Philmont: Sawmill, 7/17/15

Awake much during the night, I think the altitude is still affecting me. The boys say I snore like a bear, though, so (a) I must be getting some sleep, and (b) no self-respecting bear will venture near this den. Up just before 6, packed, and out by 8:10 on the trail, up the Sawmill Canyon towards Sawmill. Along the trail, we had multiple stream crossings (easily 10 of them) as we ascended the canyon. They had warned us that the rains this spring meant lots of running water, even springs that weren't active in decades were active now. We certainly saw lots of water coming down through the canyon. Progress pretty quick up the trail: we gained the 1,140' we needed to by 10:30am.

Took a l-o-n-g time to brew lunch. We're actually having two "dinner" meals today, so we don't need as much water with us going into the next two days. We know that tomorrow is a dry camp, and there's rumors among Sawmill staff that the one behind it, Comanche Creek, is now dry as well.

After lunch, or is that dinner #1, off to do .30-06 rifles. First, loading our cartridges, then trudging to the range to do our damage. I shot six rounds (Mr Johnson bought another set of three for each of us), and I know I hit targets twice for certain, more likely three times.

Today started showing some strains in the crew. Disagreement at night over leftover food from the second dinner and who had, or hadn't, earned it. The boys argued for a bit before Stephen stepped in with a decision. They respect him, and so that settled it; I also like how he let them argue a few minutes before stepping in. Hard for me, at least, to stay on the sidelines, but that's what we're supposed to do as the adults--let the boys work it out. Had to expect that at some point, after days of close quarters, some tensions would begin to show. All normal and healthy.

Today, 3.75mi by the map from Cimarroncito to Sawmill, gaining 1,140' to 9,280' above sea level--amazing. By the Fitbit, 20,552 steps or 9.69mi, reflecting all the walking to .30-06s. Totals 65,404 steps and 38.88 miles total time since leaving base camp.

View back along Sawmill Canyon

Stephen teaching everyone how to refill .30-06 cartridges

This is what it's supposed to look like when it's done. Now to see if it goes "bang."

Gathering 'round to work on rifle rounds.

Even the, ah, more senior Scouts got the chance to do the activities.

Mr Johnson and Sean putting metal downrange.

Thomas at .30-06 shooting

Jacob loved rifle shooting.

John tried putting holes in his hat from here.

Connor, looking very relaxed while shooting.

After, the boys went downrange to see what damage they'd done to the targets they'd put out.

John air-conditioned his hat a bit more.

Nice shooting', Tex…a hole in Sean's Philmont passport.

A couple of holes for Thomas' Costa Rica hat.

Stephen winged his passport in the corner.

The shower house had a wood fired boiler to make hot water…challenge: accepted.