All -

Marten passed along some disturbing news late yesterday.  It appears that fires have consumed much of the area around Irvine Lake.  They have likely rendered the lake inaccessible except by plane for quite a while.  From what I understand, even planes are having great difficulty getting in there due to heavy smoke.  This could result in some tragic consequences as I understand there may have been an individual (or individuals) camped on Irvine when all hell broke loose.

This is what I've heard second/third hand, anyway.  My point in posting  this information is to warn anyone with plans to venture into the increasingly-popular Irvine Lake area (as well as nearby lakes).  You should check in with the park service or Harlan Schwartz or whoever is your outfitter for updated, current information.

It was such a beautiful area.  I hate to think of it in ashes.  Also, Marten worked awfully hard to create viable approaches via paddling vs. fly-ins.  Paddlers who have made that journey can appreciate all the effort that went into it.  We are grateful and, now, a little sad, I guess.  I keep reminding myself that "fire is an essential part of the ecosystem" up there.  Hmmm... somehow it feels less than satisfactory to say that.

Thanks for the memories, Marten.

FYI for all prospective paddlers....

Jimbo   8-)