OA Trail Crew Back Country Journal

On June 21st, 2004, Section NE-2B Chief Brian Cutino departed for the mountains of Philmont Scout Ranch. Ready with a backpack and a good pair of work jeans, Brian journeyed to attend the OA Trail Crew High Adventure program. Having aspirations to participate in a Philmont trek since he was 12, Brian finally got a chance to take a hike in the mountains at the age of 19. Through hail, rain, lighting and extreme temperatures, Brian built trail and made friends with Arrowmen from all over the country. Join Brian on his 16 day experience to see just how exactly he found himself at Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico.

Stories and Photos by Brian Cutino

• Trip Preparation
• June 21st, Day One – Philmont is a Reality
• June 22nd, Day Two – Morning in the Western Sky
• June 23rd, Day Three – Push to the Work Site
• June 24th, Day Four – My New Home
• June 25th, Day Five – Getting Dirty in Service
• June 26th, Day Six – Through Coldness, We Prevail
• July 27th, Day Seven – The Definition of Brotherhood
• June 28th, Day Eight – 252 Feet of History
• June 29th, Day Nine – A Change in Scenery
• June 30th, Day Ten – Ready, Aim, HIKE!
• July 1st, Day Eleven – Beautiful Sun, Newfound Spirit
• July 2nd, Day Twelve – The Magic of Philmont
• July 3rd, Day Thirteen – Finding Thyself
• July 4th, Day Fourteen – My First Real Independence Day
• July 5th, Day Fifteen – Journey Back to Base
• July 6th, Day Sixteen – Departing Home
• Post Trek

Revised 6/02/2006