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Show 1 ; ' , . . . r - t . . ... t . A canoe ride on a lake in southern Idaho is not deterred by smoke which hung in layers during the Yellowstone Fire. Smoky holiday trip focuses on fire By KALYN SECRETAN A Labor Day weekend trip to Southern Idaho has been a regular occurance during the past few years. Sometimes to settle kids in college at Ricks and other times to visit friends. We were warned before our venture that the air was filled with smoke, but we decided to go anyway. Sure enough, smoke had settled throughout the area. Residents are anxious to end the fire. The North Fork Fire has been burning since July 25. Farmers donated the use of their sprinkling pipes and volunteers are pumping water to try to keep it away from Island Park. Church members were praying and fasting for rain. College students were seen returning retur-ning to campus Saturday night after volunteering to fight in the nation's biggest fire. We rode up to Island Park. We wanted to visit Big Springs, a beautiful spot and a place to feed the fish. As we traveled to the area, we noticed the KOA camp at Island Park was covered with tents and tarps to offer shelter for firefighters. Layers of smoke varied in locations through the area and the sun was setting blood red. As we reached within a half mile of our destination, we were told we had to turn back. We asked if we could just continue to Big Springs and were told, we could go back to the main road and come in on the graveled road. The traffic enforcer commented, "We are hoping for the wind to change directions and send the fire back in the park. They are the ones who wanted it in the first place." Turning around, we noticed fisherman along the way, while others stood by vehicles waiting for reports. We arrived at Big Springs and watched men busily connecting main laterals with smaller pipe placed to use as needed. Water was being pumped from the springs to feed the pipes. Big Springs looked beautiful. Visitors were concerned. "I hope nothing will happen to this spot. It is our favorite place to come." Kids were throwing pieces of bread aid watching the fish jump, while out man came along and opened a can of corn. He had discovered Ik j really big fish don't come after Ike .' bread but they sure jump for fc . corn. Henry's Fork starts at Big ( Springs. It is one of the 40 largest springs in the United States andte a constant temperature of I , degrees. A sign stated it coulc -provide the daily needs of a city i '. one million people. Our visit was interrupted wher . we were told to leave, as the fc . was just one mile away. Worken . were trying to use the roads as i ; fire break. Summer homes m surrounded by pipe in an effort tc ; save them if the fire heads U . way. A couple of girls told of lea Yellowstone and seeing the p r where fire had jumped roads an- . streams. Business was carrying as usual at Mack's Inn and m stops, but residents were all on aw ,: and ready to leave at any , Many stated the fire cannot ft , contained until snowfall. |