A Refreshing Stop on a Hot Summer Day

View of Rainbow Falls from the parking lot. Any time of year this is a great spot to stop for a time. This time of year, with the rushing cold water thundering off the hillside, it is like you are the only one in the world. Drop your backpack beside an inviting bench and take a deep, refreshing breath and RELAX!

As you start up the trail tot he falls you have a great information stop so you can get a good idea of  the falls.

Full view of the "Lower and Upper" Falls. This is a great spot to sit on a bench and watch the falls in a very relaxed setting.

A close up view of the "Lower" Falls. sometimes folks jump in a swim here but there is still a bit too much water for now.

As you meander up the trail to the  "Upper" Falls The view is spectacular. Well worth the meander!

This spot, at the moment, is a great place to get a real misting. As summer comes on  the falls run a lower amount of water so no mist but now it is a great place to cool off!

Up close view of the pool at the "Upper" Falls. Lots of mist coming off the falls at this time.

Walking back down the trail from the "Upper" Falls. 

Preparing for Emergencies

This time of year, the number of people in Stehekin multiplies. Although there are no roads leading in, the Lady of the Lake and Lady Express bring the majority of visitors, but people also hike in, come on private boats, fly into the airstrip, arrive on a float plane or helicopter. Once in Stehekin they have many activities to choose from - walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, swimming, boating, fishing, rock climbing. People spread out all over the Stehekin valley and up to the highest heights. 

Lady of the Lake pulling into Lucerne on the downlake voyage - showing a portion of the vast area at the head of Lake Chelan. [picture taken from LifeFlight Helicopter 6/30/2017 by George Templeton, RN, and Customer Service Manager for LifeFlight (Brewster)] 

During the summer there are a lot of active people participating in inherently risky adventures, however, very few need medical assistance. It's the goal of all who provide opportunities in Stehekin to keep the participants safe. But, like anywhere else, accidents happen. 

NPS employees, Lake Chelan Community Hospital EMT and Lifeflight paramedic talking about the coordination necessary to provide the best patient care.

Members of the community -private sector and NPS alike- work throughout the year to keep their skills up to date, and their certifications current: in the event of a medical emergency, the patient has the best chance at a good outcome. There is a level of cooperation and coordination that benefit all involved in an emergency.

Last week there was a training session in Stehekin. LifeFlight's helicopter and medical team flew into Stehekin for the day. They did a refresher about how to get the systems working optimally. Good communication among all caregivers is essential. [There are many behind-the-scenes scenarios of which the public is unaware. Stay tuned for future postings about these.]

LifeFlight membership: It's $65 annually, and has benefited people in Stehekin  - a drowning accident, a premature labor, a seriously burned child. LifeFlight offers an irreplaceable service, and peace of mind for visitors. LifeFlight website states - "No out-of-pocket expenses for medically necessary emergent flights if flown by Life Flight Network, even if your insurance does not cover the cost."

The arrival of highly-trained medical personnel with the medications and equipment can be lifesaving. Be prepared. (www.lifeflight.org)

Stehekin Heritage receives no compensation for promoting LifeFlight. 

~mc
StehekinHeritage.com

Kayaking Upper Lake Chelan...well worth the trip!

For many years Stehekin Valley Ranch has offered "Guided Kayak Tours" to the guests visiting the area. They have both single and double kayaks so folks can go it alone or travel with a friend. Check out their website or contact Nick at the Log  Office to make reservations and get more information.

Here a guide is instructing the new kayakers on the process to have a fun safe trip.  How to paddle so you can move forward, back and turn your craft around if need be. 

Getting ready to head over to the grassy area at the head of the lake. 

Lots of great kayaking no mater what the weather as the grass at the head of the lake affords you some great kayaking and opportunities so see lots of birds and wild life as you move quietly through the water.

The lady in the front of the kayak is 84, in this picture, so age is really  not a factor. I promise it will be well worth your while to see Lake Chelan from this prospective.

Weather permitting the guide will lead the folks across the lake to the Pictographs. These are across from the Landing and the guide will follow the edge of the lake down to them. Always interesting to wonder how they actually got where they are.

Here is a group who was just at the pictographs just heading out for some middle of the lake time

Kayaks out in the lake on a calm day. Weather permitting this is a fun thing with some spectacular views. Well worth the trip!

Here are the girls heading in after a fun Kayaking trip around the head of Lake Chelan

July 4th Weekend

Flag flying amidst the Ponderosa.

There are flags flying here in the valley this weekend. July 4th is Tuesday and the barge will head downlake to become the staging area for fireworks shows in Manson and Chelan. 

While we enjoy the festivities of the July 4th weekend, it is hoped we understand the uniqueness of the Declaration of Independence and the form of government crafted by the those who conceived the United States Constitution. 

Governance evolved from rulers venerated as progeny of the Sun such as existed in Egypt to the divine rights of kings, queens, rajas and other nobilities ruling societies across the continents. 

America was seen as a place where individuals could be separated from singular crowns of authority. A study of history brings to light the incredible effort exerted to create a new method of governance following the signing of the Declaration Independence and the American Revolution. 

Some may watch the fireworks on the lower end of the lake on Tuesday. For those who do, and to all across the nation, Stehekin Heritage wishes everyone a wonderful July 4th holiday. 

Additionally, we hope a part of your reflection will include the path of governance from the pyramids to today's system of checks and balances represented by the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government. Fireworks are an apt symbol of the revolutionary method of governance created by those who fought in and supported the American Revolution and those who conceived and constructed the United States Constitution. 

Wishing you a joyous and reflective July 4th!

Looking for a Sign?

One of the appealing things for visitors to Stehekin is the opportunity to explore independently. There are many different experiences to pursue, and discovering them can be part of the adventure.
You may not find the sign you're looking for, but the signs you do find might help you on your journey, and lead you to some pleasant surprises!

This sign can be found 1.5 miles up the road from the landing.

A friendly greeting to all visitors

not too far up the road from the landing - handy to be able to mail your postcards

a few strides up the road from the Post Office - a short and interesting little stroll

 

This one could use a little touch up, but this picnic area is about a mile up the road from the landing, and is a nice spot to relax and enjoy the lake 

not much more than 1/2 mile from the picnic area - a lovely stop on the way up the road

while exploring please abide by our speed limit!

just two miles from the landing - a favorite spot for visitors and locals alike

generally kids don't see-saw in the road, but it's good for drivers to be aware that there are children out and about

about 1/2mile further up the road from the bakery

just across the road from the lower Rainbow Trailhead

When school is not in session, visitors are welcome to pop in and take a look at the school.

Of all the signs here, this is probably one of our favorites - at the Stehekin Pastry Company (AKA: the Bakery).
We hope you can come and discover some of the wonder of Stehekin, and maybe you'll even find the sign that you've been looking for!

Speaking of the past....

"It's a flat belt pulley," he says, his enthusiasm picking up.
To me it is a cool-looking relic that we cannot part with. The rust has been gathering for decades on this silent shape in our old shop.
"Look at the outer band. It tapers."
I look and yes, I see it is curved, not flat.
"That's called a crown and it kept the belt centered while turning." So now simple laws of physics are coming into play and this is his world.  Now I see it turning, and a belt going around the outside, and yes, not slipping off either side. Simple, but amazing.

"Look at the spokes. The whole piece was cast at one time. The spokes were curved on purpose so that once the iron cooled the spokes would not break."

Now I can see the graceful curves that attach to the outer band are more than eye pleasing. They are practical.
"What was it used for?" My mind is searching for something in Stehekin that would have such a pulley turning, whirring, smoothly, quietly. Maybe not quietly.
"Might have been part of a sawmill...." he offers.

Courtney sawmill in operation in Stehekin  (Photo Credit~Rene Courtney)

The Courtney sawmill was in operation clear up until our timbers for our home were milled twenty years ago. Another story. This pulley is much older...

"Or it might have been off a planer," he adds, pondering. 

"Or a drag saw?"

(Obviously not a Stehekin photo..but notice the pulleys!)

All we know for sure is, here it is in our old shop not saying a word, full of history, and Stehekin history at that. Something was progressing, though. Something was being built or made with it. Something to put faith in for the future. A cabin? A barn? A fence? A cellar?

"People think we are so advanced," he says. "But look at this crafted piece. It's simple but intelligent, and practical." It's where he lives.



While I have his attention, we tour the corners and talk about these scattered stories. An era and lifestyle speaks clearly in forms that were once used every day. I can imagine the excitement of ordering  and receiving them off the boat or barge, knowing you were getting "the best" for the times.

A vice for sharpening tools

 

A large "block" hiding in my Iris bed...what huge things did it help lift?

Old first aid box...did it get used? 

And, the endless hand work "inside" the house...an iron for the wood stove top

There is still plenty of hand and backbone challenging work in Stehekin...

Our "up to date" tools

  Each memento could take hours of time just thinking about. And there are plenty more. For now, it's time to get back to work and our short tour ends. He puts his ear plugs in and starts up the roaring chainsaw.

Simple, practical and beautiful, too. Stehekin, past and present, speaking volumes. l.c.