Requiem for an Apple Tree

Waite Phillips had a large apple orchard, and it is said that some of the trees date back to the 1920's and 1930's - very old for most fruit trees. This one is near Philmont Traders. Once a double tree, the stump, over two feet across, is so rotted that you can see daylight through the base. The "shoot" is about 4 inches in diameter, and holds up a treeful of about 50 apples. What an image - very Isaiah 11 !

I then led the Protestant service, a most animated group, which happens when they want to be there! It was notable for me that our director of program for the whole shebang was present for worship ... it's kind of like having the district superintendent show up unannounced! Mark is an amazing leader, guiding all three of the above mentioned Philmont operations with vision and grace. Of course, I haven't seen my, er, performance review... not saying I'd change my opinion. Not out loud, anyway.

Roadsides flower even in the desert.

Holy sunflowers, Batman! This is a very close up shot... the petals are about the same as the huge commercial variety, with the center being the desert trade off.

Many plants seem stunted - Gambel Oak is often "scrub," but others, like Aspen, Ponderosa pine, Douglas Fir and White Fir do very well. Hardwoods other than oak are hard to come by. Willow and cottonwood do well in the wet places.

I am slowly learning some more plants, but haven't had nearly enough opportunity. I'm still trying to figure out how to do a montage of flowers, but will have to be content with this for now! I will try to remember to send you a picture of my favorite apple tree in the near future.

It's been an almost rain free day, a rarity in the two weeks we've been here. We hope to catch one of the daily "closing campfires" tonight, and resplendent stars thereafter.

Tooth Ridge (jaw line?!)

An afternoon storm was like unto the one referenced in the previous post. For once, I was grateful to not be on the trail. The hail on the benches of the Catholic chapel (outside here) was like a xylophone - with limited tones.
Much of the day was consumed by working with another staffer on a back country conflict. We can only measure progress by the conflicted staying on the trail, and so far, so good.
We took part in opening a new facility for the health lodge tonight, where the healing-up Scouts can look up the mountain and see crews returning from this very Tooth of Time - that is strong incentive to get back on the trail!
Every day, I am met with my own rising emotion over some aspect of life here. I may be leading prayer or having a conversation, preaching or treaching, or just listening to someone breathlessly telling a story. What a blessing to be a part of this amazing place.

Yet another favorite spot, Crater Lake. The cabin has a breezeway, the lake is said to be from (ready?) a crater. Over 8,700' elevation. We were returning from delivering a message at Beaubien, the real deal cattle and horse part of the operation (and 7 wild turkeys), and heard on the short wave that a trekker would need a ride to the health lodge (a fabulous facility, new since I was here in '04). So we came back and waited for a ranger to hike to where his pack was, so that he would have it for his HL stay. We join his crew in hoping he'll be able to rejoin them in a day or two, which is typical for "trail ailments."

I was here in '66 with my Dad, and in '96 with Jesse - that time we watched a lightening storm cracklling along Tooth Ridge. Days later, we were on Tooth Ridge with lightening far too close for comfort. Peggy has been both places, too, minus the lightening -for which she is grateful. Note the reflection of sky, clouds, and mountain forest in the lake's water. What would Harry Potter call that, a "clarifying pool?"

OA Trail Crew

The Order of the Arrow functions as an honor society for Scouting, and is devoted to service. I was active as a teenager, was even vice chief in charge of ceremonies. Getting into the preachin' bidness kind of messed up my weekends, where most year around Scouting activity happens, including "OA."
This is two crews who are about to set out on part trek / part trail building adventure. Year by year, these crews have been vital to enhancing Philmont's back country infrastructure, which is served by 300+ miles of hiking trails - they are repaired, rerouted, reopened, or all of the above.
Today was my second opportunity to gather with such a group as they near the end of their base camp training. They have some surprises coming, which is part of the experience. While convened at the Catholic chapel, we found a great shade tree not far away for the interfaith service. Their "foreman" is a Philmont staff member, and shared with me that he hopes to go on to seminary - at Duke. Most assuredly a man of sound judgment.

We sell Peanuts and Root Beer

That's the sign over the door at the Abreu Cantina. Root Beer is most coveted after days and days without carbonation. The adobe walls, as well as those around the animal pens, were all made by Scouts, an ongoing activity. The house (not seen) is a traditional farm house, the Abreu family figuring prominently in the land transactions that eventually became Philmont. A fox or weasel got all the resident chickens in one attack - sounds like frenzy killing, staff is not sure which varmint got 'em. Last time I was here, they were having chicken races, which really amounted to which chicken would wander over to some corn - the Scouts's cheers made no difference, for some reason.
I went there today to meet two crews that are on day 17 of a 21 day trek - about double the usual. They are kind of all stars, in a way, and do not know day to day where they're going until told. At this point, they're beginning to reflect on the whole experience - that was the theme I was assigned, "Reflection." They were having a great time, and by now "get" Philmont. This kind of experience has inspired many a participant to come back to work as staff - may be the method to the madness.

The Piper of Philmont

Gordon McKinney is a man of many talents. A friend from our last time here in '04, he'll occasionally just break out the pipes and make a loop around base camp, playing a wide variety of tunes. I asked him to come to our service, and tonight was the night. Amazing Grace, of course, and we sang with him on American the Beautiful. (We would have worked him harder, but he had a pressing meeting - and by the by, Gordon is one of the people who know how Philmont works!)
Today we went back to Cimarroncito in a different capacity, to deliver an emergency message. Then I held the interfaith service at the Philmont Training Center, back in time to train the chaplain's aids, greet the advisors, and lead this worship service. Gordon's music set the tone, and Elyn was back to lead music once more - another talented friend who can really get the Scouts to participate at Opening Campfire.
It's 9:18 pm, and there are final preparations for an 8 am back country service. Vacation, anyone?