This is going to be a short post. While some backpacking experience helps, one does not need to know any Philmont-specific skills or procedures before arrival. A Philmont Ranger accompanies every crew for the first few days of the hike and will teach these skills—even if the crew already knows them. A physically fit crewContinue reading “Preparing for Philmont: Skills”
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Preparing for Philmont: Getting fit and crew dynamics
The two most important things for a successful Philmont trek are: Everything else – gear and backcountry skills – can be bought or learned after you arrive at base camp. But showing up at Philmont out of shape or with an a-hole in your crew cannot be remedied. On Fitness: Philmont does not allow crewsContinue reading “Preparing for Philmont: Getting fit and crew dynamics”
Philmont: Registering and Picking an Itinerary
Warning: this is a paperwork and planning post, not an adventure post. Philmont offers 7-, 9- and 12-day treks of varying difficulty. This post outlines how to choose the appropriate trek for your crew and get through the registration process. This explains how the process works for individual scout units, not council contingents. In summary,Continue reading “Philmont: Registering and Picking an Itinerary”
Philmont Overview
I just returned from a nine-day trek at Philmont Scout Ranch with my son’s scout troop (Austin Troop 33). It was great fun. This is the first in a series of posts on what to expect, how to prepare, and vital tips for a successful Philmont trek. At the end of the series, I willContinue reading “Philmont Overview”
Northwest Rafting Co. Class III Rowing School Review
Last week I attended the Class III Rowing School put on by Northwest Rafting Company. The school involved 5 days on the Rogue River in southern Oregon where I learned basic oar boat whitewater skills. Here is a short highlight video. My detailed review of the trip is below the video. Why did I signContinue reading “Northwest Rafting Co. Class III Rowing School Review”
Sea Base Bahamas
Twice in the past few years our family has gone to BSA Sea Base. My wife and daughter went to St. Thomas in 2022 and my son and I went to the Bahamas in 2023. This post describes the things I have learned about Sea Base that may be useful to other scouters. Overview For SeaContinue reading “Sea Base Bahamas”
Visiting Yosemite Valley with Kids
This summer we spent a few days in Yosemite Valley. It was our second trip to the park, but the first in the middle of summer. This year the park did away with the reservation system instituted for COVID, which made park mornings resemble the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush except instead of claiming homesteads peopleContinue reading “Visiting Yosemite Valley with Kids”
Going Full Clark Griswold
For Thanksgiving the six of us plus Michelle’s parents drove up from Austin to the YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado, where we met my parents. For extra room, we rented a Ford Transit 15-person van in Austin. As we were going over Berthound Pass and taking in the winter wonderlandContinue reading “Going Full Clark Griswold”
Western States 100
This summer I managed to finish the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run in 29:43:16, less than 17 minutes before the 30-hour mandatory cutoff. Clearly, a close run thing. Here are my thoughts on the race and advice for those who get a chance to run in the future.
One Last Ride
I first saw a Western States 100 buckle on a phone while drinking beer at a bar with John at a law firm happy hour back in 2015. Of course I wanted one and thought it a simple as signing up and running the race. Thus began my dabbling in the world of ultramarathons. AsContinue reading “One Last Ride”
Vamonos Baby! 