Elevation: 6,992 ft
GPS coordinates: W 104 59 39.65  N 36 37 23.34 

Temperatures: High 82 degrees - Low 63 degrees 

Anasazi to Indian Writings

1.75 Miles

Total: 3.25 Miles

Indian Writings      images

      The hike to Indian Writings began around 8:30 in the morning.  We had planned to leave sooner but one crew member had been stricken with a stomach virus.  He was still not feeling well in the morning.  The Ranger asked for four volunteers to hike to the nearest staffed camp to summon an EMT member to assess the crew members condition.  Once the Philmont staff members had treated the ill crew member, it was decided that he would attempt the trip to Indian Writings with the crew, but with a lighter load.  Each crew member took several items from the ill member to carry.  The trail was not very strenuous and it was not far to Indian Writings camp.  We reached the Conservation Project area before we reached the camp are and were persuaded to to the 3 hours of work before lunch instead of the afternoon heat.  The crew learned of the damage the "Ponil Complex Fire" had caused to the area.  The consevation project consisted of three parts: One- Spread seeds onto the bare ground. Two- Rake the soil over the seeds, and Three - Place straw over the area that was just seeded.  This did not sound very difficult until we reached the work area. The terrain was at a 45 degree angle.  The crew did a fine job considering that gloves were not available. The crew was instructed to work until 1:00 PM or until lightning was spotted in the distance.  The lightning began just before one. We quickly cleared the mountain side of crew and staff.  The three hour conservation project required to get the Philmont arrow patch complete it was time to head to camp.

      We reached the staff cabin at about 1:15 PM.  There were several crews ahead of us waiting to sign in and receive the welcome speech on the porch of the cabin.  We used the time to eat lunch while we waited for our turn on the porch.  As we ate it clouded over very quickly and the crew members quickly scrambled to cover the backpacks.  We used the extra 4 by 12  Silnylon tarp we brought along.    Only a few drops fell before it began to clear and the sun returned. The additional moisture in the air made it a little muggy. We all wished that the rain had continued a little longer.  At about 2:20 PM it was our turn for the porch talk.  The rules of camp were explained.  There were showers at Indian Writings camp, but not enough water for them to be used by crew members.  The crew was invited to play Anasazi ball at 7:30 PM against the staff members.  Near as we could tell it was Volleyball with some special rules.  The crew was invited to attend the 3:00 PM Indian Writing Petroglygh tour.  It would be the last one offered on this day.  The crew voted to go on the 3 o'clock tour. With less than 40 minutes to set up camp, Bear Bags, Dining Fly etc. it was a tight schedule.  The crew made it to the starting point of the tour just in time, and also just in time for a rain down pour.  No one thought to bring rain gear, so most got pretty wet on the tour. Some stayed under the rock formation by the Petroglyphs.   The lasted for only for 40 minutes before it let up.  The sky remained overcast and the sun did not re-appear for the day.

      Dinner was Macaroni and Cheese.  All must have been hungry because the pot was soon empty.  An easy cleanup for the kitchen crew.  Some members of the crew went to play Anasazi Ball at the shower house.  The rest remained in camp and played cards or relaxed.  Soon it was time to turn in. 

    Shortly after 10:00 PM it began to rain, thunder and lightning could be heard in the distance.  Knowing all were warm and dry in their tents the rain would not bother us much that night.   By morning the sky had cleared and the sun was just coming over the mountain as we had to say good-by to our ranger, Jamie.  The crew said their Philmont Wilderness Pledge, were given our wilderness cards and waved good-by to Jamie.  Soon hike to Ponil began. 

      With Map and Compass in hand the crew headed north