27. June 2010 by Jake Lemon.

I am unexpectedly home for a few days to regroup. I had 8 days of bad luck in getting to the Mid Fork. Will be launching another try very soon. The Frank Wilderness rangers told me that, the under-high-water trail that I wanted to use along the upper MF, is traditionally not only under water in spring, but also becomes washed out & impassable each year. They said with frustration in their voices, the trail crew tries to fix it each year, but their work never sticks. Rangers said, this is the only annual washout site along the entire MF trail system. It is also a major access for back packers.

I would like to propose to SBBCH, that we file a proposal with the FS to do a permanent fix to the wash-out site. It would require hauling in some bags of mortar, post mix cement & rebar. Of course, there is plenty of rock available at the site to do the envisioned rock work.

To get to the site, drive past Banner Summit a few miles, turn left at sign for Seafoam Area. Go 1.5 miles to Marsh Creek TH. Go down Marsh Cr. trail about 6 miles to confluence with MF & establish camp. Go another 1/2 mile down the MF to work site. The work would take about 4 guys about 1 day to complete. I have all the tools & experience required. I would volunteer to be project leader. I would need the help of some guys with reasonably healthy backs. I see this happening early summer of 2011.

Jake

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16. June 2010 by Bill & Marybeth.

Commentary from the lady who actually lives in the “White House” with black shutters of course, by Marybeth Conger, President

Can you believe its June already? I just returned from a nice ride with the entire string. We have a pack trip into the Frank Church Wilderness end of July, so its time to start getting in shape.

Looking at our 2nd quarter Chapter activities list, it’s been a busy year with many different opportunities for SBBCH members to learn and have fun. The SBBCH chapter continues to do an outstanding job offering a variety of activities such as Rides, Public Outreach programs, Educational clinics, Highway cleanup, Trail Projects, Back County 4-H demonstration, and yes, even a Yard sale to help with fund raising. We are educating not only ourselves on the importance of safety, but the public about the BCH organization and our historical right to use stock on public lands.

In April there was Wilderness First Responder training and the BCHI Horse Expo. In May there was even more such as Forrest Service Sawyer Safety, Talk to the Experts, Defensive Horsemanship, and Hands on Packing. In June, July and August there are many Trail Projects scheduled where we can ride together and discover some beautiful country in Idaho. Please check out our activity page and participate. We like to have fun on these projects and of course eat well.

Big thanks to the SBBCH members, for all your time and positive energy spent to make this chapter something to be proud of. Please continue to log your volunteer hours, including mileage and if you can’t remember if you did, check out the summary screen.  I can’t wait to see you on the trail for some fun times this summer, especially our new members. If the SBBCH website doesn’t answer your questions, or you would like to speak with a live body, you can always call me direct.

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