On April 13th, 2010 the Western Wildlands region of Missoula headed out on route 12 west towards the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness in Idaho. All field crew and youth crew leaders made it out on this particular trip. After one night of car camping close to the Fenn Ranger Station we packed up camp and the Youth Crew Leaders lead a discussion about bear identification and safety. Although we didn’t see a bear on this particular trip, it was important for all leaders to become informed and aware about the possibilities of encountering bears in the backcountry. As the clouds cleared away with the rigs all packed up we drove down the road while dodging deer and looking for the Race Creek Trailhead. The theme of this trip was called, “Backcountry Training,” and into the backcountry we went.
The night before had been cold and wet, but the following day brought about a plentiful amount of sunshine and warmth. Before hitting the trail, a MCC alumni named Julie whom so graciously accompanied us into the backcountry, led a discussion on hiking in groups and the importance of compass and map use. All leaders became acquainted with the use of maps and then around 11 am we began our hike. Our region was split up into two groups, which each had separate campsites to minimize the impact on the land. Both crews hiked along the same trail, which was parallel to the Selway River. The trail was in great condition and it harvested the first few signs of flower blossoms and re-vegetation. One of our leaders; Mack was returning to his home in the woods, where last year he had spent five months during the immersion crew. He was able to provide insight and history on the area in order to better inform the other leaders about the wilderness in which we were traveling. Crew A hiked in four miles to the Renshaw Creek campsite and Crew B hiked in two additional miles to the Cupboard Creek campsite. Due to the split in the two groups, it is hard to say exactly what Crew B did once they arrived at Cupboard, but it is probable that the logistical experiences were mirror images of one another.
The sunshine sustained itself throughout the late afternoon and into the evening, making camp set up an enjoyable lesson. Julie and Mike facilitated a discussion in proper camp set up and how to execute the process. Leaders split into pairs of two and three in order to scout the camp and determine where to place a latrine, bear hang, sump, kitchen, sleeping area, and a fire. Afterwards, each group was responsible for educating the other leaders about the logic behind their station set up. Bruce followed up our station set up with a lesson on stove maintenance. The most important lesson learned here was, “When in doubt, hit your stove on a rock and always check your stove before heading out on hitch.” As the sun crept away, we enjoyed ourselves down by the river’s edge, and the day was topped off with a delicious meal of quinoa and vegetables.
Wednesday brought about a new burst of energy. We were leaving our camp site and heading upstream to Cupboard Creek campsite to reunite with Crew B. With day packs on and a lunch packed we prepared ourselves for a day hike and educational segments. Upon arrival to the other crew’s camp, we were greeted with smiles and excitement. After a brief break, Drew entertained us by discussing wolves and wilderness management in the shape of a court room debate. All members seemed more informed about the issue and interested. Jena followed up Drew’s presentation with a lesson on Tree Identification. Having studied Resource Conservation at the University of Montana, Jena did an incredible job at teaching all leaders how to identify and categorize different types of trees. With the completion of our educational segments and now having only a half day to hike, work with maps and return back to camp; all leaders ate lunch on the beach and then set out into two hiking groups. The heat continued to rise as leaders set out on a steep short hike in search of an open spot, with plenty of views of surrounding peaks. Once this quintessential location was discovered, Julie led a compass and map lesson on location identification, bearings, and triangulation. The hope at this point was that all leaders would feel rather confident in their abilities to re-orient themselves when misplaced in the backcountry. It’s safe to say that this goal was attained. Upon completion of our lesson, we slide down the pine needle filled trail to Cupboard Creek, where we “picked up” our leader Lina who unfortunately had been sick that afternoon. The sun continued to scorch our faces and newly exposed skin as we meandered back towards Renshaw Creek campsite. Our return was going smoothly when one of our fellow leaders went missing. No one believed that Mack could have gone missing seeing that he was back in his second home in the Selway, but adventuring out into the brush in order to take care of an emergency bathroom situation turned into a dire scenario (although previously planned). Luckily Mack had left his MCC manual behind, which allowed our Crew to successfully plan and implement a search party. Moral of the story: Always bring your MCC manual; even on day hikes. Also, even the most educated leaders can fall victim to the woods. When the lost leader was relocated and safe, we continued our hike back down to our campsite. While pressed for time, one leader made a delicious pasta meal while two YCLs (Val and Harry) gave a lesson on Scats and Tracks. Education and food combined into one always makes for a good time.
That night leaders congregated around the campfire to enjoy story telling and stargazing. After only a few days, the prospect of returning to Missoula was both exciting and disappointing. Working outside of town was both exhilarating and refreshing. It’s just a glimpse at what crew leaders and members have to look forward to this summer and fall. Mr. Sandman graced the leaders with his presence that night by providing sleep, stars, a river led orchestra, and warm spring air to sleep in. Morning came quick and camp clean up did as well. We were well rested, packed and ready to return to the rigs. A four mile hike out and we reunited once again with other Crew B. Short debriefs followed while sitting on the grassy fields at the Fenn Forest Service Station. All leaders were content with their backcountry experience; especially for the one leader who had never backpacked before (Lina). The return to Missoula was filled with warm air blowing through the car windows, an eclectic array of music, and a snowball fight on the border of Idaho and Montana. There are more adventures to come, but we’ll just have to wait.
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