Day 6
Next morning at Aspen
Springs we had some
breakfast and packed up to hit the trail. We had a long
day in front of us with some big climbs.
The valley from Aspen
Springs to the
Hunting Lodge was very pretty.
We stopped by the
Hunting Lodge to refill our
water and take a break. I can see why Mr. Phillips like
to spend time in this part of the ranch.
We stopped for lunch at
the fork for Cyphers Mine. It was
warm and the climbing was taking it's toll on us.
Kurt checked out the
GPS. We had fun checking
our position and elevation. This was also about the
worst lunch we had on the trip. The Tuna did not fit
the trail very well. I think the flies liked it more than we did.
When we hit Cyphers Mine
it was time to sit down
a while. Our campsite was not ready so we took the
time to relax.
There is no flat ground
at Cyphers so Philmont has
made three sided shelters for the Treks to
sleep in. They fit about eight people
better than twelve.
We refilled water from
the stream and used our Polar Pure
to treat it with. This iodine treatment worked
very well. Two caps in a one liter bottle and
one hour later it was ready to go.
It tasted pretty good.
The new cabin was under
construction.
It was very nice!!
Next we did some gold
panning. Our instructor,
Sam was very good.
We looked hard but
didn't find anything
that looked like gold.
Next up was the mine
tour. It was cool!!!
Nancy gave us the history of the mine and
the area. She had taken the time
to learn the story and knew it well.
The mine tour was very
good. We went over five hundred
feet into the mountain. When we were at the end of
the shaft our guide turned out the lights and we
walked out in the dark. Quite an experience!
Supper time!!!!
After supper we went
down to the cabin for the
staff program. The boys ready enjoyed the ho down.
The staff at Cyphers
Mine were very good. They were
friendly and really cared about what
they were doing. They made our stay very enjoyable.