Bears, Oh My!!

Oh my goodness.  I am going to be a basket case while Tristan is in Philmont.  I am reading over the list of things they need to bring.  And one of the most important is a FREAKING BEAR BAG  to put all smellable items in so as to not attract BEARS.  Yep.  So, he leaves on the Amtrak train on Friday evening of the 7th of August.  They will ride the train all night and part of the next day until they get to Raton, NM.  Then they get off the train and take a bus the rest of the way to Philmont.  They will be hiking through mountainous terrain for 6 days and hike 45 miles.  Along the way I guess they are learning to shoot rifles, climb poles, ride horseback, and learning to survive off the land.  I am really, really nervous sending him off to do all this but, SO excited for him to experience it all!  They will be back on the train and arrive in Ft. Madison on Sunday the 16th.  I can't wait to hear all his stories from his adventure!!