Gail Steiger

above Corral Lake

John, me, Monty, Jacque, Cynthia, Gerry
photos by Charlie

Charlie and Sara

John really knows the country and how to get around a pack string, and a dutch oven too.

John took over the family ranch in Twisp when his dad died a few years ago. He's got quite a string of horses and mules there now. He's packed in the area most of his life, with a stretch in the middle as a smoke-jumper fighting fires. He kept us entertained with great poems and stories.

In keeping with the theme this summer of "fire", we had a big one southeast of us, 94000 acres in the Methow Valley. We could see the smoke but the prevailing winds kept it going the other way. John told us stories about jumping into thick forests ... how you aimed for the tops of the trees so your chute wouldn't get fouled on the way down. I said what do you mean, the TOP of the tree? He said yeah you just try to get a bearhug on it as soon as you can. Look for one with some spring in it but not too much. He said they usually carried 150 ft. ropes to let themselves down, but sometimes had to use the 250 footers.

One afternoon Gerry, Monty, Jacque and I decided to go fishing. I thought I could short cut the trail to the lake and led us off into the trees and bogs till I got us way too far below the lake. Fortunately a deer jumped up in front of my horse and I fell off him ... after Monty caught him for me he showed us where the lake really was. I may never live it down. Well, I probably could forget about it but I doubt if Monty will let me. It was worth it though because at the lake Monty caught the tastiest batch of cutthroat trout I have ever eaten.

TR Stewart trotted over from his camp that evening and played us some great music. We had a little jam.

Next day John was telling us Canada was pretty close and I'd always wanted to see Canada so John took Charlie and me to the border for lunch.

John and Charlie head for the border.

Seemed way too soon to be packing up on that last morning. All in all a great trip. I was really sorry to see it end. The Riggs' are great folks, and I'm sure we'll be friends a long time. They're sure easy to travel with.

Charlie's easy to travel with, too, positive, solid, always thinking, and keeps you laughing.

Got to know John a lot better on this trip, and I'm glad for that as well. He generously gave me some good packing lessons, much appreciated, and some good conversation, too. He showed us some beautiful country, mounted us good, led us good,fed us good and caused us to have a lot of fun.

Thanks John, thanks Riggs's. thanks Western Folklife Center

(ps If you're passing through Twisp John can line you up with a day ride on his ranch or point you to one of the outfitters he does contract work for if you're interested in a longer trip.)