COMMUNITY ARCHIVES

 

BILL MCGLYNN - SBFC VOLUNTEER

Flying in the backcountry requires more skill and knowledge than just pavement to pavement flying, so I sought additional instruction and was lucky to enlist Jim Larkin.  Jim flew all his life and flew just about every kind of backcountry capable aircraft ever made, including Ford Tri-Motors and DC3’s for Johnson Flying Service, out of Missoula. 

Aerial of Moose Creek.JPG

I asked Jim to teach and test my skills and take me to places in the backcountry he loved.  The first place he took me was Moose Creek [NP-CNFs].  It was his favorite place and I immediately knew why as we approached up the Selway River to land.  The Selway is stunning from the ground, but even more so from the air.  Jim showed me the ropes of how to safely and respectfully aviate in the Wilderness and I fell in love with Moose Creek and the Selway Bitterroot.  That was May of 2000 and I have been going back to Moose Creek multiple times per year ever since. 

Jim always told me to bring ice cream for the team at Moose Creek, so I tried to do that every trip.  Connie Johnson and I would trade…she provided her homemade pie…I supplied the a la mode - it was wonderful. 

Moose Creek - Bill McGlynn.jpeg

When I retired in 2013, I talked with Anna Bengtson [USFS] about helping out as a volunteer host.  She signed be up and my first volunteer hitch was that October.  I have been there every year since.  Connie maybe summed up “why people love Moose Creek so much".  She said, “maybe it’s because so many people have loved the place for so long”.  I think that’s right.  I give my time to Moose Creek, but I get so much more in return.

Bill and his beloved Cessna 182 that carries him to his “favorite place on earth.”

Bill and his beloved Cessna 182 that carries him to his “favorite place on earth.”

About Bill mcglynn

Bill grew up in Butte, MT, but spent most of his work life in Boise, ID working in high tech.  He eventually accomplished his lifelong ambition to learn to fly, which eventually brought him to Moose Creek.  After 35 years in Boise, Bill and his wife Julie moved to Leavenworth, WA to be closer to their grandkids and remain avid outdoor enthusiasts, and of course, Bill continues to fly.