This morning we left Cottonwood, which the boys had dubbed the Valley of Death due to the heat. We passed through Indian Writings (which has the only active archeological site on Philmont property) and headed up over Hart Peak, a mere 7,900 feet of elevation. We arrived at Ponil just after lunch. Ponil was the site of the original base camp in 1938 when the property was called the Philturn Rocky Mountain Scout Camp (the name was changed back to Philmont in 1941). It is appropriate that we finish our 75th anniversary hike here.
Ponil is one of the largest staff camps and it has quite a few activities. Our first stop was the cantina for some cold root beer. There is also a commissary and general store, calf roping, shooting, horseshoes, branding, and horse rides. Most everyone now has a hat or boot emblazoned with the Philmont brands. We also shot replica Colt, single action pistols at the range. Everyone had the opportunity to fire five rounds at a variety of targets. For supper we had a chuck wagon dinner of beef stew and biscuits. The last event was the cantina show, which featured a variety of songs played on guitars, mandolin, piano, upright bass, and even a trumpet. After the show ended, several of us stayed around while the staff continued to jam and even dance. Unfortunately, they did not know Sweet Home Alabama.
Tomorrow morning on our last day, we will be riding horses in the morning after a pancake breakfast at the chuck wagon. After that, we will hike down to the Ponil Turnaround to catch what the boys have called the "freedom bus" back to base camp.