Kicking off a 3-part, mini-series dedicated to local Cimarron establishments that are often frequented by Philmont Staff and participants.   In this episode, I chat with Caitlin and Austin Warner,  twin daughters of Melissa and Steven Warner.  Today, the Warner family owns and operates Hikers Coffee Company and Hikers Cimarron Inn & RV Park - both located in the heart of Cimarron, NM.

From discussing the 2018 Ute Park fire and quirks of backcountry living in the Valle, the sisters praise Philmont staff for their impeccable ability to be flexible and adapt.  They also acknowledge how as staff, we hold each other to the highest standards of awesomeness, where as a team everyone rises above and excels.  Lastly, they share their adventures, faith-filled story of moving from Texas to New Mexico, where they remain a vicarious part of the Philmont seasonal experience via daily interactions with staff, participants, locals, and tourists. 

Philmont Staff Experience
Caitlin:
2014 - Trek participant
2015 - NAYLE participant
2016 - PC Baldy Town
2017 - PC Ring Place
2018 - Ute Gulch Trading Post Manager / TSI
2019 - CD Ring Place / Autumn PTC PC
2020 - CD Carson Meadows - summer cancelled due to pandemic

Austin:
2014 - Trek participant
2015 - NAYLE participant
2016 - PC Seally Canyon
2017 - PC Baldy Town
2018 - ACD Head of Dean / TSI
2020 - Infirmary nurse - summer cancelled due to pandemic
2021 - Infirmary nurse

Notable Mentions:
Jo Duran
Grant Reigelman
Sean Murphy
Olivia Starch
Katie Krzyvon
Steven and Melissa Warner
Sue and Andy - pervious owners of the Cimarron Inn

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