Larry Goldsmith's 1998 Philmont Journal
July 15, 1998: Day 12 - Tooth Ridge to Base Camp
| Wake up was scheduled for 5:00 but it was actually 5:15 when it happened. We went over and watched the sunrise over the Plains even though it was somewhat cloudy and had breakfast. We broke camp and formed a packline in the site before heading back to climb the Tooth of Time. |
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We arrived at the base of the Tooth at 6:25 and made it to the top and about 6:50. We took a number of pictures while we were there. Denis took a portrait of each of the Crew members with there choice of backgrounds and we got a crew picture also. We were down from the Tooth at 7:45 and back to Tooth Ridge Camp at 8:15.
Me and the whole Crew on top of the Tooth of Time
| We then headed out on the last leg of our trek -- the return to Base Camp. The trail down was hot and dusty with no shade for the last 45 minutes. We arrived at the gate to Tent City at about 10:00. Before we went through the gate, we gathered the crew for one last time in the backcountry and exchanged our congratulations. Denis and I walked through the gate side-by-side as the last of the crew to return from the backcountry. For my third time in as many treks, there were tears in my eyes when I went through the gate -- and I was wishing that we could start over again. |
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Back in Tent City, the drill began again. We dropped our packs at Services while Nathan and Blake headed off to the Welcome Center to get our tent assignments. I took Adam over to the Health Lodge to have his foot tended to -- but they insisted that he have a shower first! We got the gear checked in and all got showers before lunch. After lunch we stopped at the Snack Bar for an ice cream and dropped Adam off at the Health Lodge. The rest of the afternoon was spent with a tour of the Villa Philmonte, the musuem, and the Trading Post. After dinner, there were religous services, the closing campfire, and Advisors' Coffee before heading back to the tent for final packing and finally sleep.
