A company I worked with 33 years ago decided to do a bit of social distancing and have a management meeting at the Mackay Bar in Idaho.   Situated on the middle fork of the Salmon river we literally were in the middle of nowhere.   To prepare for our group, the location was stocking provisions for 3-4 weeks prior to our arrival.  

To arrive at Mackay Ranch you can drive up from Boise to Riggins, Idaho turning onto the main Salmon River Road and then covering the 26 miles in 1-1.5 hours to Vinegar Creek. You will then be picked up by jet boat and transported another hour upstream to the ranch.   Otherwise, you can take a backcountry plane from Boise and land at Mackay Ranch’s dirt/grass landing strip.   We did the latter taking turns so that our full group of 16 could load 3 at a time per plane and shuttled with gear during a the 50 ish minute flight.

My backcountry pilot was shorter in stature than I (I am not tall) and when coupled with our designated plane being a “tail dragger”, I was a bit concerned. When I sat in the co-pilot seat and looked out of the windscreen I couldn’t see the ground.   Rather, I was staring up at the sky so how was our pilot going to see where he was going and fly this thing?   I was more than a little concerned and started to gently quiz him on his piloting experience.   How long have you been flying?  How long many times have you been to Mackay Ranch?  Is this your plane?  I was soon to learn that he was a commercial pilot with Eastern Airlines flying jumbo jets (L-1011) until it was sold.  While both the plane and Eastern airlines seem ages ago, at the time it was very reassuring that flying this puddle jumper wasn’t going to be a challenge for him.   I sat back, took a deep breath and relaxed.

Once we arrived at the Ranch, unloaded and got situated it was a wonderful working retreat.  Most mornings and early afternoons were dedicated to strategic planning and team building exercises.   The ranch woke up at 6 am with generator kicking on and it was literally light’s out (except for the stars) at 11 pm when the generator kicked off.  No phones, no lights, no motor cars, just humble mini-luxuries, we sat around telling stories and enjoying each other’s company.  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The staff fed us well and, like social distancing now, libations after-hours were essential.   Late afternoons were reserved for fly-fishing (not easy), horseback riding, jet boating and jumping off a pedestrian bridge.   Yes, I did this too and learned first hand about gravity when I tucked my legs and splatted into the river breaking my tail bone.   I swam gingerly to the side and sat down gently for the next 3 weeks.  So much for being a sane adventurer.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Too soon it was time to return to reality, our incessantly ringing cell phones, and real life.   Times like this are like capturing lightning in a bottle.   You can never go back but looking at the pictures brings a smile to your face.    If you have a “social distancing” story please share it with me. If this story or images contained within makes you want to get off the grid for a few days to relax and recharge, then I am happy too.   As always, I look forward to your comments and feedback.