2021 description: 'Embarking on this journey will test your crew’s physical and teamwork strength! Your Ranger will first take you through the old
west camp of Ponil to arrive at Sioux trail camp. You’ll then follow the Middle Ponil Creek upstream before a gradual assent to
Dan Beard and the initial challenge events assessment. Lessons learned at Dan Beard will be crucial for navigating through the
vast Valle Vidal. From Iris Park to Ring Place and Middle Ponil to Upper Greenwood, you will have opportunities to explore the
vast beauty of the Valle Vidal. Explore the vast cosmic terrain at Ring Place after working together on your conservation project.
Make your way through Windy Gap to your destination at Middle Ponil Low Impact Camp. Take a day to ascend the celestial
plane of a nearby mountain! In June, climb Ash Mountain and in July and August, climb Little Costilla or Ash Mountain…or both!
(Little Costilla is closed in June for elk calving season.) At the top, peer down and meditate upon the Earth below. Clarity of
purpose will be needed as the path to French Henry is long and rugged but allows for the conquest of Philmont’s iconic Baldy
Mountain. Then, like the miners of times long gone, you will feel the canyon closing in as you descend into French Henry and
experience the exciting mining history first hand. From this isolated location, take the short hike around Baldy’s eastern flank and
enjoy the hustle and bustle of Philmont’s North Country population center, Baldy Town. You’ll want to linger and enjoy the
amenities but it will be important to move on to Head of Dean, and witness glorious vistas along the way. The staff there will then
facilitate your ‘final exam’ of challenge events. Finally, make your way to Flume Canyon for your conservation project and one
last night of timeless reflection among the giants. If your crew is highly motivated, as most are on their final morning, head down
to the Ponil Cantina early for refreshments at the cantina. Enjoy tall tales and a cold root beer with patrons from all walks of
Philmont before hiking to the Ponil Trailhead to hop on the bus that delivers you safely back to Base Camp.'
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