Philmont 2016 - Day 10 - August 12, 2016

Today's hike is a seven mile walk from Elkhorn Camp to Miranda Camp, one of the "base stations" for day hikes to the top of Mt. Baldy. We'll be saying goodbye to our burro Harold when we arrive at Miranda.

I was up very early, and I couldn't resist the urge to walk back to the top of the ridge to watch the sunrise. I wasn't disappointed.

 As the sun rose above the top of the ridge, the early morning light washed over Mt. Baldy. If all goes according to plan, tomorrow, we'll be standing on the Summit!

We packed up our camp and ate breakfast. Next, we had to get Harold from the pen, and reload his saddle and the gear he'd be carrying for us. The boys did a fantastic job of getting him loaded up once again. I was really impressed with how easily they had learned everything they needed to know to get him loaded up.

The trail started out as a jeep road that ran along the top of the ridge. It was very easy going, and with the exception of a somewhat obstinate burro who insisted on stopping to eat grass every few minutes, we reached the mid-point of our hike at the Head of Dean Camp. We took a short break, making sure to give Harold a chance to drink some water. We then continued on to Miranda. At this point, the trail became much more difficult, as it wound its way down the mountain by a series of narrow switchbacks. The views of the surrounding areas were beautiful, but Harold was not amused!!!

When we reached Miranda, it was time to say goodbye to Harold. We dropped him off in the pen, and then continued to the camp cabin. As we arrived, it started to rain pretty heavily. Fortunately, it didn't last long, and we were able to go down and shoot the black powder rifles, one of the program features at Miranda.

The staff at Miranda were a little crazy, and a lot of fun ... kind of like the guys back at Metcalf Station at the beginning of our trek. Being close to the end of the Summer, they were obviously suffering from a little "cabin fever" or something! They taught us how to load the rifles, including pouring in the powder & the ball, and packing it down. Then we got to shoot the rifles. Black powder rifles go "BOOM"!!!!!

Next, it was time to set up camp and make dinner. We would be waking up VERY early the following morning for our hike to the top of Mt. Baldy, so everyone turned in early to get a good night's sleep.