We all awoke just after 5:30AM to begin our long hike, and we got out of the campground by 7:30AM and immediately began to hike to the peak of Mt. Phillip's. It was slow going, but the view west was gorgeous, with clouds settling into the valleys, and the mountain peaks of New Mexico behind. We made it to the top by about 10AM. I had to bundle up when I stopped because it was getting colder. Someone filmed us hiking to the top so I took down their email address. As we hiked to the top, each step required more oxygen, but it seemed like there was none to be had! We were at about 11,700 feet above sea level. The view was awesome!
We even caught a glimpse of a member of the FBI…….
Matthew led a nice worship service on the peak,
and then we were off. We stopped in a meadow with a beautiful view and had lunch. After lunch we started down the mountain, and ended up going about 100 yards downhill in the wrong direction, but found our way back to the trail. We plodded on towards Comanche Peak, stopped to use the latrines at a camnpsite and watched as a huge mule deer walked by. We continued on and bumped into a troop from Shrewsbury, NJ! We met them next to one of the most beautiful views on the whole trip, and ended up taking pictures of the boys together. Then we continued the long, long walk to Cypress Mine campground, and got in around 3:30. We made good time, but it was a tough, long, day. I developed another bad headache, probably as a result of the altitude. At least there was no rain! The mine tour at Cypher's Mine was already full, so we didn't get to do any of the activities at the campground, except a little panning. MattG met up with one of the staff and showed them his "gold flake" from earlier in the trip, and after about 15 minutes of looking at it they decided it was micah.
We were staying in a "muck shack" as opposed to tents. Across the brook near our site there was a tall hill of rock fragments, and several of the scouts climbed to the top. The troop began acting strangely.
DaveH joined Ray and myself at Advisor's coffee at 7PM. They had a "strong man" competition at 7:30, where scouts spin "tall tales" about how strong they are. JohnG spun an excellent yarn and outdid his competitors, but once again the voting was sketchy and he did not win first prize!
At 8PM we went up the hill to a cabin and were treated to a "Stomp". We packed into a very cramped cabin and were entertained with guitars, violin, harmonica, songs, and stories. They mentioned Russia invading Georgia? We walked back into the muck shack and we all crashed after such a long day. The stars were out, there was a cool breeze. This camp is located in a beautiful wooded valley.
