Almost 30 years ago West Fork cabin burned. The cabin sat in a Selkirk high elevation meadow, facing Joe Peak. It had been built in 1931 as a “smoke chaser” cabin. Over the years it had been used to house Forest Service trail crews, snow survey crews, and wildlife surveyors as well as fire fighters. It had always been open to a respectful public. Hikers, horsemen, skiers and snowmobilers all used the cabin.

It started with a smoke break. Saws shut down. Packs or pouches came out. Hardened hands tapped packs on a knee or delicately rolled slender tubes. Hands cupped against a breeze and the first long drag. Silence. Silence until one old boy started. “Hey, you guys hear about…?” or “Do you guys remember…?” And then the stories began.