
Alternate title -- "How an unattended campfire nearly ruined a lovely Fuller ridge hike."
Miracle Marilyn, Sister Sally and I started up the exquisitely beautiful Fuller Ridge trail yesterday morning. The air was crisp, chilly breeze, colors changing to fall. A large group of CCC workers were heading down, carrying backpacks and coolers. At the Fuller ridge/Deer Springs junction we smelled smoke and assumed there were still folks in the CCC camp. Thanks to the cool weather, climbing up to the peak was pleasant. Enjoyed the views and lunch at the summit.
As we approached the Fuller ridge/Deer Springs junction, smoke was blowing across the trail


Sally told the 911 operator the location of fire. By pinging her phone, the operator determined that we were just below the junction of the PCT. Hallelujah! We eagerly waited for a copter. An hour passed. Finally saw one -- the three of us stood in the clearing and signaled (Sally waved her red windbreaker). Copter flew right over us and disappeared. Arrgh! Sally called 911 again -- a different operator said this wasn't her jurisdiction and asked what town we were in

The calls kept dropping, Sally kept calling. Curmudgeon Ellen wanted to descend as we had done our best to contain the fire and contact the authorities. I tried my cell and was able to call the Idylwild Ranger Station phone number on the permit. Got a recording saying, "If this is a FIRE, medical emergency... call 911."


When we were having a late dinner at the Lumber Mill in Idylwild, we were finally able to talk to Matt, the local fire suppression boss (he'd left a message on Sally's phone when she didn't have service). Matt explained that the 911 operators gave him faulty data -- the copter that flew over us was looking for a fire in Round Valley. I e-mailed him the photos and waypoint.
I hope that the idiots who started an illegal fire, did not extinguish it, and endangered the west side of the San Jacinto wilderness are discovered and punished. I am suspicious that the fire was started by persons exiting the CCC camp. Does anyone know if there any oversight of the CCC workers?
Miles of smiles,
Ellen