to philmont

Noah's Boy Scout troop got the opportunity to go to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico this summer. They'll be gone for two weeks during which they'll hike for 10 days in the mountains at 7,000-10,000 feet elevation, carrying 40+ pound backpacks. He's been training for the trip for the last couple of months, and for the last few weeks he got up early every morning to walk two miles, carrying his fully loaded backpack, at the local park walking trail. It was hot and humid every morning. In New Mexico, they'll experience highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s and NO HUMIDITY! That should make his backpack feel a little lighter. [Pictured: Dad and Noah making final adjustments to new backpack and hiking boots.]

Here he is before the haircut and sporting some facial hair. This picture was taken about a month ago after a very hot and humid weekend of hiking/camping/training (hence the "can we please go home now" look).
And here are best friends Noah and Kevin about to leave for Philmont yesterday afternoon. They both shaved that morning, and now the race is on to see who can grow the best beard over the next two weeks.

Nine scouts and three leaders are going on the trek. For two weeks! Their moms are going to miss them! But they are going to have an amazing high adventure trip. Gotta love the Boy Scouts!