Hey there!

Writing out here from God’s Country (New Mexico) at Boy Scouts of America, High Adventure Base, Philmont Scout Ranch. Quite the title, isn’t that?

I’ve been out here for about 4 weeks already, it’ll be a month as of this coming Thursday. We’ve been busy putting out the PhilNews every week, and we’re just finishing up Issue 4 (of 10) this Monday. I’ve written about a great number of things out here. You can check out the newspaper here online at this link: http://www.philmontscoutranch.org/About/Philnews/2013.aspx 

Topics have included various aspects of Philmont’s history including the Print Shop they have worked with for 64 years to Jacal Houses that have been around since 1150 A.D. I’ve also highlighted various departments around here at Base Camp including Maintenance and Security and some Backcountry staff camps such as Rich Cabins and Pueblano. 

The Backcountry camps, while it is beautiful country, sometimes beyond description, are a hassle to get to, and even more so, to get back from. 

The attached photo is from the top of the Tooth of Time, a day hike that our department took together to celebrate the end of our training. 

While I know that this is not Southern California, that I’m here where the dust blowing can cover the sun, I am out here reporting and writing articles while hiking in the wilderness weekly or bi-weekly. How more does writing and camping cross?

Until next time,

Joe