As you know from some other post's, I've been roaming around for a few days keeping an eye on our visitors activity. Upon my return trip from the Jackson Lake excursion I stopped in at Apple Tree day camp to have a look around. The place was packed with campfires galore and had some advice to share while there. One group even had a deep fryer going. I regret now, not taking photo's yesterday to post and provide a in depth view of the magnitude and what our visiters are up to. Not one vehicle, which they where parked three & four deep had an adventure pass. I know Wildman has pretty much seen it all with all his years in force (we thank him for that) and I'm sure this is not to his surprise. It does no good to gripe and complain, it takes input and readiness, willingness and ready to give up personal time to make a difference.
Not to raise an upheaval, but this activity is not uncommon around Blue Ridge, Guffy, and Slover where campfires are not within ordinance during summer months.
I awoke this morning with wonder what our visitors had left, namely fire pit activity in mind. I grabbed my camera gear and headed out. When I arrived at Apple Tree there was smoke coming from all 8 fire rings. I notified via Ham radio to Wrightwood what I had found and he stood by the radio should I need help. All of the fire rings were smoldering and needed a dusting of dirt or snow. There was no running water so a shovel had to do. I spent the next 4 hours putting out 8 fire rings and 4 out of fire rings smoldering camp fires using ice and snow.
Part of the point of this post is, how many folks keep a preparedness package in their vehicle? Shovel, medical kit, water, recovery straps, rope, watch with altimeter + compass or GPS, rechargable flashlight, spare batteries, and Ham radio. There is no cell service in many parts of our area and I encourage folks to think about getting their Ham radio license for survival. I gave updates to Wrightwood and my wife while I was there shoveling and I knew I could get help quickly if I needed it. If you have just a few hours to spend to get a Ham license it can save not only your life but others as well, so please think about taking Clint's class.
Meanwhile, I spent most of the day putting out 8 smoldering ring fires and 4 out of ring. This is reality, and any one with initiative and some spare time can be involved if they choose to.
Here are some pictures I took some time for. Additionaly i have some concerns that some of our visitors where armed with shotguns to make their mark on recently installed road signes. The signes were not shot out as of 1600 yesterday.
I have more photo's but this gives shows general discription of what's going on out there.
