The following note was sent by our friend and SBFC member, Nate Raff. Nate was a volunteer on this summer’s Grave Peak restoration project. The Grave Peak lookout is just one of the structural restoration projects that SBFC was asked to work on this summer. Conner, SBFC seasonal staff, along with Kris and Emma, Wilderness Ranger Interns, participated in this memorable and historical trip. We thought we’d share Nate’s note and photos with you.

“Dear Sally,

I just wanted to drop you a note in regard to the folks from the SBFC Foundation that helped out with the Grave Peak Lookout project near Powell, ID. Conner Adams, Kris and Emma were great to work with, a huge help with all the sherpa loads they brought up to the lookout for us, and were a key part of the successful completion of that project. On time and within budget, as they say, but actually ahead of time and I have no idea of the budget..…….. We couldn't have pulled off that project without their tremendous help. By our count, there were 14 mule loads that got broken down into 38 backpack loads to be hauled that last mile of very steep, rough, boulderstrewn "trail" to the lookout. Everything arrived perfectly and with no damage. Conner even volunteered to bring up an additional 17 ft. extension ladder all the way from Kooskia Meadows trailhead, a distance of 5 miles and 3000+ ft of elevation gain. That ladder is what got the project finished early. Attached are a few photos, one of Conner packing the ladder, and of the completed roof and floor.

Again, thanks for their help.

Nate Raff - Grave Peak Restoration Volunteer”

Conner carrying the ladder. Five plus miles - 3,000 ft elevation gain.