Silver On the Sage

Every other year or so, Annie Anderson’s family made the trek from Tennessee to Philmont to attend PTC.  And ever since then, for Annie, Philmont has always felt like home.  As a PTC participant, Annie loved meeting kids her own age and running around the wilderness together. Today, she shares stories from her time as a participant on Mountain Trek, ROCS, and Rayado. From altitude sickness and homesickness, to playing cards in camp and receiving motivating i-camps on the trail - all three special treks had elements of intimidating capability and tremendous spirit. Rayado specifically allowed Annie the chance to experience a zen state of mental stimulation via surrendering control to the unknown and unexpected. 

All together, her time spent as a Philmont participant, prepared her for her time on staff in 2018 as a TSI crew member (originally hired as PC Beaubien), 2021 PC Metcalf, and in the fall of 2021 she worked and lived at Fish Camp on Cabin Restoration. 

Today Annie is an avid climber, artist, and loves spending time with her family and friends who are like family.  Her brother Sam is her biggest mentor and together they close this episode with a special tune for you all.   

Philmont Experience:
PTC - participant as a youth
2013 - Mountain Trek
2015 - ROCS
2016 - Rayado

2018 - PC Beaubien / TSI
2020 - Metcalf station - Covid
2021- PC Metcalf Station
Fall 2021 - Cabin Restoration

Notable Mentions:
Sam and Whitney Anderson
Lloyd Kunutzen
Claire Ficke
Ellyn Washburne
Carson Mcrae
Lottice Taylor
Bonnie
Maggie Neil
Tim Collver

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As a current Philosophy Instructor at the University of Idaho, Bryce discusses backcountry culture, logger camps, Phil-flings, and the connective elements of sharing food and drink - all through a philosophical and contemplative lens. 

Bryce praises Philmont for teaching him to appreciate mentors and staff with opposing world views and how to be patient and adaptive at such a young age. That it’s okay not to know what to expect - in fact, if given the opportunity to expect the unexpected, one is actually, better prepared. 

Bryce misses meals with staff and what they represent - a time to gather, swap stories, and pause before daytime or evening program.  Those quiet moments in camp, when perhaps the existential awareness of self becomes very profound, intoxicating, and a shared mystery amongst all Philmont staff.  How years of lived history collide with the unique individuals who are there today - speaking through the landscape, each and every fleeting summer.

His stories include epic Phil-fiestas at Crater Lake and of course music. Bryce says, “There is undoubtedly a connection between his life's trajectory and his experience at Philmont,” Today Bryce is a Senior Instructor of Philosophy at the University of Idaho.  He studies existentialism, environmental ethics, and feminism.  And, most recently, he is interested in addressing the ways various topics in philosophy intersect with various topics and questions surrounding perceptions of alcohol and alcohol use. He is the accomplished Editor of the text: Handling the Hard Stuff: Conversations on the Philosophy of Alcohol.

Philmont Experience
2001 - Trek Participant
2007 - PC Pueblano
2008 - PC Crater Lake
2009 - CD Crater Lake

Notable Mentions:
Barbara Garcia
David Burchfield
Phillip Lewis
Mark Bryson
Ry Taylor
Will Taylor
Pete Weber
Alex Pagnotta
Travis
Phil Lewis
Gene Schnell
Pete Weber
Austin Best & Jessica
Slim Uribe-Goertz 
Eli Page-Goertz
Andrew Garner
Walter Bear
Adam and Brad Herrinbrook
Kerri Anderson
Barbara Garcia
Dom Alisindrini
Tim Collver

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51 years ago, Brad Plumb was given the opportunity to quit his summer gig lifeguarding, and work instead as a PC at the then very quiet and secluded Clear Creek.  It was "the best summer of his life."  Brad shares a description of Clear Creek somewhat unfamiliar to most of us - as a place at the end of the earth, no gas, no electricity, and no direct contact to base camp. His experiences there were formative and primitive - learning to build a smokehouse to make jerky, and even partaking in a rocky mountain gray jay feast with scouts - his memories are romantic and idyllic.

After a very primitive year at Clear Creek, he returned in 1972 which ended up being a much more active and diverse experience - Brad was hired to be a PC at Cyphers, but ended up a PC at Cito and later that same summer CD at Crater.  Brad shares stories from bear trap encounters and memorial latrines to being a part of the first officially approved rappel of the Tooth of Time.

Since his time on staff, Brad has been very active in the PSA and is currently on the board of directors.  After participating in numerous PSA treks, Volunteer Vacations, and Phil-Break, Brad celebrates the valuable work of volunteering and giving back.

Brad closes the episode reflecting how Philmont is such an emotional experience - a place of intense relationships, of life-long bonds, and of soulmates. 

Philmont Experience:
1968: Trek participant
1971: PC Clear Creek
1972: ACD Cimarron Cito (beginning of summer – July 25)
1972: CD Crater Lake (July 25-end of summer)
1973: CD Crater Lake
1996: PTC District Key 3 Training
1997: Trek with Son’s explorer post

PSA Treks: 1999, 2001, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021

Volunteer Vacation: 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021

Phil-Break: 2021

PSA Board: 2003-2005, 2021-2023

Notable Mentions:
Dave Plumb
Joe Clay
Gene Tyson
Bill Shriver
Lee Davis
Joe Davis
Burky
Matt McClain
Dave Bates
Robyn Slack
Bjorn Kelstrum
John Nickel

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Having never been to Philmont Scout Ranch, Dollie O'Neill began a journey to what would become her home in March of 2011 when her husband David O'Neill was offered a full time position at the ranch.   Eleven years later, the O'Neill's remain at Philmont, with their two daughters and furry friends.  Dollie shares her "fish out of water" experience arriving at Philmont, and slowly but surely becoming a contributing part of the magic it has to offer.

As a first time seasonal staffer, Dollie began as a receptionist in the Health Lodge in 2012.  She quickly came to know and understand Philmont as she witnessed the grit, the care,  and the grace that the infirmary staff put into their work - literally saving lives and performing miracles.  At 39 years old, she went on her first Philmont trek while at the same time starting a new role as the Executive Director of the Philmont Staff Association.  Dollie served in that role for 5 years and 10 months, successfully fundraising and helping grow the associations membership.

Today Dollie continues to explore who she wants to be when she grows up, and she dares to dream big.  We chat about her love of world travel and how it is an incredible opportunity to be immersed into a world different from your own.  From Paris to Costa Rica, and Alaska to Italia - Dollie's favorite destinations and bucket list items are endless.

Lastly, we discuss the first ever Philmont Trail Race happening this August 13th, and how running has been a big part of Dollie's life before and since moving to Philmont.  Dollie shares her running playlist hype music suggestions and what she's excited for for the future of the PSA and Philmont.  Today she dedicates her time as a board member for Cimarron Municipal Schools and works as a corporate recruiter. 

Philmont Experience:
2012 - Health Lodge Secretary
2013 - 2015: PSA seasonal staff
2016 - 2021: PSA Executive Director Full-time
2016, 2019, 2021  - PSA Treks

Notable Mentions:
David O'Neill
Mark and Linda Anderson
Janis & John Clark
Diane Nelson
Doug & Betty Palmer
Patty Taylor
John Celley & Mike Serio
Nate Lay
Dr. Goertz
Marie George
Meghan Herman
Eli Page-Goertz
Randy Saunders
Phil Winegardner
Nancy Coleman
Kathleen Burrito Banquet
Philip Ferrier and Chery Hamilton

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Ryan Raddatz, or perhaps more fondly known by his Philmont friends as "Raddish,” joins the show today to discuss Rayado, Philmont music, inclusive scouting, and more.

Ryan praises the musicianship and skill of todays staff, recalling how campfire dynamics of the 90s were more spontaneous and on the fly - a collaboration of new and refired musicians learning from one another. Ryan comments on how the grind of putting on a show every night, and being fueled by an audiences reaction - prepared him for his career in music and as an actor.  We chat about his career as a TV Writer, and how being in the writers room - for Ryan - is the closest thing to a backcountry camp vibe.  It’s a bunch of talented people, with a common goal, working together.  For him success is measured by "Making something you're proud of with people you like.” 

So many gems in this interview - from Ryan’s experience playing live with the Indigo Girls to the TV drama he wrote highlighting the true story of The Lost Legend of the Girl Rangers and lastly - his efforts to help start an all inclusive Cub Scout Pack in North Hollywood.

Today Ryan is an accomplished TV Writer, known for his work with PBS show WordGirl, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Network pilots for ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC, Disney XD, and Nickelodeon.  He started his career as an actor with roles in some very well known shows and films including - A Mighty Wind, Arrested Development, How I Met Your Mother, Big Love and more!

Philmont Experience
1990 - Trek with my troop (from Mequon, Wisconsin)
1992 - Trek, again with my troop
1993 - Rayado participant
1994 - PC Pueblano (Eric Voss was the CD)
1995 - PC Cypher's Mine (James Scroggins was CD)
1996  - Didn't work at the ranch that summer, but a few of us Phil-staffers (David Higginbotham, Scott Wheeler, Rob Heyduck) spent the summer living in Santa Fe and playing in a band we called Charlie's Cabin.
1997 - PC Crater Lake (Bob Brown was CD)

2018 - Ryan started a coed, inclusive Cub Scout pack in Los Angeles - Pack 18 North Hollywood.

Notable Mentions:
Dave Donnelly
Laurie Anamas
Larry McLaughlin aka Dirty Larry
Gene Schnell
Doug Palmer
Dean Tooley
Eric Voss
Dave Higginbotham
Scott Wheeler
Richmond Enright
Bob Brown
Rod Taylor
Rob Heyduck
James Scroggins aka Scroggs
Peter Bingen
Andy Gerhart
GS Harper
Ron Power
Tobasco Donkeys
Dustbowl Cavaliers
Indigo Girls
Katrina Moon

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This episode is part of a larger collection of Women Ranger Digital Stories.

Many would say that there is a unique bond between Women of Philmont, a sisterhood of sorts.  Joy Pendley and Nancy Nelson join the show to highlight this bond of friendship - one that feels more like family.  From impromptu hair cuts and tent surfing, to hitch hiking in from Ute Park and enjoying the freedom of the roving ranger experience, Joy and Nancy were quote "Never lacking for happiness." 

Prior to working on staff in 1985 & 86, both ladies were Rayado participants.  It was via that program that they developed a can do attitude, confidence, energy, and enthusiasm for their boundless capabilities as individuals.  Both Joy and Nancy celebrate and acknowledge the important work done by the Women rangers of the 70's who paved the way for them and others to follow.

Both ladies recall having larger than life role models, including Dawn Chandler and Holly Rudin, women they could aspire to be like and who set them up for success. 

Philmont Experience:
1984 - Rayado participants
1985, 1986 - Rangers

Notable Mentions:
Mary Peischck
Holly Rudin
Dawn Chandler
Dan Mode
Johnny Custer
Todd Conklin - New Mexico Rain

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Wrapping up our four part mini-series on Wildland fire and forestry with Dr. David Godwin, PhD. 

I want to thank our sponsor of the mini-series, Limmer Boot Company.  Limmer believes in the power of growing communities and relationships in the outdoors, and they know that the moments of introspection and self-reliance learned there, can transform any individual. So if you’re looking for your last pair of hiking boots, check out Limmerboots.com to learn more.

Like many, David was so impacted by his time on staff as a Ranger, that upon returning home to college, he changed his major to focus on natural resources.  Today David is the Director of the Southern Fire Exchange program with the University of Florida School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics. The Southern Fire Exchange is part of the larger Fire Science Exchange Network which exists to accelerate awareness, understanding, adoption, and implementation of readily available wildland fire science information.

In 2014, David was thrilled to return as a Visiting Forester, where he shared his passion for and told the story of fire. He also utilized the site specific location, overlooking Cito Reservoir, to discuss the impacts of fire on natural resources such as water - as they say in the West: "Whiskeys for drinking, but waters for fighting over." 

David also shares his experience at Black Lake, NM - where in 2013 he assisted in a prescribed fire training exchange, also known as TREX.   Lastly, David shares some great stories from his time on staff.  David remains active in Scouting, and ironically, he learned of the Zastrow Cabin being lost to the Cooks Peak fire while enrolled in a Woodbadge course in his home state of Florida.

I want to thank everyone who contributed to this feature series, and especially to those working around the clock to protect lives and structures during the Hermit's Peak / Calf Canyon and Cooks Peak fires.

Links for the Ben Horne Memorial and Ben Horne Memorial Prize at the University of California San Diego.

Closing song by Will Kemple-Taylor titled "Unfolded.” Will grew up in Cimarron and worked on Philmont staff in a variety of roles in the early 2000s including CHQ Maintenance, PC Beaubien, PC Pueblano, and Bear Researcher. Will reminds us to consider donating to the Philmont Fire Recovery and Mitigation fund, as well as the All Together New Mexico fund, and American Red Cross local disaster relief.

For more music by Will Taylor, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Philmont Experience:
2001 Participant - OA Trail Crew Trek
2002 Ranger / Rayado Ranger
2014 Philmont Visiting Forester
2015 PTC Student (WFA Trainer Course)

Notable Mentions:
John Sawyko
Lance
Mary Stuever
Chris Sawyer
Trevor Lombardi
Ben Horne

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In this episode, we shift the focus to a historical discussion of the original program and the lodge at Zastrow.  Zastrow is one of Philmont's southernmost backcountry camps where the Cooks Peak Fire burned.   On April 22nd, 2022, the cabin was lost to fire.

A continued thanks to our sponsor of this mini-series, Limmer Boot Company.  Limmer is excited to support the podcast and encourages other businesses to consider to both share their stories and support the podcast in the future.  Check them out at Limmerboots.com - to learn more and read reviews. 

To kick off this episode and celebrate the historical origin of Zastrow, Bob Longoria joins the show.  Bob's Philmont volunteer and staff resumes are both extensive and diverse, starting in 1986 when he attended Walking Woodbadge at Zastrow.  The lodge at Zastrow was built in 1949 and was considered the home of American Woodbadge.  Bob calculated that 137 Woodbadge courses occurred at Zastrow throughout it's history.  The lodge was heavily decorated with scouting paraphernalia including flags, patches, shovels, and other symbolic totems of the Woodbadge program.  Bob also discusses what exactly Woodbadge is - an advanced leadership program for adult Scouters world-wide, focusing on the Patrol method.

The second portion of the interview highlights Bob's experiences working for the National Junior Leader Instructor Camp, now known as NAYLE and of course, his time working for the incredible Philmont Commissary.  Bob returns this summer, 2022, as the Backcountry Warehouse Manager.   

Philmont Volunteer Experience

• Walking Woodbadge (Zastrow+Trek) 1988-1994
• Philmont Training Center (Conference Chairman – “Conducting a Council Junior Leader Training Conference”, 1998, 1999
• National Junior Leader Instructor Camp (Rocky Mountain Scout Camp), 1999 – 2004
• National Junior Leader Instructor Camp, National Course Director, 2005
• National Advanced Youth Leader Experience (NAYLE), National Coordinator, 2006, 2007
• Worked with Doug Palmer – Did maps and elevation profiles for the Treks Itinerary Booklet, 1998, 1999, 2000
• Philmont Fly Fishing Invitation, 2001-Present

Philmont Staff Experience

• Camp Director-Rocky Mountain Scout Camp, 2008, 2009 (summer and fall)
• Commissary Driver, 2010, 2011, 2012
• Commissary Assistant Manager, 2013
• Camp Director, Rayado Ridge (NAYLE), 2014, 2015, 2016 (summer and fall)
• Commissary Driver, 2019
• Commissary Manager, 2021
• Backcountry Warehouse Manager, 2022

Check out Sproketbob to learn more about Bob's bike tour across the US.

Closing song by Mathias Olson titled "I Brought Everything." Check out his Instagram page and tiktok @graylightmusic 

Notable Mentions:
Bryan Grey
Charlie Nutter
Joey Fernandez
Derek Shiney
Jim Johnson
Katie Paneck
Julie Smith
Doug Palmer
Gene Schnell
Johnny Ulibari
Andrea Watson
Olivia Starich

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Continuing our mini-series, this episode focuses on Philmont's forestry management through time.  Discussing this complicated and diverse topic, John Celley and Zach Seeger join the show. 

This fire series is sponsored by Limmer Boot Company. For over 100 years, Limmer has been known for providing the highest quality boots, built to last for generations with the only true single piece leather upper design. If you are in search of your last pair of hiking boots, owner Chris Sawyer looks forward to sharing how Limmer is different. Check out the reviews online and visit limmerboots.com to learn more!

Zach kicks it off discussing Philmont’s historic fire regime, in conjunction with compounding changes in the Forestry industry throughout time. He also examines Philmont’s first commercial timber harvests and unpacks in detail the forestry practices of resistance, resilience, and transition.

John reminds us of the many people and places involved in the story of Philmont’s Forestry management, and how different universal beliefs and values regarding fire, logging, and wilderness have shaped the story.  He praises the community engagement of the Cimarron Watershed Alliance and advocates for broadened, uninterrupted, more committed forestry at Philmont.

Lastly, both John and Zach reflect on their experiences working with seasonal staff and professional fire crews during the 2018 Ute Park fire, and share the story of the vitally important Forestry Work Crew program, which they spearheaded into origin in 2016.

Since 2003, the Philmont Ranch Committee via the Philmont Forest Management policy became certified through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. This rigorous annual audit ensures that Philmont’s forests are being managed at the highest level of sustainability, with regard to the complexity and variability across Philmont's landscape.

John Celley
1995 - Regular trek participant
1997 - Regular trek participant
1999 - Ranger
2002 - Logistics, Fall - Fire Rehab Crew Member
2003 - Winter - Fire Rehab Crew Member
2003 - Lead Conservationist - Head of Dean, Fall - Fire Rehab Foreman
2004 - Summer - Associate Director of Conservation - Conservationists
2004 - Fall - Fire Rehab Foreman
2005 - Summer - Associate Director of Conservation - Conservationists
2005 - Fall - Fire Rehab Foreman
2006 - Field Manager
2007 - Field Manager
2008 - Director of Conservation
2009 - Director of Conservation
2009 - Fall - GIS Coordinator
2012 - Summer/Fall - Field Manager
2013 - Winter/Summer/Fall - Field Manager
2014 - Winter/Summer/Fall - Recreation Resource Manager
2015 - Started full-time on January 1 - Recreation Resource Manager/Conservation Foreman/Director of Conservation
2018 - Last working day on December 31

Zach Seeger
2004 - Participant
2012 - Summer GIS Staff, Fall Work Crew, Winter GIS
2013 - GIS Coordinator - Summer, Fall, Winter
2014 - Winter GIS
2015 - Summer Field Manager, Fall & Winter GIS
2016 - Summer Forester Work Crew ADC, Fall - became full time
2016 - 2019 - Full Time Forester (First ever)

Notable Mentions:
Mark Anderson
Mike Serio
Daniel Godwin
Mary Stuever
Bob Ricklefs
Kevin & Nancy Stickelman
Doug Palmer
Jacob Davidson
Chris Sawyer
Jay Mitten
Michael Crockett
Kevin Dowling
John McMan
Robert Fudge
Eric Martinez
Nate Lay
The Carson National Forest Team
Paul Mondragone
Jordan Moede
Arnie Freed
Kent Reed
Gus Holmes
Rick Smith
Michael Sudmeier
Randa Celley
Cliff Gyle
CS Ranch, Davis Family
Seth Mangini

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This episode was recorded on Saturday, April 23rd, the day after catastrophic conditions pushed the Cooks Peak Fire onto Philmont's southern region, resulting in the loss of the cabin at Zastrow, among other effects.  The introduction was recorded on Monday night April 25th: Cooks Peak Fire 54,021 acres and 18% containment.   

Cooks Peak Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Date of Origin: Sunday April 17th, 2022 approx. 04:15 PM
Location: North of Ocate in Mora County
Coordinates: 36.243 latitude, -105.038 longitude

This fire series is sponsored by Limmer Boot Company. For over 100 years, Limmer has been known for providing the highest quality boots, built to last for generations with the only true single piece leather upper design. If you are in search for your last pair of hiking boots, owner Chris Sawyer looks forward to sharing how Limmer is different, and how his 18-year-old Limmer Lightweights have been his most trusted companions, at Philmont, while working with Type 1 Incident Management Teams on large fires during graduate school, and on adventures around the globe. Check out the reviews online and visit limmerboots.com to learn more!

To begin this feature series, I talk with Philmont staff alumni, Daniel Godwin.  Daniel is currently the Director of Programs and Partnerships for The Ember Alliance out of Fort Collins, CO.  Daniel has a PhD in fire ecology and extensive experience as a wildland firefighter.  He is dedicated to continued implementation and management of safe and ecologically appropriate prescribed fire.

In this episode Daniel discusses wildland fire from a critical lens.  He shares the controversial history of fire management, how fire severity is measured and its effects on landscape, what it's like to be in the burn fighting a fire, climate change and considerations for the future. 

As an OATC participant in 2003, Daniel fell in love with the West.  He has since dedicated his life and career to working and protecting this landscape.  The change that fire brings is and can be destructive and scary.  But it can also be a source of life.  It can be a tool to help facilitate optimal health and natural beauty of the land.

To everyone dedicating countless hours to fight the Cooks Peak Fire and work to keep Philmont's resources thriving and impacting lives - thank you, and be safe out there.

Daniel's Philmont Experience:
2003 - OATC Participant
2004 & 2005 - Ranger

Notable Mentions:
Lee Hughes
Rick Smith
Fidgit - Bethany Hughes
Katie Nuessly
Ponil Complex Fire 2002
Whites Peak Fire 2013
Ute Park Fire 2018
Cooks Peak Fire 2022
Grassroots Wildland Firefighters
Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Classification and Pay Parity Act
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
The Black Kite - aka the Australian Firehawk

Closing song: The Mountain by The Calico Stray

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