Seven Scouts and three leaders from Dixon's Troop 152 hold their “bragging rights” banner atop Mt. Baldy, New Mexico last month. Courtesy photo

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Blisters were not mentioned but a friendly burro seemed to be a definite highlight for the boys of Dixon’s Troop 152, who recently returned from a 10-day hike in the Northern New Mexico mountains.

The team of seven boys and three leaders conquered the 12,441-foot Mount Baldy, the highest peak in the Cimarron Range of New Mexico last month with a little help from Churro the Burro. They got to pick him at the famed Philmont Scout Ranch where 14,000 Scouts began their trek covering 75 long, rugged and wet miles of terrain. In return for the burro’s aid in carrying camp necessities, the boys fed and cared for the animal.

“It was an amazing trip,” said Tyler Collins, the 16-year-old Scout crew leader who sported braces and a head of blond curls. “It rained every day and about the same time each day. That’s why I tried to wake them early.”

Corey Patrick, a Dixon High School freshman, added that it hailed three times.

“It was peaceful. It was the best of experiences even though I was at the brink of exhaustion,” Corey said. “I was proud of myself.”

His father, Jeremy, was one of the adult leaders.

The Dixon Scouts trekked a total of 75 miles over 10 days and experienced "amazing" views of nature. Courtesy photo

Fourteen-year-old Jack Latham, the one who named Churro, admitted he almost didn’t make it, being twice overwhelmed with exhaustion.

“It was really challenging and the day before we got to the top, I wanted to give up. But they helped me and it was amazing, the highest I’ve ever been other than being on an airplane,” Jack said with enthusiasm.

Jack’s dad is Scoutmaster Matt Latham, who was an Eagle Scout and almost 32 years ago to the day, had hiked Mt. Baldy.

“It was a really important and great experience for me,” Latham said. “The boys that started on day one are not the same boys that ended the trek.”

After the boys had met up with thousands of other Scouts, the troops were given a “sister crew” which had been given the same destination but would take a different route. At the end of each day, they would meet up and together share dinner and stories of their trek.

They also learned backpacking skills, leadership skills and how to navigate extremely difficult terrain, the Scoutmaster explained.

When they reached the peak, Tyler called his family in Dixon on his cell phone.

“It was such an amazing thing that you got to call home from the top of the mountain and share it with someone important,” Tyler said.

Tyler added that he doesn’t get out much and found the experience refreshing to be away from home, school and phones.

“The air is cleaner and it was nice to be away and make amazing friends,” Tyler said.

The troop had trained, fundraised and prepared for the trip for 18 months, according to Scoutmaster Latham, who added that the Dixon Scouts “do a lot for Dixon,” including working with civic clubs to benefit the community.

The boys got a daily reprieve from the heat of hiking, thanks to daily afternoon rain. Courtesy photo

“They were ready. They’ve all done a lot,” Latham said.

Mt. Baldy is one of four ‘Peak Challenges’ required by the Boy Scouts of America.

“We did really well and that made me feel really great,” Tyler said.

Boy Scouts of America is committed to creating a welcoming, safe environment where Scouts can freely express themselves, share their experiences and become the best version of themselves by learning from and respecting each other.

Since 2016, girls are now welcome and can participate. For more information, see the website at https://www.troop152dixon.com/ or call Latham at 707-685-1750.