Philmont - Wednesday

Today's the day we climbed Mount Baldy. We left Baldy Town 15 minutes later than planned, 7:15 a.m. Most of the beginning hike is in the woods. To Craig's right is a wild turkey, the largest brown blob.


We're on the nice part of the trail. A large portion of the trail is more like boulder jumping than hiking.


We're getting closer to the top, out of the woods, to see our first good view of the valley.

Looking back, or rather down, you can see more hikers, a mountain meadow and the timberline.

Looking up you see the hardest part of the trail, almost straight up and NO air.

To the side you see the most beautiful field of alpine flowers.

Which deserves more than one photo.

A mini-bear flying across the rocks.

David teaching geology.

Ed teaching geology.

A grand view for all the scouts that made it to the top.

This scout was twirling his hiking stick like a samuri sword!

Craig, David, Ed - geologists. Ed works with the scout staff enabling the many geologists to come and volunteer to teach the scouts about some of the incredible geology on Philmont Ranch.

Panoramic view from Baldy.

The best looking geologist at camp.

Ed holding a stingerless bee.

Taking a break between groups of scouts.

Our third trip to Baldy and the first time we stayed longer than 15 minutes on top. Usually, the weather gets bad with winds and lightning.

Hikers in the meadow, used my 300mm lens.

If you're going to bring the big lens, you gotta use the big lens.

Group picture with David and Ed. The only picture of Craig and I together on Baldy.

A staff member and her sister made a "quick" hike to the top of Baldy and while resting were privilaged to have three top geologists to answer their questions.

Waiting for the last round of hikers to make it to the top.

Yes, it really is that steep.

Trying not to roll down over Craig.

An old cabin.

We love this part of the trail, we think of it as walking on carpet, and yes, it's that steep.

More steepness.

It's amazing how the roots of this tree are hanging on to the side of the mountain.

We met Mark, who was hiking up to get some cell phone connection. It was a good spot for geology. Click on the picture to better see the turquoise ground.

They are sitting on copper minerals, all over the ground.

Evidence of some mining.

It was the best day all week, weatherwise, and we were fortunate to have climbed Baldy. The other days did not offer such wonderful weather.