Adams Pack Station Destroyed In Fire?

This afternoon, I received a call from someone purporting to be a claims adjuster who found the blog I posted on the Platrix plaque dedication at the Adams Pack Station in Chantry Flats.

He indicated that the Station Fire burnt down the Pack Station and requested additional photos of the Pack Station. He says he has photos of the damaged/destroyed Pack Station.

I just sent him a couple of photos of what I have in my laptop's hard drive. The rest of my photos are on a CD-Rom at home (I am at work now).

If he sends me the photos of Adams Pack Station, I'll post them here.

UPDATE (9/10/09): I received the following email message:

Author: Cafe Observer
Comment:
Armand, one of the Adams Pack St owners this morning let me know that they are fire free. They are still around! They haven't been destroyed, but they aren't totally out of the woods with this fire yet. The big question is when will they be able to return and reopen.
So, this adjuster who told you that bad news is wrong. I don't know where he got his info. This fire has ignited a brunch of rumors!

Although the Adams Pack Station is potentially still in a perilous situation, it is good news that it is still standing.

The Great Goat Experiment of 2007

Above, one of the Adams Pack Station's goats.

This sidebar story appeared in the hand-out booklet from today's Platrix plaque dedication in Chantry Flats.

The pack station added three new animals to the operation in 2007. Three goats were obtained at a great price, free of charge. Goats are capable of carrying about three times their own weight, and make excellent pack animals, and have been used as such for thousands of years around the world.

After purchasing the required gear to fit the goats, they were all set to include them in the pack trains when they learned one small fact about goats: The goats would not step through the water of the numerous creeks in the canyon. As a result, the goats now serve as pets.

When the goats came to a creek, they shook their heads and said, "Naahhhh!"

Platrix No. 2, E Clampus Vitus Plaque Dedication: Adams Pack Station, Chantry Flat

Platrix No. 2, E Clampus Vitus Plaque Dedication: Adams Pack Station, Chantry Flat



Text and photos by Armand Vaquer

The hewgag sounded for Clampers far and near to assemble at the Adams Pack Station at Chantry Flat in Big Santa Anita Canyon in the Angeles National Forest. The occasion was to dedicate a plaque to the Adams Pack Station, the last packing station still in operation in Southern California.

The pack station was started in 1936 when J. P. Steele obtained a special use permit to operate a pack station. The station has been operated over the years by many people. Currently, it is operated by Deb and Sue Burgess. But the longest operator was Bill Adams and his wife Lila. In honor of the Adams, Deb and Sue Burgess changed the names of the station back to Adams Pack Station.

Platrix No. 2 gathered today to commemorate a plaque, also in honor of Bill and Lila Adams. The chapter had a great time with a bar-b-qued burgers and hot dogs and plenty of drink.

Here's what you missed if you didn't go:

(Click photos to view larger.)

Above, before he plaque was dedicated, Platrix sat down for some bar-b-que burgers and hot dogs.

Above, the group assembled at the cooking area.

Above, the Thornhill Family at Adams Pack Station. Grace doesn't seem too impressed. She's probably thinking, "Daddy and his weird friends."

With lunch done, the Clampers assemble for the dedication ceremony.

Above, the gathering for the dedication.

Above, NGH Scott "Scooter" Ewing pontificates without a red shirt. At least he wore a red hat.

Above, XNGH Abe "The Lip" Hoffman does more pontificating. At least he kept it to a minute.

Above, Clamper Dave Nicholson and XNGH Glenn Thornhill seem concerned that the ceremony may be botched.

Above, the plaque is unveiled.

Above, the post-ceremony gathering at the plaque.

With the ceremony over, Platrix members scatter to other locations for drink and camaraderie.

What's this Clamper trying to do to that horse?

This event was deemed by those assembled as SATISFACTORY!