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| 627 N2 |
Today we hiked Mt. Phillips. The climb was much like Porcupine Pass just a lot longer. The trail actually left the Philmont property for a while before the final death ascent on Phillips. As we hit the summit we were exhausted and Jacob called for a rare 45 minute break. This gave us time to take pictures of the beautiful scenery with a mostly western view. We actually had good cell service here and everyone was calling someone. There was a flag pole at the center with flags like you would see on the summit Mt. Everest.
During the break, Curtis was eating a bar when a mini-bear jumped on his arm, took a bite of his bar, and scurried off with his trophy.
We packed heading east for a while coming to a point where there was the eastern view from Mr. Phillips. This was another spectacular view. Here there was some confusion with us and other crews trying to find the right trail off the Mountain. Not wanting to take any chances we decided to take a break to figure things out and also eat lunch.
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| Cypher's Mine |
The trail was just as hard going down as it was going up. Shortly after it leveled out just a bit, we were now starting the ascent on Comanche Peak. Comanche Peak then transitioned to Thunder Ridge where we finally made to it to Cypher's Mine staff camp.
Cypher's Mine was a mining company built on North Fork Creek.
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| Camp Shelter |
This camp offered a very special treat. As the staff member escorted us to our campsite we were extremely surprised that we would not be staying in our tents tonight but in a camp shelter. Camp shelters are three sided roofed buildings. It was the perfect size to hold our 7 man crew. You can't image the perk of not having to setup or take down camp.
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| Cypher's Mine |
The boys then did the Blacksmith program and Mine Tour.
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| Panning for Gold |
The final program for the night was the Stomp. The Stomp is music and story telling focused on the lives of gold miners. We got there late so we sat outside where we could still hear what was going on. After a while the boys grew restless and started panning for gold. As the main part of the Stomp was over and many were heading back to camp, the musicians continued to play on. They played for about an hour more. Feeling that it was winding down and very tired from Mt. P I headed to camp. Some of our boys were still panning as I past. I guess it was therapeutic for them.
Photo Highlights:
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| Deer |
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| Jacob and Curtis |
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| Fur Trading Lodge |
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| Mt. Phillips Summit |
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| Mt. Phillips |
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