Jacob and I set out on an adventure with another troop in the area that is going to Philmont Scout Ranch the same week as we are. It was their maiden voyage of sorts, the first training backpacking trip for the group. We meet at the Forsee Creek Trail head in the where we began our adventure in search of John’s Meadow.
As with all Friday evening backpacking trips, natural light does not last long. We got started up the trail at 6:30, which was later than we wanted to.
At the trail head
The air was cool and the trail was a little steep. It was actually a very nice evening for backpacking in. As we were hiking, Jacob took some shots of the sun going down. In return I took some shots of him. It is rare to get pictures of Jacob. Then again, it is rare to get pictures of me because I am usually taking the pictures.
The setting sun
In no time, the sun faded and Jacob was taking pictures again.
Fading light
We were still marching on in darkness.
Crossing a Cienaga Creek after dark
We had been on the trail over three hours and we came to some peculiar obstacles. The trees that had fallen down over the trail that we had crossed were a small problem. However, snow patches on the trail that were becoming larger were looking problematic. Coupled with the fact we seemed to be gaining in elevation. I had the inclination that we had continued on the Foresee trail without making the 90 degree turn to John’s Meadow near the beginning of the trip.
The group was called to a halt and we reviewed the map. I looked at a map and brought up Google Maps on my phone as the other leader brought up the altitude on his GPS. We were on a trail and our elevation was 8600. The place that Google maps put us was directly south of a peculiar bend in Highway 38. The only way both of those could happen is if we were on the Foresee Trail and not the trail to John’s Meadow. Additionally, with the given time, we should have been close to arriving at John’s Meadow.
It was obvious continuing would not be a good decision. We were not on a snow camp out nor did we desire to make this trip one. We turned around and headed down the hill to find a place to sleep for the night. After 5 hours on the trail we made camp at 11:30 PM. We had traveled better than 3 miles up and two plus miles back. Jacob and I had a cliff bar each, threw down a ground cloth, used two hiking poles and a heavy duty space blanket to make a canopy and we summarily crashed.
Hotel San Gorgonio
Bright and early the next morning my alarm went off at 6:00 AM. I got up and surveyed the scene. We decided to strike camp and head back to the trail head to cook breakfast.
A new day is upon us
We had to wait a few minutes for everyone to get packed up and Jacob used it to text some people.
Breakfast was good. We took time to reflect on the events of the evening and also teach the young men a little more on gear and packing a backpack. We then packed the vehicles and headed to A&W for a burger and a root beer float.
At first look, it was an un-Forsee-able turn of events. However, overall the trip it did exactly what a training outing should be – a not perfect event that allows young men to learn in a safe environment. They all learned that they need to pay attention to where they are and know where they are going. We all will be better prepared for the next adventure.
