June 14 - 16, 2024

A Motorhome fire on the 17 set the forest on fire and caused a major jam up on the 17! We were about 1/2 mile behind the closure. We had a chance between a semi and a truck that had almost collided to squeeze up the shoulder to the off ramp onto Bloody Basin and go the wrong way to get to the dirt road that could get us to Cordes Junction. Several others had the same idea so the dirt road was quite busy, including a packed Car Hauler that had no business where he was! He jack knifed in front of us, Brian had to try and convince the sheriff that we could get around but he wasn't having it. The fire has grown to 50 acres and is coming our way, roads are shut down. We flip a bitch and head back toward the closed 17 and discover another route to Mayer where we can get on the 69. Nice to have options! The 17 reopened after about 4 hours, they got the fire out and no structures were lost. Thank you hot shots and firefighters for keeping us safe! There was lots of wildlife on the dirst roads. Jay and crew take the same way from Bumble Bee and arrive in about 3 hours. It took almost 4 hours for us but it was an epic adventure. Boys put the tile up behind the fire place, we hang all the hearts. Amazingly bright night at the Fire Tower, although it wasn't nearly as light as the photos Inga took appear. The girls took their first SOLO ride to the tower on the 4 wheelers, they were together but absent of any of us! They did amazing. Maddie and Inga did some great rock painting. Took a quick visit to see Jeff and Nancy's foundation and walls, it is coming together nicely. Lots of activity on the mountain! The Bears dropped in for another visit. Book 4: Corazón