Silver On the Sage

Honorary Philmont staff member, Sal Porto joins the show to share his insights and experiences from the past 10 years trekking as an adult leader.  Today he is a Philmont Ambassador, life long scouter, and skilled advisor.  

Philmont Experience:

2013 - Trek Advisor

2014 - Trek Advisor

2015 - Trek Advisor

2016 - Trek Advisor

2019 - Trek Advisor

2021 - Trek Advisor

2022 - Trek Advisor

2023 - Trek Advisor

2024 - Trek Advisor

2025 - Trek Advisor

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In this episode, we chat about Mike's seasonal experiences in logistics, Baldy lightning strikes, and the happy chaos of running big camps like Cito.  

Mike arrives with prompt intention, as we sip coffee, and discuss life goals - like how to take a leap into a new career or a new creative outlet.  

Mike has published his first novel, The Long Walk Home.  Check it out in the link below, pre-order your copy, and get excited. 

Novel: The Long Walk Home

Aubrey's Blog: Mountain Girl Goes

Red River Valley Charter School

Philmont Experience:

1984 - Trek participant

1990 - PC French Henry

2004 - Logistics II

2005 - CD Cimarroncito

2006 - Logistics Assistant Manager - Trip Planning

2007 - Logistics Assistant Manager - Communications

2008 - 2013 Backcountry Manager

Notable Mentions

Greg Mako

Chris Werhane

Greg Friar Senseman

Jag McLaughlin

Dirty Larry

Dean Tooley

John Clark

Dick Mahalek

Own McCulloch

Charlie Nutter

Lee "Blue" Price

Julie Vigil Smith

Dwight Stein

Chris Sawyer

Cliff Eade

John Celley

Mark Anderson

Sarah Burgess

Ashley Pagnotta

Bin Lizzo

Christine Grauer

Justin Kernes

Aubrey Ritterhouse Harper

Tucker Baker

Kira Rednizack

Matt Wineland

Zac Crawford

Ross Robinson

Jada Day

Regina Engle

Doug Palmer

Sam Senseman 

Bucko Cowden

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Kicking off Season 10 of Silver On The Sage Podcast!  To celebrate, the legendary Eric Voss joins the show. Voss and I chat about the precious solitude of the remote backcountry in the 90s, 4th of July mishaps, cold beer, and more.  Voss made a substantial impact while at the ranch, through his positive energy and epic harmonica skills showcased on the Tobasco Donkeys albums.

Philmont Experience:

1984 - Trek participant

1988 - Merchandise Warehouse staff

1989 - PC Cyphers Mine

1990 - PC Pueblano

1991 - PC Miranda

1992 - CD Cyphers Mine

1994 - CD Pueblano

1997 - CD Beaubien / Autumn Adventure

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Scott discusses his work with the Philmont Ambassador Program. He also shares stories of burros and bears - and log rolling at Crater lake during his time on trek as a participant in the 70s.   

Interested in becoming a Philmont Ambassador? Check out the Ambassador Resources here.

Philmont Experience:

1975 - Trek Participant

2006 - Trek Advisor

2013 - Trek Advisor

2018 & 2021 - Wood Badge Staff

2018 - Present - Philmont Ambassador 

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In this episode, we chat about Tim's experience as a scout and USAFA Ranger.  Tim is the current Vice President of Service for the Philmont Staff Association.  From Phil-break and Volunteer Vacation to Service Corps and Special projects, if you're looking for a way to give back and go back to the ranch - this episode is for you!

Philmont Experience:

1983 - Trek participant

1984 - Trek participant, crew leader

1986 - Rayado participant

1989 - USAFA Ranger

1990 - Ranger Trainer, USAFA Ranger

1994 - USAFA Ranger

Notable Mentions:

Roch Roarbacher

Sam Lee

Johnathan Houk

Brian Burns

Mike Larson

JJ Stevens

Tim Rossiesen

Kevin Stickleman

Phil Winegardener

Shelley and Tim O'Neill

Dollie O'Neil

Al Taylor

Tim Castor 'Badger'

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Inviting you to help us celebrate Dia De Los Muertos on the podcast!

Please send in a audio recording of a story, a memory, or a lasting impact of a deceased loved one from Philmont Scout Ranch or surrounding New Mexico area.  Many of us have been touched by those larger than life figures - such as Gene Schenll, Doug Palmer, Joe Davis, Bob Funk, and more - but please feel free to include family members who trekked at the ranch, visitors, etc.  This episode is not limited to staff members only.

Most smart phones have a voice recording app, so simply find a quiet space, press record, share your memory, save the file, and email it to [email protected]. If you'd rather send in a written submission I am more than happy to record it for you and include it in the episode.  If you feel inspired to send in a song, poem, or i-camp in honor of a loved one, that is absolutely welcomed as well. 

Please send audio and written submissions to me by Monday, October 20th.

With your help and participation - this episode will air on Dia de los muertos, which is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd.

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Dan Edwards, ironically hated backpacking until his first Philmont trek, where he learned to love it.  Specifically he learned to be comfortable being uncomfortable - because morale was so high and the backcountry camp camaraderie and activities were so impactful.  

Philmont Experience:

2006 - Trek Participant

2012 - Ranger / Assistant Cook Beaubien

2013 - PC Crater Lake 

2014 - PC Clarks Fork

2015 - CD Black Mountain / Autumn Adventure Guide

Notable Mentions:

Ry Taylor

Chris Sawyer

Owen McCulloch

Myles

Will

Dylan McDermott

Gene Schnell

Phil Lewis

Jada Day

Zach Brand

Matt Groff

Daniel

Karl

Jake Koch

Zac Garmoe

Lela and Sean Murphy

Justin Kernes

Ted Cook

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Thirty-five summers ago Gretchen followed her cousin out to Philmont Scout Ranch hoping to be offered a job.  Fate rewarded her, and she spent four  summers working at Camping headquarters dining hall.  Rather than bagging peaks and hiking expansive distances, Gretchen valued making connections with staff and campers daily in the dining hall. She fell in love with Philmont Scout Ranch, where learned to live her faith out loud. 

Philmont Experience:

1990 - CHQ kitchen

1991 - CHQ Kitchen Assistant Manager

1992 - CHQ Kitchen Assistant Manager

1994 - CHQ Kitchen Assistant Manager

Notable Mentions

Chris Werhane

Dave Werhane

Cindy Werhane

Diana Loomis

Charley "Red"

Andrew

Matt Werhane

Will Hawkins

Laura Hood

Nancy Davis

Kerri Kosmiki

Dean Tooley

Doug Palmer

Eric Micahel Dale

Reggie Jayne

Tim Fraylick

Larry McLaughlin 

Daisy Dix

Garth

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Brian Hobrock is Philmont's current Ranch Department Livestock Technician and Chase Ranch cowboy.  As a young wrangler in the 80's, Brian encountered challenging moments that resulted in resilience and commitment to the cowboy way of life.  He shares stories as Bucky the Burro wrangler at Miranda, and how after 20 years away from the ranch, the mountains were still calling.  

Philmont Experience:

1981 - Trek participant

1983 - Wrangler / Burro wrangler - Miranda

1984 - Wrangler

1987 - Wrangler / UU Bar Autumn

2021 - Livestock Technician / Chase Ranch cattle & irrigation 

Notable Mentions:

Ben Vargas

Rod Taylor

Bob Knox

Bob & Rachel Ricklefs

Boss Sanchez

Chuck Enloe

Susan Hobrock

Joe Higgins

Curly "Doug" Seamans

Aaron Kenny

John Mal

Chuck Pledge

Spider

Lucas Long

Dave Kenneke

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Harold is a National Scouting Professional and museum specialist at the National Scouting Muesum.  He wears many hats, tending to exhibits, collections, electronic displays, virtual tours, and more.  He is also the creator of the popular Artifact of the Week video series, which highlights the history, culture, and influences of Philmont Scout Ranch and surrounding New Mexico areas. 

Philmont Experience:

2016 - 2018 - PTC Faculty, NAYLE and PLC staff

2018 - NAYLE Course Director  

2018 - Logistics Trip Planner / Dining Hall (Ute Park Fire)

2019 – 2021 - Museum Specialist, seasonal, year-round

2021 - National Scouting Museum full-time

Notable mentions
Tom Guini
Tracy Waters
Dr. John Alexander

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