Ed Brenegar on Leading Questions posted last week about a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and it reminded me of a Scout trip to the Ranch I went on while still in High School. I’ll never forget the welcoming committee (a small black bear) when we opened the door of our lodge. Luckily he was heading out the back door as we were coming in the front.

While there, we climbed the peak (pictured here) affectionately known as the Tooth of Time. It’s really not too challenging, at least not when you’re a teen-ager (ah, sweet bird of youth!) The weather that day was perfect for climbing with very little snow on the ground for January. It took us about three hours to make it to the top, and the view was absolutely incredible in every direction.

Two interesting incidents happened I will never forget.

The sense of victory when we reached the summit was wonderful. We all felt the thrill of accomplishment. After only a couple of minutes though, one of the guys noticed a metal tube embedded in the ground at our feet. It was about 4 inches in diameter with a screwed metal cap. Inside there was a spiral-bound notebook and pen, with the legend, “Please sign here.”

I must admit, this somewhat diminished our sense of accomplishment a bit! After all, if everyone does it, then how special is it really to climb this stupid mountain? Ah well, we had lunch and started down. Our descent was more fun because there were occasional patches of snow in shady areas and we enjoyed the impromptu slides. I’m pretty sure that’s where I lost my wallet.

Despite that the trip was a great one, and after it was over, I thought again about that notebook on the top of the mountain. I came to realize that it didn’t matter that others had been there before me. It was certainly a challenge to me! After all, that’s basically what most of us do each day – we meet the challenge of doing what we need to do. Whether we’re breaking new ground or doing routine work each day doesn’t matter. It’s the doing that counts.

Then, about 8 months later, I received a package containing my lost wallet and a note which read, “Greetings! Found this near the top of the Tooth of Time. Only took out enough money to pay for return postage. Great job making it to the top! Come back again!”

Somehow, someone had spotted my wallet and took the time to return it to me. It arrived with money still in it and a note of friendship and encouragement. To this day I have no idea who did it, but what a blessing, and from completely out of the blue! To that person I say, “Thanks!”

What a great trip.