Day 11 - Indian Writings, Chase Canyon and our last night on the trail

Day 11 and there is cloud cover.  Amen!  After two very hot days with temperatures approaching 90° we awoke to overcast skies which seemed like a blessing.  We would not have to walk in the sun to Indian Writings and if the clouds stay we might enjoy a day of hiking in the shade.

Breaking camp at Metcalf



Downhill to Indian Writings



Comic relief at Indian Writings

Atlatal Skills



Great Hunters!  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spear-thrower



Conservation Project - Trail building

After lunch the sun came out so we decided to wait out the heat and leave for Chase Canyon around 3:00 as we didn't see much point in getting there too early.  As soon as we got out of the deep valley at Indian Writings it clouded up fast and it seemed like thunderstorms were chasing us the rest of the way.  Once again we were high on the ridge and we could see the clouds descending on the mountain tops with an occasional lightning strike that kept us motivated.  Our destination was Chase Canyon which was recently leased to Philmont and the trails were a little harder to find.  In spots we had decent "roads" but also had some fence jumping to do and finding the trail markings proved to be a little tricky. 



Chased by Thunderstorms - Looks like Mordor



We descended on Chase Canyon and we were told the camp site was not well marked.  We found water and some porta-potties which later ended up doubling as a bear box.  We searched a mile stretch where we believed the bear boxes should be but we never found them.  With rain approaching we quickly pitched our tents and scrambled to make dinner.  It didn't matter if we didn't get a hot meal for this was the last night on the trail.  We managed to stay dry and since this site did not have a sump we had to improvise and filter our waste water with our own sump bag filled with grass, leaves and whatever else was lying around.  Rain was still likely and the overcast skies drove everyone in their tents a little early.  Tomorrow we break camp for the last time, eat breakfast and make our way to the Chase Ranch.  Almost there. 



Preparing our last dinner on the trail.





Trying to beat the rain



Sumping...don't even ask





Make shift bear box





Day 10 - Metcalf Station, The Band and our best night at Philmont

We are outta here!  Day 9 was very stressful so saying goodbye to Dan Beard and our burned out meadow campsite was easy.  The hike to our next camp was our shortest and other than climbing out of "Death Valley"  it was pretty much downhill losing 1000 ft in elevation.  We were on the trail early to avoid the heat and we easily reached  Philmont's newest camps Metcalf Station before noon. Being so early we wondered if we could push ahead but the itineraries can't be changed or we could mess up another crew.  We were the only group in this turn-of-the-century railway station so we got the best site which featured a nice canopy of trees over the eating area.  A shallow stream  trickled between the meadow where we set up our tents later in the afternoon. The first course of business was lunch, staying out of the heat and catching up on much needed rest from Day 9!

Pretty much downhill now

Most of us tried to sleep but the heat even in the shade was getting uncomfortable.  The drop in elevation also made a better environment for flies so when you did get comfortable there was always something flying around your head.  Only a couple of us made it the station to check out the telegraph and other items of interest from the era and I was not one of them.  I would have liked to have driven some spikes on the railway tracks they were building but the heat beat me again.  Before dinner we thought that were going to get hit by a storm but it passed so we felt like dodged a bullet.

Metcalf Station

Setting up for the show

The evening show by the camp staffers is usually off in a little amphitheater but since we were the only crew in camp they asked if we would like to stay on the porch and we happily agreed.  The staffers brought around an old wagon to set their instruments on and it also provided a nice backdrop.   Lanterns set on the ground and on the wagon provided the necessary light as evening approached.  The staffers put on an excellent program with songs about Casey Jones, John Henry and life on the railway.  Then it got even better.  The band introduced themselves and asked if we had any requests, which we did, and they proceeded to play for at least another 90 minutes.  They were very accomplished musicians and we were in for a treat and our best evening on the trail.  We sang with them at times and they said they hadn't had a crew like ours all summer.  I think they would have played all night and I'm sure they enjoyed the diversion from their normal routine as well.  As we walked back to the campsite the skies were clear and some of us stood near our tents and took in the amazing star filled sky.  What an amazing night.

Stories and songs about railway life

Day 9 - Over Wilson Mesa, walking on the sun and Dan Beard Dessert

Day 9 began by waking up with sounds of the stream just outside of my tent.  It felt cool, shaded and moist which would be a sharp contrast to the end of our day.  

Ready to begin our day

Wilson Mesa decent

Dillon's packing skills on display

Water crossing before reaching Rich Cabins

Today's journey began with a hike over Wilson Mesa, a visit to Rich Cabins and an excruciating hike through some burned out areas of the 2002 Ponil Complex Fire.  We camped at Dan Beard which is set up with Challenge Courses but just getting there would be challenging enough.  The heat really took it out of me and by the time we reached camp I was done!  I spent the afternoon near the main cabin which had a large tree and water that I used to soak my bandanna and then wrapped on my head in attempt to stay cool.  By late afternoon we set up camp in a bare meadow and then the boys made dinner with the sun still beating down.  I must admit I was little to no help and thankfully Mr Bock kept us focused. 

Leaving Rich Cabins on our way to Dante's Inferno

Very hot and shade-less hike over forest fire area.  

Welcome to Dan Beard!  At least we can stop now but the heat is unbearable. 

Remember that shady site near the stream?  Worst camp site of the trip.

By sunset there was relief and the main cabin provided a place to relax and chat with other campers.  The night was clear and cool and then luckily after midnight "nature called".  I say luckily because when I crawled out of my tent, stood up and looked skyward only one word left my mouth, Wow.  Countless stars filled the sky and I felt privileged once again to be in such a special place.

Relaxing after dinner.  Heat is breaking and there is relief at the main cabin.

Fire conservation game was played until dark.

When we got here I didn't enjoy one thing about Dan Beard but then you start to understand the significance of the forest fires and the rebirth of this area.  Some things just need to be experienced.
 

Night sky somewhere.  I wish I could have taken a decent picture myself.  Breath taking!