Silver On the Sage

It's commonly said that the people are what make a place special. In this episode, Dave reflects on how his interactions with fellow Philmont staff and participants, taught him that one could live a life outside of the traditional norm. Also, that we can do more than we realize with our bodies, our will, and our minds. All of which shifted his priorities in life, solidifying for him that time in nature and time with friends in a simple setting, is was what means the most.

Philmont Experience:
2004 - Trek participant
2007 - Ranger
2008 - Environmental Educator / ROCS
2009 - PC Crater Lake
2010 - Cons A-Team/Dance Band Coordinator/Base Camp Carouser

The life of a Philmont staffer is lighthearted and fun for sure - but also opens doors for serious, deep conversations about the meaning of life.  Especially while making and executing plans to hike to see a friend or a lover, with less than 12 hours to spare, yet you still go - hike to that camp, sleep on the roof under the stars, and talk for hours.  There’s a fleeting limitlessness to those encounters.

Today Dave is an ultra-runner by day, performing musician by night.  The Philmont backcountry campfire scene and his summer at Crater Lake taught him how to be a performer and influenced the music he would go on to write, produce, and play.  We discuss the song-writing process and favorite tunes from his discography.  Referring to the song titled “Ain’t Gonna be Easy” on his album State to State, Dave says:

“The wildness and energy of our youth doesn't go away, it just becomes more compartmentalized & controlled. This song is a love letter to friendship, celebrating what it is to have a friend who knows you, where you came from, and who can remind you of who you are.”

Check out Dave’s music on Bandcamp, Spotify, and his website. If you’ve registered for the first ever Philmont Trail Race happening this August, you will see him there! 

Notable Mentions:
Bryce Blankenship
Pete Weber
Rosy Gallegos
Piper Niehaus
Doug Palmer
Ranger Matt
Allison Vinson Defrees
Alex Pagnotta
Bob Frieman
Brian Grey
Tim Collver
Ellie Nickens
Iron John Logan
Mark Anderson
Alice Paulding Gabriel
Demitri "Mungo"
Andrew Garner
Gene Schnell
Barbara Garcia
Katie Nuessly
Jose Fernandez - Miami Marlins
Tim Borden
Austin St. George

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Cierra and I discuss aspects of the Philmont staff subculture including the Scout Oath and Law, and of course - Chaco's and socks, folk music and flannels, and Philmont tattoos. She praises Philmont for a profoundly professional and successful evacuation of seasonal staff from base to the Springer during the 2018 Ute Park Fire.  During that time, she got to be a part of and witness "the coolest interdepartmental relationships bloom out of an otherwise wild and scary situation."

As the First ever female Camp Director of Clear Creek in 2021, Cierra shares her passion for always growing and analyzing her own leadership style, based on ever-changing circumstances of backcountry living.  We also discuss her involvement in Venturing and her passion for educating people how to safely enjoy firearm sports.

This episode reminds one to always be sharpening your most important tool - your brain.  And to celebrate the limitless opportunities that being a Philmont staff member offers throughout ones life. 
 
Participant Experience:
2016 - Trek with my Venture Crew

Staff Experience:
2017 - Program Counselor Crooked Creek
2018 - (Hired) Program Counselor Dan Beard / Timber Stand Improvement
2019 - Ponil Shooting Sports Manager
2020 - (Hired) Program Counselor Miranda / Season cancelled - pandemic
2021 - Winter Forestry Equipment Crew
2021 - Camp Director Clear Creek - First Female in this position
2022 - Camp Director Head of Dean

Notable Mentions:
Michael Stinnett

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Ashley spent five summers growing and learning as a PTC participant and five summers working in the Philmont backcountry.  It was in 1998 at PTC that she learned of the newly-revamped Venturing Program and quickly joined a crew once she returned home. She was enthusiastic about the opportunity to be a part of this co-ed, youth-lead BSA leadership program. 

Recalling her formative experiences on staff, Ashley shares her love for knitting, reading the Philnews in the backcountry by candlelight, manning the radio during SARs on Baldy, and forming her own tradition of hiking with butterscotch chips and baking sweets for fellow staff. At Fish and Rich, she enjoyed the opportunity to learn about and portray the lives of historic individuals.  In 2006, descendants of the Rich family came to camp and had a meal with her and her staff.  She was also part of an uncommon, all female staff at Fish Camp in the summer of 2005.

Today Ashley teaches astronomy and physics at the College of Charleston, and studies exploding stars.  During our interview, she appropriately wore a Tooth of Time Traders t-shirt showcasing Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, and Ursa mini - the infamous Philmont mini-bear.  Ashley aspires to return to Philmont one day as a visiting astronomer at Ring Place.  

Participant Experience
1997: PTC - Los Jovenes
1998: PTC - Los Jovenes
1999 - Kanik with Venturing Crew
1999: PTC  - Mountain Trek
2000: PTC - Mountain Trek
2000: Venturing Leadership Trek
2002: PTC Participant - Mountain Trek

Staff Experience
2003: PC - Baldy Town
2004: PC - Rich Cabins
2005: CD - Fish Camp
2006: CD - Rich Cabins
2007: CD - French Henry
2009: Backcountry Interpretive training week assistant
2015:  PTC youth STEM program Leader

Notable Mentions:
Crystal Wilson
Cindy Link Thomas
Ranger Lizzy
Nick Mullins
Doug & Betty Palmer
Jackie Clark
Heather Harvie
Patty Davis
Cory Younts
Tennessee Boys

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Season 3 finale with Chris Sawyer.  Chris shares an impactful interview, one of sacred dedication and professionalism for Philmont Scout Ranch. We discuss topics such as the Rayado program, fires and floods, the privilege it is to live in Cimarron, and much more.  Chris specifically shares the incredible behind the scenes efforts that go into preparing the Itineraries and Philmont Treks Books. He praises what Waite Phillips called “the doing method,” which is the expectation that one will do the very best they can in their role.  

Today Chris owns and operates Limmer Boot Company and his business partner owns and operates Peter Limmer & Sons, custom boots. For over 100 years, Limmer has been known for providing the highest quality, long-lasting hiking boots, with the only true single piece leather upper design.  If you are in search for your last pair of hiking boots, Chris looks forward to sharing how Limmer is different, and how his pair of 18 year old Limmer Lightweights have been his most trusted companions, at Philmont and on adventures around the globe. 

Participant 
1995 - 12 Day Trek 
1997 - Rayado 
1998 - 28 Day Trail Crew
1999 - 12 Day Trek 

Seasonal Staff
2002 - Ranger & Rayado Ranger
2003 - Ranger Trainer
2004 & 2005 - Rayado Trek Coordinator
2009 - Assistant Chief Ranger (ACR)

Full-time Employment
2011, 2012, & 2013: Unit 6 - Associate Director of Program -  responsible for half of the Backcountry - Valle Vidal, Biking, Climbing, Challenge Course, Search and Rescue, Logging camps, & Hunting Lodge, Baldy Town, Ute Gulch, Itineraries and Philmont Treks Book, Autumn Adventure.

2014 - Unit 4 & 6 - Human Resources, Seasonal Personnel, Logistics, Base Camp Operations and Associate Director of Program.

2015 - Unit 4 

Notable Mentions
Burt Wingfield
Jimmy Shaheen
Eddie Miller
Kevin Wright
Judge Charles A. Panell
Chad Panell
President Clinton
Ashton Davis
Michael Percy
Natalie Hauge
Poem "If" by Rudyard Kippling
Matt Schofield
Rick Russell
Ramey Harrell
Nathan Yoder
Robert Drobnik
Waite Phillips
Kit Carson
John Fremont
Stephen Kearney
Chope Phillips
Mark Anderson
Nathan Tacha
Thurston Drake
William Panell
Mark Bratlie
Josh Gehman
Nick Sponaugle
Tom Hill
Emily Smith
Skye Schell
Taylor Frame
Jim Whitaker
Gene Schnell
Alex Ave Allemant
Quincey Nickens
Adam Herrenbruck
Paul Grasse
Dr. Toddy Steelman
Dr. Heidi Hobbs
David O'Neill
Slim Uribe Goertz
Brianna Howland
Rod Taylor
Tucker Baker
Mark Anderson
Sid Covington
Dwight Stein
Matt Hubbard
Chris Moon
Rob Reed
Spaceman
Chris Start
Dr. Toddi Steelman
Derek Shiney
Joey Fernandez
John and Randa Celley
Mike Crockett
Bryan Hayek
Larry Murphys Book
Waite Phillips
Beyond the Hills
Paul Salopek - Out of Eden Walk - National Geographic
Jon Sawyer
Nicholas Fahy
Steve Nelson
Phillip Ferrier
Austin St. George
Mike Sudemier
Cimarron Watershed Alliance
Gus Holm
Julia Stafford
Betty Pacheco
Francis Romero
Jo Duran
Barbara Garcia
Amanda Martinez
Joey Fernandez
Anthony Martinez
Jeremy Gruver
Bucko Cowden
Ryan Hawk
Karl Limmer
Peter Limmer
John Sawyko
Adam Lane-Olsen
Willi Unsoeld
Jon Krakauer
PJ Parmar
Rob Montgomery
Mark Bratlie
Sean McKnight
Doug Palmer
Brian Delaney
SeanCasey
Mutz Property
Kevin Stickleman
Mike Ritterhouse
Phil Graham
Cliff Gallet
Sarah Burgess
Emily Smith
Peter Bingen
Bryan Hayek

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Cold Beer, NM "Where not much happens but you better be here when it does." Cold Beer, also known as Colfax Tavern & Diner is a community hub where Philmont staff and participants find comradery and conversation among the hills we call HOmE.

In 2016, Shelly and Danny Quartieri became the fourth owners of the infamous Cold Beer.  Shelly discusses familial ties to Northern New Mexico, the story of how Colfax Tavern got named Cold Beer, and her love and respect for all the Philmont "kids" that have become like family to her.   Cold Beer offers more than spirits and libations, they also host a variety of events including their annual Honky Tonk Hodgepodge, cornhole tournaments, and more.

Today Shelly and Danny live at their Vermajo River Ranch in Maxwell, NM where in 2008 they founded Riding On Faith, a Christian based bull riding camp.  They are grateful and humbled to be "Parents away from home" to the many seasonal staff members who frequent their beloved bar.  Cold Beer, NM "It's in the middle of no where, but has people from everywhere."

Notable Mentions:
Roger Smith
Charlie Montoya - second owner of Cold Beer
Dorothy"Dot" Pompeo
Maya
Virginia
Pete Bergene
Mike Crockett
Sarah Burgess
Lela and Sean Murphy
Gay Ann
Tim Doherty
Jack and Mira
Ryan Bailey and Lindsey

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If you've been to Cimarron, but have yet to eat at the Burrito banquet, let me paint a picture for you: it's a place where no one goes hungry, there's music all-around, the best lemonade in the county, and a sweet three-legged dog named Tippy to greet you.  The owner Kathleen - she's beautiful inside and out, dedicated to community, and she carries a wheel gun on her hip! 

Kathleen Smiley purchased the famed Burrito Banquet in 2018.  Running burrito banquet as a one woman show, Kathleen embraces the wild and untamed magic of Cimarron, NM.  Her philosophy is much more than providing good food, she also gives back.  From organizing a COVID parade last year, to hosting a "I love Cimarron Party" and a Rams day for the school, Burrito banquet is invested in it's community. 

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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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Bonus episode!  Join Caitlin, Dylan, and Jimmy as they discuss the recording process of No Time For Caution, by The Calico Stray.  We genuinely hope you're enjoying the tunes, and thank you for your support!

Check out Jesse Rundle on Soundbetter for mixing and mastering needs!  We highly recommend him and appreciate all his help on this album. 

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Ficke Sisters - Caroline, Caitlin, Carly, and Claire - share their individual Philmont stories and release their debut album of Philmont inspired tunes.  To listen and purchase a digital copy of the album, click here!  For fun photos and videos of behind the scenes from the recording weekend, follow The Calico Stray on instragram.  All proceeds go to the podcast.  Cheers friends! 

Notable Mentions
Michelle
Jamie
Caroline Davis
Nathan Ford
Lucy Baker Minchow
Typer Minchow
Ted
Austin
Anna
Alex
Kreable
Devyn 
Tim Collver
Kayla Steffens
Hattie Ficke Kingsley
Linda and John Ficke
Larry McLaughlin
Peter Bingen

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Coming to you with a special interview with Jeremy Spivey.  Rather than follow the traditional format, Jeremy wanted to pay tribute to the individuals and the department that forged him into the person he is today - the Philmont Ranch Department.   

In this episode he shares an introduction to Ranch Department history beginning in the late 1950s into the early 2000s.  Jeremy discusses the "hierarchy of necessity" due to the dangerous nature of being a wrangler, developing strong work ethic and knowing ones role, as well as the origins of Cavalcade, introduction of women in the department, and traditions such as the Maverick Club Rodeo, Wrangler Roping, and more.

The Philmont Ranch Department, also referred to as, “Cowboy college” is where one learns responsibility, reliability, horsemanship, and "try."

Philmont Experience
1991 - Trek participant
1993 - CHQ Dining Hall
1994 - Wrangler
1995 - Wrangler
1996 - Wrangler
1997 - North Cavalcade Horseman
1998 - North Cavalcade Horseman

Notable Mentions:
Dr. Reggie Jayne
Dr. Aaron Richmond
Bob Rickleffs
Jim Keith
Spencer Seim
Hunter Seim
Rod Taylor
David Keller
Matt Keller
Chuck Enloe
Bob Knox - Growing Up to Cowboy
Lawrence "Boss" Sanchez
The Belle Ranch
Eddie Sachez
WS Ranch
Richard Monger
Leo Martinez Sr.
Leo Martinez Jr.
Larry Mesaric
Ben Vargas
Maverick Club Rodeo
Dr. Justin Green
The Garcia Family
Shawn and Austin Vargas
Rod Taylor
Brian Hobrock
Chuck Enloe
Lori Idoski Repovich 
Tara Alger Hardy
Jennifer Donnelly
Dorothy Van Ark
Dr. John Alexander
Calvin Cowan
Rusty Lowe
Dave Kenneke
Jake Anderson
Stacy Green
Silver Spur Ranches
John Malone
Chope Phillips
Hank Weiscamp
Butch Whitten
Marylin Vargas
Tanner Shaw
Jessica Seifert
Craig Dunlap
Brian Rada
Tim Stevens
Tanya and Colby Cargo
Lt. Col. Sean Connelly
Mike McCampbell
Josh Green

To support the podcast via a one-time donation, click below.  You can also Venmo Caitlin-Lowe-87714.  Your contributions are very appreciated.

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