3-18-2015 Cover Photo for the Island Park Journal

Henry's Fork at Mack's Inn taken 3-15-2015

Changes at Mack’s Inn

There are some significant changes underway at the River View Motel at Mack’s Inn. The two buildings were built between 1959 and 1960 and each houses 8 units. Chad Bauer purchased the property in 1996 and has wanted to improve the property for some time. The opportunity to make an extensive renovation presented itself this year and he is making the most of it.

The new roofs are designed to shed snow, shelter the new decking along the riverside and accommodate insulation. All new windows, doors and siding will update the look while making the units energy efficient for year-round use. Wi-Fi and flat screens will be available in all rooms.  New landscaping will complete the exterior.

Chad’s roots in Mack’s Inn go back over 50 years when he spent summers at his grandfather’s cabin. His reverence for the area makes it difficult for him to make substantial changes to the buildings. He credits his wife Gail for helping him overcome his reservations.

Chad is proud to incorporate local businesses into this project. Ronnie Palmer is the contractor and Steve Owens is doing the excavation work. Most of the building materials are purchased through Glade Gunnell at Island Park Builder’s Supply and Willmore Lumber of St Anthony is providing the rough-cut posts.  Blackfoot’s Sheppard Truss is providing the trusses. Local labor is not intimidated by the weather of Island Park, making winter construction possible. Finally, Chad praised his project manager, Ryder Carson for his invaluable assistance in making this happen.

Chad is one of many Island Park residents that have devoted themselves to improving the community. There are many other additions being added to Island Park this winter. Stay tuned ……

Yellowstone Country Safety * Mack's Inn Landing *

It appears that a Mexican restaurant is coming to Mack’s Inn Landing.

Interesting!

Too Good To Be True

I moved to Pocatello, Idaho in 1977. It was my first summer in Idaho and I decided to try my hand at fishing. I hadn’t done any scouting but I knew of the American Falls dam and decided to fish below it. Armed with my trusty rod and a half dozen spinners, I headed for the Snake River.

I crossed the dam and headed down the North side of the Snake. Noticing a couple of inviting ponds, I decided to give them a try. Parking on the road and hopping a small fence, I walked into the ponds. With my first cast I had a strike and reeled in a 2 foot trout. I put it on a stringer and cast again. Wham, I scored a second strike and another nice trout. I was more than suspicious. I am neither that lucky nor that good of a fisherman. I released both fish unharmed and hiked out along the river.

It didn’t take long to come upon a sign notifying the public that I was in a State of Idaho fish hatchery.

I didn’t study the area before I began scouting and I made a horrible mistake.  Fortunately I did no damage before recognizing my blunder and I learned an important lesson.

Fast forward to a recent incident at Mack’s Inn. An out-of-state hunter spotted a magnificent bull moose in the headwaters of the Henry’s Fork. He possesses a moose tag and this one is just standing there, so close to the road. He is surprised that moose hunting in Idaho is so easy. It is his lucky day. He takes the shot and drops the moose. Unfortunately, there is no hunting of moose between North and South Big Springs Loop according to the regulations.

Residents and visitors alike have enjoyed seeing that bull wading in the river. I had admiringly posted video of that bull (Big Moose, No Tag) on my YouTube channel over one year ago. While I would love to fill a moose tag with such a bull, I was glad that the bull stayed within the safe zone where he could be enjoyed by so many.

The area was not safe from someone who didn’t bother to study the regulations however. A concerned resident called Fish and Game and the hunter was apprehended. The hunter has a court date, but that doesn’t help much. 

Island Park is a Spiritual Experience

Island Park is a Spiritual Experience

In 1941, “Doc” Mac donated the land and initial log structure known as the “Little Church in the Pines”. It was originally an inter-denominational building where LDS, Catholics and various Protestant groups co-existed until 1961 when the LDS Church built the A-frame.

Sheri and I have experienced LDS and Christian communities socially segregated from one another. I am LDS and she is Baptist. We have learned to co-exist by focusing on what we have in common instead of our differences.

Our experience in Island Park has been refreshing. Sheri has been attending the Little Church in the Pines while I attend the LDS services (though not as often as I should). Both congregations have been very welcoming to our family.

We attended last year’s Christmas party in the LDS A-Frame. Sheri was pleasantly surprised that her congregation was also invited to participate. Having everyone in the same room to celebrate Christ’s birth must have put a smile on “Doc” Mack’s face.

Easter Sunday was Sheri’s birthday. As a gift to her, I attended the Easter service at the “Pines”. The program was uplifting and the members were gracious and welcoming. I appreciated an offer to sing with their choir but my singing would prematurely empty their building.

Regardless of religious choice, Island Park residents display a mutual respect and a willingness to work together. I am sure that the harsh conditions and the small population have contributed to this attitude. I think that the mountains have attracted a special breed that exhibits these wonderful traits.