A Road Less Traveled

Last week I took a snowmobile ride to Big Springs. As I passed the warming hut, I noticed that South Big Springs Loop had been posted “Snowmobiles Only”. Proceeding down the road, I noticed a deep set of fresh truck tire tracks continuing past the signs towards Big Springs. When I got to Moose Creek, I was surprised to find a Chevrolet Silverado towing a 30 foot travel trailer. It was sunk up to its axels in snow.

There were two men attempting to dig the vehicle out while a third was in the driver’s seat. Inquiring as to their predicament, they advised that the driver was a friend of theirs who had parked the trailer in the Moose Creek area this fall while trapping. He had enlisted them to extricate it. The trapper exited the truck to help and it was apparent that he had been consuming adult beverage. I assumed that he was warding off the cold and relieving stress.  I helped in an unsuccessful attempt to free the rig but as it was getting dark, I offered to go for help.

A Fremont County Sheriff’s deputy responded to my call, hopped on a snowmobile and met me at Moose Creek. Arriving at the truck we found the trapper passed out in the passenger seat.  His companions had unhitched the trailer and made an attempt to drive the pickup out. The truck made it 50 yards from the trailer before becoming hopelessly stuck. The two friends inquired if they could leave the trailer in the middle of Big Springs Loop until spring. After conducting a short but thorough investigation, the deputy located someone who could pull the rig out. Seeing that the men were safe and arrangements had been made for the rig, I headed home.

I have heard several stories of people recently getting themselves and their rigs stuck deep in places where trucks shouldn’t be this time of year. Rescuing these individuals can be dangerous for those who respond. A good rule of thumb is if the road looks impassible, don’t give it a try. Save everyone a lot of work and yourself significant coin.