Training and Shakedown: To start our incredible journey, we had to go through a lot of training. We hiked in all sorts of places, from Rainbow Mountain to Monte Sano; we certainly got our feet wet…literally. By the time of our Shakedown party, we all felt completely ready. So much in fact, we let the adults do all the paperwork while we played in the pool.
Outbound: Finally, we were off, to the airport. We got there with only minor stress and after hiding our knives in the carry-on, we got on the plane. Once in New Mexico, we realized something we should have figured out a long time ago. There is no air. We all piled into a bus and enjoyed the sights of beautiful Albuquerque.
Blue Sky: The next morning, we decided it would be good to get used to the lack of oxygen by going on a day-hike. We went to Kasha Katuwe (Tent Rocks National Monument) where they had the strangest landmarks. Rock columns erected into the air with a boulder seemingly placed on the top. After the trip, we traveled to the Rio Grande Botanical Gardens and read about the wildlife in the area.Trail Bound: Next morning we set off for Philmont’s Base Camp. There was a lot of waiting and a lot of paperwork, but it was all worth it. Eventually we met our Ranger, Ben. He made sure we brought what we needed and left what we didn’t need. With good thoughts in our heads anticipating the first day, we slept soundly in Tent City.
