Dan and Karen Ashton met at Philmont in 1977, and recently celebrated 31 years of marriage. Their story is untraditional and adventurous - much like the paths we traverse in the rugged backcountry hills. The couple shares stories as though we were casually grouped around a campfire, like old friends do.

Philmont Experience Dan:
1973 & 1974 – Trek participant
1975 – Kit Carson Man Trek
1976 – CHQ Dining Hall
1977 – Beaubien Cook

Philmont Experience Karen:
1975, 77, & 78 – Trek participant
1979 – CHQ Trading Post
1983 – PTC Trading Post Assistant Manager
1984 – PTC Tranding Post Manager
2019 – Museum Docent

Notable Mentions:
Henry Wicksen
Charlie Aldredge
Doug & Betty Palmer
Bill Tate
Hans Peterson
Rod Taylor
Steve Zimmer
Dave Kenneke
The Otts
Dean Tooley

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Happy birthday Silver On the Sage Podcast! Today the podcast begins it's fifth year of sharing stories and highlighting the immeasurable impact that Philmont has had on all of our lives.

As of today, the show has totaled 95,000 downloads. We have aired 166 episodes, and reached audiences in over 13 countries, and 315 cities. I'm so honored to continue to host and produce this podcast, and to preserve the history of Philmont and her people.

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David is currently the Director of Wilderness Adventures at Northern Tier, and was formerly a Senior Associate Director of Program at Philmont Scout Ranch. During his thirteen year tenure at Philmont he implemented several new safety and risk management procedures, enhanced Philmont's shooting sports program, expanded backcountry instrument inventory, refined backcountry warehouse usage data, and lead the opening of Metcalf Station.

David praises Scouting for its recent inclusivity efforts - opening the program to all walks of life, and of course the lifelong impact it offers youth.

Philmont Experience:
1992 – Two Treks - participant
1995 – PC Apache Springs
1996 – PC Iris Park
2003 – PSA Trek. Hiking through the Ponil fire area.
2011-2024 – Sr. Associate Director of Program

Northern Tier:
2018: Trek with Troop 68, Cimarron (Ute Park Fire closed Philmont)
2024 – Present: Director of Wilderness Adventures

Florida Sea Base:
2017: Volunteer Staff – Post Hurricane Irma recovery team (PSA)

Summitt:
2017 National Jamboree Staff – High Adventure Booth Director

Notable Mentions:
Monty Gibson
Brent Smith
Jimmy Lowe
Denise Tony
Brent Smith
Chris Sawyer
Tony Chandless
Doug Lundsford
Donnie Lundsford
Doug Palmer
Mark Anderson
John Van Dreese

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