Pecos Wilderness Trip Prepares to Depart

After a summer of breaking in boots and buying waterproof gear, the Class of 2018 will head out to the Pecos Wilderness tomorrow to begin a journey that will strengthen their bonds of brotherhood.

 

The rising freshmen will be accompanied by current upperclassmen, alumni, faculty, and experienced outdoorsmen, all dubbed Sherpas, in their trek through the wilderness of New Mexico. Some, like Dan Northcut ’81, went on their first Pecos more than three decades ago while others, like Henry Goldberg ’16, are returning just a few years after their first trip. All of the leaders have been at the School for the past week planning, packing, and figuring out how best to make this trip an experience as memorable as theirs. After the 12-hour bus ride to base camp, students will break off with their groups and begin hiking to the first campsite. Over the course of the trip, they will travel different routes throughout the Pecos Wilderness. Some groups will climb Truchas Peak, which, at 13,102 feet, is the highest mountain in New Mexico. Others will get the chance to see the crystal clear Nambe Lake.

 

Each group’s experience is unique but all of the boys have a 24-hour solo, which many students remember as the highlight of the trip. For most Marksmen, that 24-hour period is the only time they will ever be completely alone with no access to technology or contact with other people. The trip will teach boys not only about basic camping and outdoor skills, but also about responsibility, group dynamics, self-confidence, and the leadership skills necessary to make the most of Upper School.

           

Many Sherpas, like Brody Ladd ’15, enjoy the tradition behind the Trip. After his first Pecos, he and his father Corey ’81 realized they both had been to some of the same places on their respective trips.

 

“I’m looking forward to being back out there,” Brody said. “It’s such a fun place. This is my fourth Pecos including freshman year. I know I’m going back to the same campsite I went to when I was a freshman. That’s where I soloed and we’re probably going to solo our group there.”

 

The Class of 2018 will remain in the wilderness for ten days, returning August 15.