Four friends from Irving Boy Scout Troop 508 recently spent two weeks in the backcountry of Philmont Scout Ranch located in Cimarron, New Mexico. As the Scouts braved the elements of the changing temperature variances from rain, hail, cold and heat, they were constantly aware that they were in bear country.  They ate dehydrated food and put everything up a line in a bear bag each night.  The 60 mile plus trek took them to an elevation of over 12,000 feet all the while carrying everything they needed in their backpacks to sustain life.  They were prepared to meet every challenge from sore, blistered feet to looking for good drinking water in a mountain spring.

Life Scout Jesse Perkins stated, “Going to Philmont Scout Ranch was a great experience!  At the end of the trail, I was torn between wanting to go home and take several hot showers and get some of Mom’s home cooking or stay a while longer.  The wilderness was incredible and the views were fantastic”!