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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2009)
Page 9 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, July 1, 2009 History revisited with pack train at Oregon Caves Monument, Chateau By LINDA COREY-WOODWARD For IVN Imagine seeing an old- time mule train walking up Caves Hwy. to Oregon Caves National Monument, as if it simply stepped out of the misty past into the present. It happened, and many dads were happy to celebrate Father’s Day enjoying the Caves and this event. On Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, visitors and staff at the Caves and Chateau had a startling sight. As it was 100 years ago, pack mules came up to the Caves. This was once the only way to transport people and sup- plies to the site from Wil- liams or Kerbyville. Onlookers gazed in won- derment as the mule train, led by Diane Eek, arrived from Caves Creek Campground. The pack train included expert wilderness packers, Dan & Betty Applebaker, aided by Diane Eek and her granddaughter, Amanda Cru- sos, all of Klamath Falls. They are members of Back Country Horsemen of Oregon (BCHO). The event was organized by BCHO, with the support of the National Park Service and the Chateau, to mark the 100th anniversary of Oregon Caves National Monument. Illinois Valley BCHO mem- bers Susie Wood, John Woodward, Sue Williams, Carol Crawford-Meyer, Terry Sullivan and others set up the corral and assisted the clinic presenters throughout the weekend. Sullivan and Wood, dressed in period outfits, staffed a BCHO information booth near the Caves Chalet. During the packing clinic, Eek and the Apple- bakers showed how the mules were loaded and were tied together with “break-way” ropes. Betty Applebaker said that one doesn’t want a mule to fall and bring the rest down too, risking injury to all the animals. They showed the differ- ent types of pack saddles – those used 100 years ago and more modern types. One mule was loaded with hide- covered wooden boxes like those used 100 years ago. Sunday afternoon, Dan Applebaker said, “About 150 people came to watch the five pack mule talks during the weekend.” They unloaded the mules and explained the various pieces of gear and supplies once carried to miners, gov- ernment workers and the Ore- gon Caves. These included shovels, axes and other tools, plus a cook stove, water for a two-to-three-day trip, wall tents and food supplies. Hunters and campers now use pack mules and horses to climb into rugged wilderness areas. Today, packers use can- vas bags and condense down their loads as small and as light in weight as possible. Betty explained that mules were bred for decades by the government to transport goods to workers in remote areas. Diane Eek said trained mules are sturdy, calm, smart and able to handle rough ter- rain, often better than a horse. She also explained the concept of “leave no trace” camping in the wilderness. She said, “If you pack it in, you pack it out. Animal waste may be buried.” The mules attracted at- tention from fascinated visi- tors who asked pertinent questions at the clinic. The Applebakers and Eek an- swered them and showed how the two horses and eight mules were rigged. At the end of each day, the mules were repacked, the horse mounted and the pack train proceeded back through the parking lots. They stopped at the Cha- teau to be thanked by Chateau and Caves officials, and then headed back to their camp 3-1/2 miles down the moun- tain. It was a camera bug’s ideal “photo op” as mules, horses, “mule-skinners” and gorgeous scenery kept cam- eras clicking. Even the rhodo- dendrons and oxeye daisies still were in full bloom. Cave tour guides were busy all weekend. There were hikers and Chateau guests in the Monument from local towns and far away. BCHO members, park rangers and Chateau staff were busy with special events at the Caves and Chateau. On Saturday and Sunday, BCHO conducted the pack train demonstrations and mule-packing clinics in the Chateau parking lot. Parking overflowed downhill from the main parking lot as guests, staff, officials and event pre- senters sought parking spots. More special events are planned throughout the sum- mer at the Caves, according to park rangers and IVCDO representatives. Check at I.V. Visitor Center or phone 592- 4440 for information. (Editor’s Note: A story on the same event in last week’s issue was written by Sue Riegel Williams; not Linda Corey-Woodward.) TRSD due $1.6 million fed funds The Dept. of Education has awarded more than $93 million in Title I funding to Oregon schools as part of the American Re- covery & Reinvestment Act, U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) announced Monday, June 29. Under the legislation, Three Rivers School District will re- ceive approximately $1.6 million. Grants Pass School District 7 will receive $1.1 million. Title I funding is used to provide at-risk and low-achieving students with the resources and opportunities needed to improve academic performance and meet state standards in core subjects. “With Oregon facing a budget shortfall in state education funding, this aid arrives right when it is needed most,” Wyden said. “A solid education is the foundation of a skilled workforce, which is exactly what Oregon will need to improve its economy and continue to compete in the global marketplace.” Happy 4th of July! Welcome Alumni... Join us for a Cool Margarita Full Lottery - Outside Patio Friday, Saturday, & Sunday; July 3rd, 4th, & 5th 120 N. Redwood Hwy. 592-4553 for reservations Have a Happy & Safe 4th of July! from everyone at... 202 Lister Street, Cave Junction Mondays through Saturdays, 8 to 5:30 Special appointments by request. 592-3123 Our Fun Activities Friday, July 3 Texas Hold ‘em Tournament - Banquet Room Registration 5 p.m. ($50 buy in) Tournament 6 p.m. (fund-raiser for I.V. Wrestling Club) Live band - Lounge, Moon & the Lunatics, 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4 Cocktails - Lounge, 5 p.m. Alumni Dinner - Banquet Room, 6 p.m. Live Music - Lounge, Lee Nicholas, 8 p.m. Sunday, July 5 - Karaoke Welcome Alumni! Have a good time but be safe. Corner of Redwood Hwy. & Rockydale Road 592-5386 “Come Grow With Us!” Monday - Saturday, 9 to 5 CLOSED Saturday & Sunday, July 4 & 5 Welcome Alumni! Lavender Blue appearing Friday & Saturday, July 3 & 4 Steaks - Chicken - Fish - Large Hamburgers Restaurant separate from lounge Now available every day... Prime Rib & Prime Rib Sandwiches Friday & Saturday, July 3 & 4 Dinner Buffet - Restaurant, 4:30-9 p.m. - $10 99 ~ Barbecue Ribs - Pork & Beef ~ Chicken Delights ~ Salad & Fruit Bar ~ Garlic Rolls coupon 10% OFF with ALL this dinners Open 7-days-a-week, 5 - 9 p.m. Restaurant entrance in back of building 126 S. Redwood Hwy., CJ 592-2892 or 592-4222 Saturday, July 4th Bring your legal fireworks, set them off in the green at the Treehouses. Bi-Rite Auto Parts 327 S. Redwood Hwy. 592-3601 or 592-3691 Mondays - Fridays, 8 - 5 Saturdays, 9:30 - 4 Gate opens at 1 p.m. with a softball game. Music begins at 3 p.m. with Two Foot Daddy, S.O.B., State of Jefferson, and B’Wishes. Fireworks begin around dusk. $10 per day entry 12 & younger $5 www.treehouses.com 592-2208 Camping $5 Zips & Tarzan Swings special $5 per ride/line; $10 minimum
