Fairview Crew

Continuing our last hike, Jason and I needed water.  Along the route we stopped at Beaubien, one of the largest staffed camps on the ranch.  

I ran into a crew from Erie (actually Fairview).  We discussed the importance of getting wings at the Avonia Tavern I saw some of them before they left, but I didn't think I'd see them again before I left.  I was wrong.  

It was pretty cool to catch them on the trail.  I talked to some of them before I left when I presented a Philmont equipment clinic last fall.  In the end, everyone made it back.  No doubt, it was a journey of a lifetime. 

Trail Peak

Trail Peak was next on the list-- the only peak on the itinerary.  What's the significance of this 10,242-foot peak?  In 1942, a B-24 Liberator (WWII bomber) crashed into the peak on a training mission.  On the return trip from Albuquerque to Kansas City, the plane hit inclement weather.  The crew perished.   


As we approached the summit, my hiking partner, Jason, and I noticed shiny pieces of metal in the distance.  Upon further investigation, it was aircraft aluminum.  And the pieces got bigger and bigger as we ascended the peak.

Finally, we reached the largest remnant of the plane-- one of its wings.  In the distance I saw a plaque commemorating the crew and the peak crested.  What a beautiful view on each side.  It wasn't the summit, but it looked amazing anyway.

Fish Camp

The first stop on my last 2011 hike: Fish Camp.  It was Waite Phillips' fishing cabin in the 1920s-- and what a camp it was.  A clear, trickling stream meanders in front of the main cabin.  The valley is a magnificent sight.

We didn't get in until 11 p.m., but when I woke up and actually saw the camp for the first time, this is what I saw.

The front porch is filled with rustic wooden rocking chairs.  Campers and staff play card games in the evening after a long day of fishing.  

A beautiful, rustic atmosphere seeps throughout the cabin.  At the same time, the cabin has a homey, warm feeling to it.

Chad's Machete

I got my manager (Chad) a machete and a watermelon for his secret santa present at our PhilFiesta.  We just now got around to using his new toy. 

40s Night

This was one of my favorite theme nights in the snack bar.  We sold Coke and Pepsi in glass bottles (48 of each) and played some swing music. 

 

What a great atmosphere.  The staff dressed up too. 

I Got Mail!

My aunt decided to send me a care package.  It was full of cookies and cocoa krispies, among other items of happiness. 

It was a nice, delicious surprise. 

Pirate Night

With an hour before opening, we decided to have Pirate night.  Why?  Because we could.  And it was fun. 

Detergent

 

The warehouse staff dropped 3 bottles of laundry detergent on the floor.  They created an very soapy Slip 'n Slide out when they mopped it. 

Mess in the Kitchen

 

So Jeremy decided to fill up a 5-gallon bucket with water to facilitate cleaning the ice cream machine.  He neglected to take into account the water pressure of the sink.  

Haircut

Last week I decided my hair was too long.  I found out that my friend Dave had scissors.  Holly volunteered to try to cut my hair-- she had never cut hair before, but I figured I could always get the buzz if it didn't work out.

And things turned out alright.  In fact, she did an excellent job and I kept it.