Al and I both went to advisor’s coffee which began at 7:00. The porch has a swing on it. Al and I claim it for our own as we visit with the advisors and staff. There we discovered that our friends who were with us at the beginning of our trek are back with us after a short split apart. These leaders are the ones who were so sick at the start of their trek.
   The burro races, tonight’s activity, are set to begin at 7:30. A few of the older scouts were not very excited about participating in this event. Yet, when the group arrives the whole crew is present. I am glad to see that. They head down to the corral which is just a bit downhill from where we advisors are drinking our coffee and hot chocolate. The races will be held in the open area in front of us. We will not even have to leave the porch.
   The crews choose their own burros from the selection in the corral. The first heat, in which two burros will race, does not include us. The second heat does. The gang chose a donkey with the name of Big Louie. According to the odds posted on the lodge the odds on Big Louie are three to one. Not bad.
   The race consists of three scouts ‘leading’ the burro down the raceway. One scout holds on to his reins while the other two make noise and try to coax the critter along. At mid point three other boys take over and bring the animal back to the starting point which is now the finish line.
   We won our fist race, but not because of our amazing speed and animal handling skills. The other team lost control of their burro, providing us with the chance to pass them and win. 

The north side of Tooth Ridge.	The lodge at Harlan Camp.	A quick rest stop.
Our campsite at Harlan Camp.	Is this camp for the birds?	The burro race is about to begin.
And they are off! Run guys, run!	The boys from Melrose took first place.	Decorating for Christmas at Philmont.
Al pours the fresh milk the boys won during the burro races.	A toast to the winners.	Posing with the hard won first place prize.
Back on the trail.	Resting at Clark Forks Camp.	Practicing our lassoeing skills.
We never got tired of the views.	We passed through Schaefer's Pass Camp.	Enjoying the view at Scheafer's Peak.