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Keeping up traditions
PEAK PERFORMANCE This June, Bellaire Troop 222 took a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch, where they hiked Mt. Philips, which peaks at 11,736’. From left: Matt Campbell, Kazim Mirza, Thomas Carville, Drew Campbell, Shea Standish, Kieren Welsh, Eli Shebay, Jake Arnold, Adam Mirza, Calvin Dai, and James Arnold. Bellaire High School sophomore Drew writes about the experience.
My dad and uncle were both Scouts, and my grandpa was their assistant Scout leader. This summer I continued our family tradition of high adventure backpacking. I was lucky to share it with my dad, our Scout leader. I hiked 61 miles over 10 days with my troop, Troop 222. We went to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, with a base camp elevation over 6,500’. I was able to accomplish the long hike because we had practiced with training hikes and carrying a heavy pack. My longest hike was 20 miles along Brays Bayou at 60’ above sea level a few weeks before. Though I have hiked high altitude in Colorado and California before, the elevation change was an extra challenge.
It was a great trip, from the views and the night sky to the scouting program activities and the food. My favorite activity was rock climbing in Miners Park, which we finished just before a big storm. I remember climbing in a harness on the “lefty” course, named because it’s on the left of the rock face. We cheered each other on, but when it was my turn, I didn’t hear the cheers because I was so focused. It was fun to rappel down the cliff when I was done because it’s a different feeling. We could hear thunder in the distance as we went back to camp. It was monsoon season, so we had afternoon showers most days, and this time we had to set up camp in the rain. Another day we hiked through hail. We crossed ice-cold streams and hiked past tall Ponderosa pines and birch trees. It was my first time seeing a wild turkey in the wide-open fields, and the stars were extra bright at night.
The Philmont experience is unique for everyone, but our troop has a few traditions. We always stop at Amarillo on the way to see The TEXAS Outdoor Musical in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The last day on the trek we woke up at 3:30 a.m., packed up, and started hiking to catch the sunrise on Shaefers Peak. On the drive home, we celebrated at the Big Texan Steak Ranch steakhouse in Amarillo – the food tasted so good after 10 days of backpacking meals. It was an amazing trip that I am thankful I was able to share with my dad.
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