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These so called stations were actually simple lean-tos where packers could stop, rest, and wait for his customers to meet him- all except the main depot. It was constructed of logs; a small, windowless, box like cabin…
The packers began their grueling task of packing much needed machinery and other supplies, from Ketchum eighty-four miles to the south, into the district in the fall of 1877. Their trains were made up of horses, mules, and burros. For the next four or five years the packer’s services were invaluable to the isolated men… The packer’s willingness, and his ability to guide the animals along the thread-like trail that spiraled perilously over rough terrain and down into the valley, made him a unique breed of man…
A pack train was usually made up of fourteen to twenty animals with each carrying an average of three hundred pounds that had to be divided and distributed as evenly as possible in order to balance the load. Lashing and tying a load was a kind of art…
On the whole, the packers were a hard working, conscientious people who never hesitated to brave the dangers in a still wild country. In those days bears were numerous in the district and often caused a great deal of trouble. Horses and mules would sometimes bolt or buck at the very scent of one. As a result many packs were lost down steep mountainsides, or ruined otherwise. Many times a pack animal was pitifully crippled or killed outright, for in their fright they often stumbled and tumbled down the mountainsides, too.
Because it took considerable time to repack and cinch the pack saddles onto the animals, the packer’s day began at dawn. One to three helpers were usually employed, the need usually determined by size of the train and the weight of the loads.
The heaviest loaded pack animal was always placed in the lead to set the pace. Then the train would travel steadily for six to eight hours, averaging from twelve to fifteen miles a day, depending on the weather conditions at the time, and whether the trail was climbing, or descending, or crossing a flat.
The packers knew where the grass grew the greenest, where the water was the handiest, and which places along the route made the best camp grounds. When they stopped for the night, the animals were unloaded and the pack saddles lined up against a nearby log or boulder for reasonable safety. Some packers would hobble one or two of their animals and tie a bell on one of them – while others preferred to tie up’ or stake out a mare. In the latter case, the rest of the animals would usually stay close by. No matter which method was used, the animals had to be constantly watched to prevent them from straying to far from camp. Always, the packers had to be alert to the possibility of a bear putting in an appearance around the animals.
Most of the animals owned by the packers who packed into the Yankee Fork district were well trained and were quick to obey the commands of their masters. Some were even intelligent enough to go directly to their own pack saddles when they were brought into camp in the mornings.
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