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July 19, 2009

Going to New Mexico

I was one of about 60 lucky boy scouts from across America to be chosen to participate in a leadership hike through the mountains of New Mexico. We will be hiking through the world's largest boyscout camp, called Philmont Scout Ranch, which is located near Cimarron in the state's NE quarter.


Along the way we will learn leadership skills and participate in a number of interesting activities. On average we will be hiking 7 miles a day with a 50 lb backpack on for about 10 days.


The scout ranch has lots of wilderness which means lots of birds. Being so far away from home means that there will be plenty of new birds for me. Even the common ones such as Steller's Jay and Mountain Chickadee will be life birds for me. I hope to have some photos of the birds there to show you all since I bought a small camera just for this trip. If I am luck we might stop at Rocky Mountain NP on the way back which has White-tailed Ptarmigan, Black Swift, and Brown-capped Rosy-Finch!

A couple days before and then after the actual hike itself we will be staying at a retreat house in Albuquerque that is right along the Rio Grande River which will hopefully have a couple more life birds.

Visit my blog around August 10th when I am back to hear how my trip went.

I better go since it's only about an hour before I leave for NM by motor home with my two best friends. Wish me luck!

4 comments:

Ali Iyoob said...

I've never gone to Philmont, but the leader saw a Western Tanager last time.

Dawn Fine said...

Have a wonderful time! look forward to your report of your trip!

Jann said...

I wish you all the luck in the world Tucker, have a great time and I'll look forward to seeing your photos when you get back! Congrats on being chosen!

GeckoGirl said...

Hello, I found your post from J'ellen's. Your name caught my eye; I had a wonderful Border Collie named Tucker I miss him more every day....and I absolutely LOVE your post!! I look forward to your pictures from New Mexico...as I have family there and the scenery is to die for...literally. Good luck in your journey's. Teresa