Five WMHCTA volunteers, four mules, and one horse on a mission all made their home base at Red's Horse Ranch for two days. Red's is a local landmark on the beautiful Minam River that is accessible only by air or by trail; no roads lead here! The volunteers' mission: to maintain these vital trails for hikers and horseback riders.

During the day, they cleared the Minam River Trail toward Stanley GS. They didn't neglect to mow the airstrip at the ranch, either. Warm, cloudy weather on the first day turned into clear skies and blazing heat on the second. They cleared a total of 32 trees over 4.7 miles and clocked 62 person-hours, not to mention the stock-hours. One volunteer alone cleared two miles of overhanging brush to provide headroom for riders.

Two grateful backpackers coming down the trail declared them all "heroes." Thanks to our heroic volunteers!