Philmont – Day 9

Philmont Scount Ranch - Day 9
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Philmont - Day 9

Day 9

Me at New Dean @ 5amBy this time, I personally was dragging my butt by this time for some reason. I wanted this trek to be over, but I was looking forward to rappelling which was today’s activity. We got up early in the morning so we could ensure as much time climbing and rappelling as possible. At the first light of the day, we took off towards Dean Cow. It was a very quick four-mile hike and we arrived at Dean Cow just after the break of dawn.  Located just outside the burn area (from the Ponil Complex Fire), this camp offers arguably the most difficult participant rock climbing on the ranch. Other activities include rappelling as well as a traverse wall for use in the evening hours. The cabin offers the famous “porch challenge,” a series of climbing holds, ropes, and crimps across the porch. Those who complete the porch challenge usually receive a small prize, such as a pudding cup.

We had all day to spend climbing and rappelling and both crews combined to take on this challenge. I have rappelled several times while in the Marine Corps, but this was my son’s first time. He was very apprehensive, but after his first time down the side of the wall, he was hooked.

Dean Cow also allowed the crews to shower, since Ponil. I know that at least two of us male adult leaders showered as did several of the boys and I am pretty sure the entire sister crew showered and washed laundry as well. In the evening we hung out on the porch and had a fun evening, before retiring to our tents for the night. It was funny that the crew was more apt to toss food into the swap box than grab food, they were looking to start dropping weight as they were near the end of the trek.

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Average Joe

Welcome to the Average Joe Weekly blog. This is basically my place on the web where I can help spread some of the knowledge that I have accumulated over the years. I served 10+ years in the Marine Corps on Active Duty, but that was some 25 years ago.

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By Average Joe

Welcome to the Average Joe Weekly blog. This is basically my place on the web where I can help spread some of the knowledge that I have accumulated over the years. I served 10+ years in the Marine Corps on Active Duty, but that was some 25 years ago.

14 comments

  1. Avatar photo MissUnderstood says:

    I did this once and it was so much fun, I wish I could do these types of things now.
    God Bless

  2. We went climbing and rappelling while we were there too, but I don’t think that it was at the same camp. How did you do rappelling with your neurological issues? Thanks for sharing.
    Matt

    1. I think Philmont has several camps where you can go climbing and rappelling. It was a little difficult, mostly with grip strength and fatigue. I made sure that I let the instructor know and the belay know as well. THey were good with letting me go since I have experience in both disciplines from my time in the Corps.

  3. Beverly Kimball says:

    You would NEVER catch me jumping off the side of a mountain and relying on a thin rope to stop me, not, never going to happen.

    1. Well you are technically “jumping” off the mountain and the rope isn’t that thin, but I get your POV on the issue. It is a little scary at times, but rappelling off the side of a mountain is easier than out of a helicopter.

    1. It is a blast and I love it. It was my son’s first time and he was a little apprehensive at first, but once he did it, he was hooked.

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