Philmont Opportunity - Great Lakes Council (MI)

[Joe Schornak]

This is my opinion on this matter:
Philmont. Is. Awesome.

Allow me to illustrate my point with an anecdote...
Two years ago, my crew was on the 10th-ish day of our epic trek. We were scheduled to hike up Mount Baldy, the highest peak in Philmont. It was one of the most adventurous hikes I have ever partaken in; the last half-mile to the top was straight up a 30 degree slope of loose gravel and rock. When we finally reached the top, we had a massive panoramic view of the surrounding area, thanks to a rare clear day on Baldy. We could see distant lakes and towns, and even other crews making their way along various trails at the base of the mountain. Most awe-inspiring of all, however, was a distant ridgeline, 50 miles away, where we had spent our second night on the trail. We knew that we had come a long way, but it was mind-boggling to see it put into perspective.

If anyone here is able to take advantage of this unique opportunity, by all means go for it! It will be an experience you will never forget.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

The video brought back some fond memories. The burned trees are from the Great Ponil Fire of 2002. You can see pictures here...http://199.134.225.50/nwcc/t1_pnw2/2.../gallery1.html
My son was on staff that year and miraculously no Philmont structures were lost to the fire. Some of the pictures showing wide open areas were not that visible prior to the fire. In some of the great vista shots of the horizon you are actually seeing Texas in the distance. That is how great the view is from some of the higher peaks.