COMMUNITY ARCHIVES

Reflections from Ronnie’s first volunteer experience at moose creek ranger station in october, 2012

Ronnie Metcalfe and Chris Chouinard - SBFC MOOSE CREEK Volunteers

The station had been enveloped in thick smoke and the day we flew in, luckily, was clear...we were the first plane the crews had seen in 2 weeks!

Large Hot Shot fire crews were stationed there to protect the 11 buildings and several key bridges across the Selway and Moose Rivers. Sprinklers were atop each building and the grounds were littered with hoses connected to 2 large swimming pool-like "bladders". There was constant activity in the compound…cross cut saws, wood splitting, frequent pack trips for resupply. Only a couple of days were clear and soon Chris flew home to return in a few weeks.

(Chris remembers thinking ‘what would Ronnie be like when he returned?’ He said that he thought I would be all packed up to go as soon as he arrived but instead I was smitten and delayed departure as much as I could! In fact we got weathered in with Connie [Saylor Johnson] and couldn’t be more happy!)

We were able to replace a few wind socks with the help of some of the crew before he left. The smoke returned and the visibility was less than a quarter of a mile for many days.

Radios crackled with fire talk, the kitchen was always busy and warm, and there was constant restocking of wood, propane tanks, and supplies.

Weather was getting colder and there was hope for a change. After 10 days, BLUE SKY!!! Fire crews left and were replaced with another detachment.

[I] counted 14 landings in one day by 2 helicopters who were hauling out equipment, personnel, and most importantly, garbage!

The corrals were busy with stock - both Mark and Pete USFS packers were there at the same time occasionally.

Ronnie estimated that she shoveled over 2000 lbs of manure in a month! Some have said she doesn't take s..t from anyone now! At the end of the day her most popular spot was the bath house and a luxurious hot shower!

Soon a welcomed rain came and the fire season ended…the crews took down and stored all the sprinklers and returned to their stations.

Finally there was quiet...and wildlife returned: white tail, mule deer, elk, and a moose!

Our last few days that year were spent with a different Mama moose…Connie Saylor Johnson! She was to replace Chris and me…I was told about the famous Connie and felt intimidated that I was to show her around…she had worked there for years and what could I teach her? It was her that taught me the love of Moose Creek! It was the start of a wonderful sister ship!

2020 Update:

Ronnie and Chris have volunteered at Moose Creek every year since 2012. No two seasons have been the same, with each providing a plethora of experiences and memories!

Chris enjoys the challenges of repairing equipment and plumbing with a limited supply of hardware and tools ... no local hardware store!!

Ronnie delights in meeting travelers who have endured their journey by foot, raft, horseback or plane. The more than 100 year history of past settlers, packers, hunters, pilots and rangers is fascinating. [While cabin hosting, Ronnie and Chris] have assisted ill prepared and stranded campers, injured stock, and crews.