S1E19 Finally Philmont

Ken made it to Philmont and back. That’s it. Summer’s done. Meanwhile, David traveled to a castle in Ohio, moderated a death race on the track in the Lair, and started on his quest to sail the seven seas.

Finally Philmont

• Ken when to Philmont Scout Ranch, a high adventure camp in Cimmeron, New Mexico. You know, the place Ken’s been talking about for the last year and more.
• What is Philmont?
  • 15 day trip (two days getting acclimated in Colorado, 12 days on the trail, 1 day traveling back) In Colorado, went to Pike’s Peak, Garden of the Gods, and whitewater rafting on the Arkansa River (Class 3 and 4 rapids)
  • Then a 69 mile trek in Philmont
  • Base camp is 6,430 ft. The highest we got was about 10,500
  • Amazing views – you can see for dozens of miles at a clip
• Legitimately dangerous.
  • The crew got there in “monsoon” season, when it rains almost every afternoon.
  • Lightning almost every day.
  • It’s a desert, so it’s dry.
  • But it’s raining a lot, so everything’s green
• Legitimately hard
  • Hiking at altitude is difficult when you are a flatlander
  • Drank so much water.
  • Good thing the crew trained.
• Highlights
  • Astronomy at Ring Place.
  • Tomahawk throwing and black powder muskets at Miranda
  • Rock Climbing at Chase Cow
  • Cowball at Chase Cow (it is definitely not volleyball).
  • Sketching is fun.
• Some RPG Thoughts
  • There’s a reason we don’t simulate every mile of an overland trek; it’s boring.
  • Interesting landmarks that dominate the terrain
    • Mount Baldy is visible from much of northern Philmont. Everytime you get closer to it, and it gets bigger, it feels like you’re making progress.
    • The Tooth of Time dominates the view at Base Camp. You know you’re at Philmont when you can see the Tooth.
  • Interesting terrain
    • Trails carved by floods.
    • Are the floods a historical feature, or something a little more relevant?
    • Unusual rock formations e.g. Garden of the Gods … what if was created by actual gods.
  • Weather is dangerous.
    • Remember to include it in overland treks (lightning, flash floods, massive hail, etc.)
    • Weather transforms safe terrain into dangerous terrain. Think about that when a group fails a survival check to find a good camp.
    • There are seasons. And some regions may have their own seasons you don’t expect
  • Unexpected enemies
    • Mini bears. Just as hungry as bears, but way bolder.

Outro

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