the Thomas Hogan (Ranger) Philosophy Univ. of Dallas quality of the current Philmont staff, all Genoveva Hurtado (Regist. Clerk) Comm. Disorders N. M. State Univ. you have to do is read some of these ap- Katherine Johns (PC Cyphers Mine) Biology/Neurosci. Univ. of Denver plications! Photo by Gabriel Scarlett. Zachary Johns (PC Whiteman Vega) Mechanical Eng. Univ. of Denver Brooke Kowalski (Ranger) Chemical Eng. Univ. Notre Dame $500 Awards For Staff Completing One Year of Service: Tek Kreidler (Ranger) Nursing Regis Univ. Katherine Baldwin (PC IW) Anthropology/Ecology Univ. of Minnesota William Lee (Ranger) Mathematic Econ. Univ. of Pennsylvania Kelly Colvin (PTC Services) Natural Res. Cons. Univ. of Florida Michael Mayer (Ranger) Comp. Info. Syst. Arizona State Univ. Gus Conwell (Ranger) Undeclared Wake Forest Univ. Ryan McNeil (Wrangler) Business Mktg. Mt. St. Mary’s Univ. Chambers English (Cons. Spec.) Environ. Sci./Philosophy Furman Univ. Stephanie Pack (PC Miners Park) Psychology Florida State Univ. Suzannah Evans (NPS Writer) Marketing Franciscan Univ. John Redwine (Cons. Work Crew) Mechanical Eng. Kennesaw State Univ. Eric Fortney (PTC COPE AD) Computer Science Brigham Young Univ. Davilyn Rohr (PTC PC) Business Fin./Art Kansas State Univ. Adam Graves (Cimarroncita) Mechanical Eng. Iowa State Univ. Margaret Routson (PTC PC) Nursing Montgomery Coll. Clay Helfrick (NPS Photog.) Architecture Philadelphia Univ. Charley Walton (Env. Ed./ROCS) Undeclared Northeastern State Madelyne Houk (PTC Crafts) Elementary Ed. Univ. Central Mo. Amber Hullum (PC Abreu) Theater/History Texas A&M Univ. $1500 Awards For Staff Completing Three or More Years of Service: Andrew Blevens (Tent Repair) Forensic Science Univ. of So. Miss. Laura Humphreys (PTC DH) Elementary Ed. No. Arizona Univ. Charles Brown (Ranger Trainer) Economics Univ. of Virginia Margaret Ilersich (PC Chase R.) MFA-Creative Writing Texas State Univ. Joshua Clemens (Cons. Site Fmn.) Nat. Rsrc. Mgmt. Paul Smith’s Coll. Michael Kilpatrick (Infirm. AM) EMT Basic UACCM (Ariz.) William Dugger (Ranger) Biology Miami Univ. Hannah Lane (PC Miners Park) Physics/Elec. Eng. Penn State Univ. Rebekah Dungan (Cavalc. Hsmn.) Wildlife Cons. Brigham Young Univ. Hayden Larman (PTC COPE) Athletic Training Brigham Young Univ. Ashley England (Ranger) Outdoor Ed. Black Hills State Univ. Tiffany Londeen (Ranger) Fine Arts Normandale C.C. Cassidy Johnson (NPS Mgr.) Interdisciplinary Western Kentucky U. Daniel Lovorn (Outfitting Svcs.) Pre-Med Univ. of Mississippi Peter Lenharth (PC Miranda) Molecular Biology Univ. of Arizona Johann Ponce (Outfitting Svcs.) Criminal Justice Mt. St. Mary’s Univ. Joshua Lockwood (PC Fr. Henry) Biology/Anc. Stud. Univ. of Maryland Elliot Remer (PC Dean Cow) Outdoor Rec. & Ed. Ohio Univ. Anthony Romero, Jr. (PTC DH) Education Admin. N.M. Highlands Univ. Michael Martinez (Grounds Fmn.) Fire Investigation Dona Ana C.C. Regan Milner (PC French Henry) Geology Univ. So. Indiana Domenic Romanello (PC BMtn) Animal Behavior Canisius College Tyler Minchow (CD Cyphers Mine) Mathematics Univ. of Nebraska Nadine Sampila (PTC Crafts) Biology/Chemistry So. Nazarene Univ. Jay Minton (Assoc. Dir. Cons.) Environ. Geology Univ. of Oklahoma Nate Steele (PTC COPE) Environmental Eng. Ohio State Univ. Rachel Savidge (PC Clarks Fork) Mass Comm. Bloomsburg Univ. Ben Strobel (Conservationist) Biology Doane Univ. Danielle Schmidt (PC Sawmill) Health Unit Coord. Rochester C.C. Steven Trellis (Ranger) Aerospace Eng. Univ. of Oklahoma Samuel Schoevaars (Outfitting) Soils & Hydrology Wetlands Trng. Inst. Anthony Tucci-Benube (PC DC) English Univ. Calif. Berkeley Jack Wilson (Infirmary) Nursing Brenau Univ.

22 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 23 Words from the Staff have the same impact on participants that those two bear researchers had on me. This scholarship is a prime example of how much Philmont cares about its employees. Philmont has a very special place in my heart and I know that the community we have Printed below are excerpts from many of our PSA scholarship recipients’ applications. here feels the same toward me. Read them for some insight into the academic aspirations, personal circumstances, and appreciation for Philmont that they reveal. Compiled by Jan Gimar. I completed my first year of college with a few struggles. Even while being homeless I kept my grades up. I am 19, living alone, and only going to college because I have scholarships. This Philmont will always be special to me. will help me keep going and become a geologist. My parents met here in 1990. The scholar- ship would just be another reminder of One of my adult Scout leaders saw I was struggling in college and recommended I ap- how fantastic this place is. ply to work at Philmont. I am truly in his debt today, because Philmont gave me a new perspective on life. I have accomplished tasks I never knew I could. This was my first time in the Western U.S. and being able to live in the Rocky Mountains Being part of PSA reminds me that working at Philmont is not just working at a summer and hike the backcountry was a big highlight. camp; it is networking! Being part of the PSA is being part of a community of people who are both friends and professionals. I learn more from working here than I have ever learned in a My best friend from high school encour- classroom. aged me to work at Philmont after the health scare I experienced last fall. She I was raised by my grandmother. Unfortunately, she is unable to help me pay for any told me that Philmont was this special schooling, although she fully supports my endeavors. Once I graduate, she and I will place that continually challenged you but be the only people in our family to have completed higher education. helped you meet those challenges and learn from them in a kind, supportive “Golden Locks at Crater Lake” by Anna Thorne, When I return to school each year I find it difficult to explain Philmont to people, but I find third place, “Staff Activity” category, 2016 Staff way. She was correct. it easy to share with them the lessons I’ve learned through how I think, speak, and act. The Photo Contest. mindset of pushing through and striving for success is fueled during school by my memories of I think with regards to financial need, most staff Philmont. are lugging the same metaphorical (and fully loaded) backpack of debt up Baldy, only to realize that the trail down isn’t any easier on the knees. This scholarship would be a fantastic trekking I hope that I can take my education and build a life where I can surround myself with pole. people similar to those I’ve met at Philmont.

I love taking out crews. Sometimes it is hard, but the moment I see that one kid come out of his shell, or take the initiative, or see the glimmer in his eyes when he is truly enjoying himself, it is worth it.

Taking the Wilderness First Aid course last year at Philmont solidified my decision to pursue a career in the medical field. Philmont has given me a myriad of incredible opportunities.

I want to work with veterans to help them have a better quality of life when they have difficulty hearing. Philmont gives me the feeling that it is possible to be caring and have a positive impact on lives.

This summer I worked with the chickens, goats, and burros at Abreu. Consequently I enrolled to study applied behavior to help animals. From the time I talked to the bear researchers my first “Western Lore at Cattle Headquarters” by Margaret Ilersich, second place, “Staff Activity” category, 2016 summer at Philmont, I have wanted to be a bear researcher. Every summer since I have tried to Staff Photo Contest.

24 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 25 Philmont Ranch: 1960s Bienvenidos: 1990s-2000s I-Camp This gateway took over when the traffic flow was re-routed to have a single drive The Gates to God’s Country for entry and exit. In this photo from 2008 provided by Jay Kruemcke of Aus- Philmont gateways have always been The gateways have changed a lot tin, Tex., you can see the intricate spiral- special. Many are the crews that pause over Philmont’s 78 years, but the tradi- ing cut into the support posts. on arrival or departure for a group photo tions of photos and boots have carried at the entry point for their trek adven- on regardless of size, shape or even exact tures. And of course, thousands of those location of these various entries to God’s campers over the decades have dutifully Country. This photo from Neil Gilmour of Wyn- thrown their boots over the top of the Here are what we believe are all of newood, Pa. shows him standing next to gateway on leaving the ranch – no doubt the gateways to Camping Headquarters the CHQ gateway as a trekker in 1968. prompting nearly identical questions – if you think we missed one, let us know! This gateway retained the two-part motif, from mothers on returning home: “You with the “Camping Headquarters” name did WHAT with your hiking shoes?!?” Mark Stinnett relegated to a separate sign swinging beneath the main name bar, which curi- ously dropped the word “Scout” from The Current Gateway: 2010s Philturn: 1939-1941 Camping Headquarters: 40s-50s the name of the ranch. Note the famous 54-inch Douglas fir logs that straddled Trekkers in Philmont’s early years stood the entryway well into the 70s. As every beneath this two-part gateway in classic ranger from the time well recalls from bus campaign hats and knee socks. This tour info, these were donated to Philmont entry was featured on an early Philmont after they proved to be too large for the postcard. Can you identify the buildings mill in Cimarron to handle. shown? Maguire Gateway: 1970s-80s

This behemoth, a gift of the Maguire The first and only Philmont gateway Foundation in Stamford, Conn., spanned This one is built to last! We’re back to without the name “Philmont” on it, this both entry and exit lanes and had LOTS the traditional two-part design with is also the only gateway not located at of room for boots (although, oddly the ranch name on the crossbar and the the current Camping Headquarters. The enough, none made it into this postcard subtitle “Camping Headquarters” on the Philturn gateway welcomed campers in photo from the time). One wonders swaying part beneath. the ranch’s early years before Waite Phil- what ever happened to that nicely done Our thanks to PSA member Eric lips’ second gift, and the name change to wrought-iron outline of the ranch bound- Manneschmidt for this photo from his “Philmont Scout Ranch.” ary mounted on the front wall? trek in 2013.

26 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 27 Philmont History

The Land Grant Pioneers by Larry Murphy citizen who had once superintended the Santa Fe public schools, Miranda could Continuation of an ongoing series. easily win the favor of Armijo and help obtain the desired property. The Beaubien and Miranda Beaubien and Miranda submitted Land Grant their petition to the governor on Janu- ary 8, 1841. They opened by describing By 1841 Charles Beaubien had decided the backward condition of the province: to obtain a ranch on the eastern side of “With the possible exception of Califor- the Sangre de Cristo Mountains along nia,” they explained, “New Mexico was the route of the . There the most retarded area of the country in he could enlarge his already extensive intelligence, industry, and manufactur- holdings far from Father Martinez and ing.” Yet it had all the natural advantages the suspicious Mexican officials. A store of abundant water, useful timber, fertile along the trail would also be profitable, soil, and rich mineral deposits. he was sure, and the cattle and sheep But for the want of enterprising men raised there would build a proper estate to exploit these, the land was not being for his many children. used. They felt that only by granting But Beaubien was also certain that undeveloped tracts to private individuals in crime. Put such unproductive hands to the summit of the mountains, and return Governor Armijo would never grant such could the country be made productive. work, they urged, to improve the vacant south to the beginning. a tract to anyone of foreign birth. To in- Moreover, the territory was full of idle land and develop New Mexico. Beaubien’s partnership with Miranda fluence the powerful governor, he invited people who were financial burdens to Despite the unpromising situation turned out to be a prudent one. Only Don Guadalupe Miranda to join him in the more industrious citizens, as well as they had just described, the two men three days after the petition had been the venture. As a distinguished Mexican being responsible for constant increases believed that the future of the province submitted, Governor Armijo scrawled his was bright: “This is the age of progress approval on the margin of the request, and the march of intellect, and they are so authorizing the grantees to make the rapid that we may expect, at a day not far “proper use” of their land “which the law distant, that they will reach even us.” allows.” Turning to the specific reason for their Unfortunately for Beaubien, within petition, Beaubien and Miranda request- a few months after his petition had been ed that they be granted a tract of land granted, violent anti-foreign sentiments which they could improve by growing were aroused throughout New Mexico by sugar beets or cotton and raising all kinds the arrival of the notorious Texas-Santa Fe of livestock. expedition. Angry crowds milled in the The boundaries they suggested were streets of Santa Fe, threatening the life of typically vague. The ranch would com- any foreigner who dared to appear, while mence at the junction of the Rayado and at Taos, Beaubien’s friend Charles Bent Colorado (Canadian) rivers, go north to was arrested and carted off to the capital. Charles Beaubien, Guadalupe Miranda and Gov. Manuel Armijos – the land grant pioneers. the Una de Gato River, continue east to Obviously it was no time for a man like

28 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 29 Beaubien to be founding settlements plans, they apparently deeded him a one- along the eastern side of the mountains. fourth interest in the vast tract on March Not until February 12, 1843, did 2, 1843. From that day on, the governor Beaubien and Miranda petition Taos always supported the owners against all Justice of the Peace Cornelio Vigil to attackers. put them in actual possession of their More important, on that same day, land. The official readily complied and they negotiated an agreement with ten days later accompanied them with Charles Bent for the development of the five witnesses over the mountains to the area. In exchange for superintending grant where he erected a series of seven future colonization activities, at the head mounds to mark its outer boundaries. of the Canadian River, the experienced “I took them by the hand,” Vigil re- American entrepreneur, whose Arkan- ported, “walked with them, caused them sas River fort had been so successful, to throw earth, pull up weeds, and show was granted “the fourth part of the land other evidences of possession.” After which our possession includes.” the ceremony was over, Vigil declared As the land owners had probably the pair in “perfect and personal posses- anticipated, the most intense opposi- sion” of their ranch, guaranteeing that tion came from Father Martinez. Along the grantees, their children, and succes- with the chiefs of Taos Pueblo, Martinez sors should retain possession of the land protested that the grant included part of forever. the communal grazing and hunting lands Charles Bent, the fourth grant partner, and Richard Owens, early grant settler. reserved to the pueblo. Moreover, he Settling the Northern Frontier insisted that Charles Bent had an inter- office, the Departmental Assembly ruled where the village of Cimarron is now est in the property, and that the govern- in mid-April of 1844 that Martinez’ claims located. It was directed by Cornelio Vigil, were false and ordered that full use of the who had earlier put the grantees in pos- Throughout 1843 and 1844 Beaubien ment of the Republic of Mexico could not land be returned. session of their land. Before long there and Miranda met constant opposition in possibly have wanted to give land to an Almost immediately Beaubien and were large fields of corn, beans, pump- their attempts to establish settlements un-naturalized foreigner. Bent began plans to colonize along the kins and the like in the area and several on the land granted to them. To prevent Although the grant was temporar- Ponil and Cimarron Rivers. Informed houses had been erected near the river. Governor Armijo from hindering their ily suspended while Armijo was out of that a Justice of the Peace would be re- The first two American settlers in the quired in the area, Governor Felipe Sena region were probably Kit Carson, already recommended Beaubien himself for the famous for his service as guide to John C. post in April of 1844. Fremont’s first western expedition, and A large number of persons had Richard Owens, who would soon make already been offered land, no doubt on a his own fame on a third Fremont trip. share-crop basis, so that when the snows The two men decided they had “rambled melted in the spring of 1844 several par- enough” and in the spring of 1845 they ties headed across the mountains from settled along the “Little Cimarron River” Taos to the grant. One group under the where they built a few small huts, put in direct leadership of Beaubien and Bent at least fifteen acres of grain, and started settled at a place called El Ponil, where cutting timber in order to make further they built rude houses and planted corn improvements. In August, Carson and or grain in the fertile valley. Owens left the area to join Fremont, but A second colony was established the others apparently remained in the Beaubien Camp, named for our pioneering grantee. Photo by George Segelken. along the Cimarron River approximately Cimarron Valley, continuing to cultivate

30 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 31 The Ultimate Philmont Family Vacation!

PSA Week at PTC July 23-29, 2017 Treat your family to all the great PTC programs! Registration now open!

Photo: “We Like the Hike!” by Casey Dowling.

Miranda, the other namesake camp. Photo by Glenn Holladay, 2003, courtesy Troop 116, Charlotte, N.C. its fertile soil. and the subsequent Taos uprising forced North of the Cimarron, Tom Boggs the remaining settlers to retreat to safer and John Hatcher built cabins on the areas. Although temporarily abandoned, Ponil River during 1845 and were prepar- the establishment of another colony on ing to commence farming. The grizzly the Rayado would soon bring new life to bears were so numerous that the men the Beaubien-Miranda Grant. had to erect scaffolds in their fields from which to fight off the savage beasts which Editor’s Note: The preceding stories originally ruined their crops and killed off their appeared in The Springer Tribune as part of a livestock. Finally the pair decided that it series entitled “Colfax County Sketches,” was fruitless to raise corn and graze beef which were later collected and published in in such an inhospitable wilderness and the book Out in God’s Country: A History abandoned their farm, returning to the of Colfax County, New Mexico, © 1969, relative security of Bent’s Fort. Springer Publishing Co., Inc. Reprinted with Several factors contributed to the permission. temporary abandonment of the Cimarron and Ponil area by 1847. Constant Indian About the Author: The late historian and depredations, along with the climate and author Lawrence R. “Larry” Murphy worked primitive conditions, discouraged many. ten years on the Philmont staff in the 1960s www.philmontscoutranch.org/ The Mexican government constantly and early 1970s. He is also the author of PTC/ConferencesO.aspx threw up obstacles to development, while Philmont: A History of New Mexico’s the arrival of the American army in 1846 Cimarron Country. Click on PSA Reunion – Week 7 32 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 33 by the Hunting Lodge and stopped there The Prez Digs It Short Stuff briefly. While it was not a “camp,” it was staffed by an older couple who, as I I think you should know that the in- recall, were from East Texas. They gave cumbent president of the PSA has been More Pork Tales to prepare some food and coffee. Shorty us a tour and discussed the history of the implicated through a series of e-mails and also packed into Rayado and Clear Creek Hunting Lodge. text messages as being a major player in I am now in my 83rd year, and my memo- so his stop at Porcupine was very short. I found the tour of great interest actions that have resulted in the tearing ries of Philmont experiences and staff are Has anyone seen a photo of the Por- because decades before I can claim to up of sod and disruptive trenching in the just as keen today as ever before. I count cupine cabin showing the front log wall have briefly been the camp director of lawn of the Villa Philmonte. Philmont and its staff among my many and fireplace? If so, please advise. the Hunting Lodge. In 1971 there was a Thanks to great efforts and guidance blessings – every day! You don’t forget short-lived experiment to base all rangers by John Murphy, Philmont was able to leaders and personalities like George James W. “Jim” Mills in five starting camps. Training rangers stay on target and under budget with the Bullock (and did you know he was very HQ Staff 48-49, Rayado 50, Porcupine 51 (or ranger trainers as I believe they are installation of a new irrigation system for skilled with a bullwhip?), Clarence Dunn, [email protected] now called) were given a new title with the front lawn of the Villa. Through his Dale Olsen, Doc Rouse, Boss Sanchez, the responsibility of running these camps efforts the system was installed this fall Fred Maldenado and Eddie Bacca – just Early Hunting Lodge CD and supervising about 25 rangers who so the lawn can be repaired and restored to name a few of the pioneers during my were assigned to each starting camp. The before the summer season of 2017. The days at Philmont. plan did not work and by mid-summer new system is state of the art in terms of had been totally abandoned, but for efficiency in operation and conservation several weeks I was the “Ranger Camp of water. It will also will cover areas pre- Director” of the Hunting Lodge! viously in “dead” zones, thus “finishing” After the ranger starting camps were off the entire front lawn of the Villa. shut down as staffed camps, the ranger Kudos and great thanks to John camp directors were brought back to HQ Murphy, president of the Philmont Staff and “somewhat” reverted to training Association! rangers. Dave Kenneke John Mills Director of Ranching Food Svc. 64, Ranger 65, ACR 71 Philmont Scout Ranch I was the ranger at Porcupine Trail [email protected] [email protected] Camp in 1951 (see photo). The Adiron- dack cabin was my shelter in a small canyon meadow about 100 feet from the Rayado River. What a campsite! I built the hitching posts and enclosed the open front end of the cabin with aspen logs and TR (and CD) John Mills, 1971. a large stone fireplace. As shown by the tarp, I did not get around to repairing the I enjoyed the short article on the Hunting roof. Lodge in the October 2016 issue. There There were no roads to Porcupine; are a couple of minor additions I would thus all supplies were packed in by back like to mention about staffing of the or mule from Crater (a few miles over the Hunting Lodge. First, the article states mountain). When I heard the mule bells that the Hunting Lodge was opened as a and Shorty Martinez yelling at the mules staffed camp in 2002. However, when I by name, I knew I had about one hour was an advisor in 2000, our crew passed

34 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 35 biophysicist at Address: 3610 Darnell Dr., Paris TX 75462. Trail Talk Sandia National E-mail: [email protected] Laboratories. Ac- cording to Sand- Steve Beckett (OATC Foreman 00, OATC 1970s Jim Hall (IDC Staff 72) working toward a Doctor of Ministry ia’s website, dur- Asst. Dir. 01, OATC Dir. 02) now lives in worked for more than 20 degree at the Oblate School of Theology ing his graduate Sacramento, Cal., years as a sales rep calling on military in San Antonio. He serves as pastor of studies, Stephen where he raises mon- bases for General the First United Methodist Church and “helped pioneer ey for investment Mills and an- as the COR and chaplain for Troop 312 the field of Janus funds. He recently other broker. In in Columbus, Tex. Mark writes, “The particles (heterogeneous colloids) as opti- celebrated his tenth 1995 he switched lessons learned and challenges overcome cally accessible probes of translational wedding anniversary careers and start- as a member of the Philmont staff have and rotational microscale dynamics.” with his wife, Caitlin, ed doing home served me well in life.” Address: P.O. Box His current research involves unmasking a NICU nurse. They have four kids, ages remodeling and 431, Industry TX 78944. hidden compounds within hyperspectral six years to three months. [email protected] repairs, mainly E-mail: images. Address: 1206 Hideaway Lane E-mail: [email protected] for older folks, SE, Albuquerque NM 87123. Anna Hix Rounds and later worked (CHQ Food Service E-mail: [email protected] with a friend 81) and Michael Rounds (Trading Post On The Back Cover from church doing “high end” carpentry 80, TP Mgr. Ute Gulch 81, TP Mgr. Baldy Matthew Barbee (Conser- jobs. That same year, he became involved Town 82, 85, Cito Did you notice the similarities in our 2000s vationist 00, Med. Recheck with the Pine Mountain Trail Association, Cook 83, Head front and back cover photos? Both Coord. 01, HL Sup- which built, maintains and supports a Rock Dean Cow show the statue, “Trail to Manhood.” port Staff/Driver 02, 42-mile trail system in FDR State Park in 84) celebrated One stands outside the Philmont Fire Conservationist Georgia, and has served as the organiza- their 25th wed- Camping Office and the other is 03, HL Chief of Sup- tion’s vice president, president, secre- ding anniver- posted in front of the current National port 04) is a captain tary, newsletter editor and all-around sary last summer. Scouting Museum in Irving, Tex. No in the Paris, Tex. Fire trail guru. He works with lots of Scout They met on day word yet on the fate of the “other” Department, where groups, including many groups doing two of staff train- statue when the museum moves to he leads the A shift at pre-Philmont backpack trips. Jim also ing in 1981 and Philmont. the Central Fire Station. served on the board of Trees Columbus, a married in 1991. local tree advocacy group. Address: 6743 Their son, Bradley Audubon Dr., Columbus GA 31909. Rounds, enjoyed his first summer on staff E-mail: [email protected] at Zastrow this year while their daughter, Maya, is stationed on the USS Oak Hill, Mark Brechin (PC Harlan which recently represented the U.S. at the 1980s 84, Logistics 85) became grand re-opening of the newly expanded an ordained elder in the United Method- Panama Canal. Address: 225 28th St., ist Church in 2000 after obtaining his Boulder CO 80305. E-mails: Masters of Divinity degree at Austin Pres- [email protected] and byterian Seminary. He previously earned [email protected] a B.S. in social sciences at Southwestern University and an MBA at the University Stephen Anthony (Ranger of Texas, and worked as a computer pro- 1990s 99-00, 03) obtained a Ph.D. grammer before beginning his ministry in physical chemistry at the University studies in 1996. Since 2006, he has been of Illinois in 2010. He now works as a

36 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 37 ® Parting Shots: The PSA in 2016 Poems of Philmont

And the Spirit

And the Spirit came among them, as from a cloud All understood one another, though their tongues Knew not the words many others were pronouncing.

Some of the PSA-sponsored A gentle rain fell upon their beliefs, forgiving them, events for staff and members Lending them wings, for each and every one of them in 2016, clockwise from above: Opening night backcountry Had been fully conceived from the inception of all music fest at the Baldy Pavil- creation. ion; Brat Day; 1973 Club; PSA Volunteer Vacation; Silver Sage Awards. Thanks to our Greg Hobbs new executive director, Dollie O’Neill, for a great first year. Looking forward to more great things in 2017!

A 2016 late summer monsoon storm in Colfax County. Photo by Mark Dierker.

38 High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016 39 STILL MAKING YOUR 2017 VACATION PLANS? MORE GREAT PHILMONT ADVENTURES: Check out these great PSA activities at Philmont:

PSA Summer Treks: July 29-August 5

2017 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Philmont Rangers – what better way to mark the occasion than by hiking at Philmont? Of course, the PSA treks are open [insert PSA patch or logo] to ALL PSA members and eligible family members, including your spouse, child or stepchild, sibling, parent, grandparent, grandchild, niece, nephew or in-law. Design your own itinerary, visit your favorite camp, form a crew of friends or just make new ones. Must meet Philmont age and height/weight requirements, PSA Winter Adventure: February 17-21 be in shape for a Phil-trek, and uphold Scouting and Philmont values while at the ranch and traveling. Only 60 slots available – this one will fill fast! Registration opens Jan. 1. Our first ever PSA Winter Adventure is set! Originally known as “Kanik,” the

Philmont winter program began in 1990 and was renamed Winter Adventure in 2011. The program provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy Philmont’s winter Register at www.philstaff.org beauty, learn new skills and, most importantly, have fun! Your PSA crew will participate in a variety of activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, building snow shelters, sledding, snow tubing, avalanche safety, snow science PSA Autumn Adventure Treks: September 10-15 and learning cold weather camping skills. The final day features a trip to Red River where everyone can downhill ski, tube or just enjoy the town. Trained There’s no better time to hike at Philmont than in the fall – the air is crisp, aspen guides are provided for the crew, along with specialized equipment, plenty of leaves are turning, and the bugling of the elk are calling you to the backcountry. food and great PSA fellowship! Deadline to sign up: February 1, 2017. And the best part is – you basically have the whole ranch to yourself! Hike where you will, camp where you like, go rugged or take it easy – the options are Register at http://www.philstaff.org/2016/10/2017-winter-adventure endless. As with summer treks, PSA autumn adventures are open to all PSA members and their spouses, children, siblings, parents, grandparents, nieces and nephews and in-laws. Mark these dates for now and watch future issues of High PSA Week at PTC: July 23-29 Country or the PSA website for registration, which will open in the spring.

The 2017 Philmont Staff Association reunion is a week-long opportunity for members to return HOmE. Last offered in 2013, this unique PSA experience PSA Volunteer Vacation: September 16-22 (tentative) provides a perfect chance to share the magic of Philmont with your whole family, with specialized PTC programs for children, spouses, and PSA members of all Looking for a way to leave a permanent mark at the ranch? Consider the PSA’s ages. Reunion activities will include day trips to the backcountry, special second annual Volunteer Vacation, tentatively set in September. Join fellow presentations on Philmont and northeastern New Mexico, a silent auction, the PSA members and families for a rewarding week building a new trail for use by annual meeting, special evening programs, great speakers, the Silver Sage Award generations of future Phil-campers. We’ll return this year to Whistle Punk Camp ceremony, and an option to participate in a service project. The 60th Anniversary and continue the work of our first volunteers advancing the new trail up of the Philmont Rangers will also be highlighted during the week. Cimarroncito Peak – where no trail has gone before. Registration will open on March 1 – last year’s sold out in two hours. Watch for details in the February Register at the Philmont Training Center website: issue of High Country. www.philmontscoutranch.org/PTC/ConferencesO.aspx Click on PSA Reunion – Week 7

High Country ▫ December 2016 High Country ▫ December 2016