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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