Installment Seven- June 20, 2003

As the troop broke camp and headed into Durango, Colorado along a gravel road we found ourselves in the middle of a 2200-head sheep herd. Three fellas were taking the sheep up the road to graze in the campsite fields. Mr. B's van became the tripod for Mr. D's camera as he attempted to gain an advantage on the photo shot of the day.

The Mother Ship began the day running out to the Durango airport to pick up Mr. M's luggage that arrived 15 hours late from Denver [Mr. M joined us late after sneaking in an extra week of work - rep]. Mr. P and Mr. V took the downtime opportunity to use Mr. M's hotel room to upload the web page [installment four]via a land phone and, more importantly, to take much needed hot showers. Alex and Robert asked more than once what are the chances we could use the Best Western pool?

After setting up camp at Mesa Verde and having a having a leisurely lunch, we all prepared for what was to be a great afternoon. The drive was 21 miles from our campsite and we went through the remains of the 2002 brush fires. One of the few upsides of the fires is a increase in the amount of wild flowers and grasses.

The Colorado afternoon rains came as we began the Mesa Verde hike into the Anasazi ruins. Our National Park Service guide did a great job getting us prepared for the 30+ foot ladders and even for the tight crawl spaces that we were able to explore. Mr. P's favorite line of the day was "The yucca plant is the Wal-Mart of the wild for the pueblo people". As we made our way to the first ladder the desert rain run-off made it's way down the sandstone and splashed all around our feet.

The cliff dwellings showed us that the Anasazi Indians were advanced for their time. We saw a device to measure equinoxes, an air-duct like vent, many different useful medicines, and a very defensive home. Back in the 1200s there would be only one way to ascend or decend a wall -- you had to either start with your left or right foot or hand, hence making it very difficult for outsiders to attack. As always, the scenery was phenomenal and breathtaking.

After the Mesa Verde excursion, we headed back to the campsite and a few people took the much needed showers and for dinner, there was fajitas. Later in the evening we headed over to the amphitheater for a botany presentation about Mesa Verde. For a late evening snack, we had Mr. L's signature Hot Dog Diablo.

Memorable Quotes 

• Can't we snatch us a sheep? - Steve
• Dude, you're cheating -- you must be using the codes! - heard in several cars

• That Turkey wanted to kill me! - Denver
• NPS Guide Dave - The natives used juniper bark as baby diapers! Yikes!!!

• You bogarting the Swedish Fish? - Dawg (Robbie)

The following entry is being sent slightly out of order, as we are a few days behind in finalizing the June 21 web page. We wanted the parents to hear the adult leaders point of view at the trek halfway point. - rep

Thoughts at the Summer Solstice: (QM DQL)

Not coincidentally, the Summer Solstice on Saturday falls at our halfway point in the Quest; a fitting simile to capture the length of our days, and the brightness of our boys. For most are experiencing a first view of the West - glorious nature wrapped in youthful exuberance.

The 18 months of planning by Mr. B and myself is proving more rewarding than expected. Countless hours spent on logistical details of campgrounds, hike timing, meal development, and astute adult leadership along for the Quest, has given the boys (and us adults) an almost spiritual essence. For as each day passes to the next, the boys almost on cue, recount that particular day as one that can't possibly be beat -- that is until the next sunrise appears on our campsites.

I am particularly enamored with their superb behavior, in the public venues that we visit, which makes the adults smile, and which defines our Troop's motto: A Proud Tradition.

Each National Park, wrapped in history, and glowing in spectacle, befriends the boys. I'm convinced many of them think they may be seeing mirages. Rather, they are seeing the best this country has to offer. Virtually no complaining occurs, knowing that they will have yet another memorable excursion around the next corner.

Whether traversing arches, either man-made like St. Louis, or the natural ones in Utah (painted the color of your rusted Radio Flyer wagon), or climbing to the top of the Colorado Sand Dunes, or the top of a kiva at Mesa Verde, each step is taken on the wonderment of seeing something awesome before you. And realizing just how lucky you are to be on this Quest.

We pause now before the grand finale: our four crews' backpacking sojourn into the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park. Four days and five nights alone on the mountain. Alone with their thoughts, supported by their crewmates. The boys have shown well; they are physically prepared, and mentally strong to take on their own personal Quest. They'll make it just fine. It's the dads I'm worried about...