Dodger2 Report post Posted June 9, 2011 In the early 1950s my dad's father, my grandfather, built our family cabin (by hand) in West Turkey Creek in the Chiricahuas with my dad running around in diapers. My grandfather hauled the rocks in his 1941 International truck to build the cabin. As time went on, it eventually got to the point that my dad was then bringing my brother and I up to the same cabin. I grew up deer hunting and learning how to fly fish on Turkey Creek on rainbow trout that ended up in the creek. I can remember running around with my first bow and arrow, a tan fiberglass bow with cheap wooden arrows. My parents still laugh about the day I (I was about 8) came running into the cabin telling them I was going to shoot the turkey. Not believing me, they said go ahead. I came back in telling them again, I'm gonna get that turkey. At that point, my dad steps outside with me and then realizes that there really were about 4 turkeys on the hill across the road. That was before the Gould's Turkeys had been relocated. The turkeys lived to see another day....I remember watching my dad fall through the ceiling installing the plumbing. I remember having to walk across the road to use the outhouse before there was indoor plumbing. There are many, many more memories from my childhood as I "grew up" in that canyon. To be honest, I almost got to the point that I thought it was "my canyon." Of course, my brother and I got older, and now we have been able to bring our children up there and started creating new memories.... Unfortunately, we got the news on 06/08/11 that we lost our cabin in the Horseshoe 2 Fire. The memories will always be there, but right now I'm crushed, frustrated, more than furious, and I could go on and on.... Our cabin November of 2010...deer season... Our cabin as of June 8, 2011... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted June 9, 2011 My sincerest apologies and condolences. In my family, there is a cabin that has been in the family more than double my time on this earth. My entire family would be devastated as I am sure yours is. I can feel your pain many times over. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gotcoues Report post Posted June 9, 2011 Just terrible, so many people just like you and your family. I know a lot of these cabins were built with blood and sweat. I spent many hours glassing the Turkey Creek area. I'm a drywall contractor here in Tucson, let me know when your getting close to the drywall phase. I'd like to volunteer a day or two to help out with the taping and texturing. God bless you and your family and all the unlucky ones out there right now. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crotalus Report post Posted June 9, 2011 I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. Great memories can never be taken away. I love the Chiri's and it pains me to see the HS2 and Wallow fires swallow up huge acres of forest. With Turkey Creek taking a hit, along with Rustler's plus Rucker Canyon gone, it's going to be long sad summer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dodger2 Report post Posted June 9, 2011 My wife doesn't know what to say to me. She knew it was important to me, but I dont think she knew how important. My parents lost their house 4 years ago to a fire. My in-laws lost their cabin in the Aspen Fire on Mt Lemmon. Its getting old. If you look in the lower right hand corner you can see another cabin that was spared. The ridge in the background appears to be green still as well....hopefully the fire is done in that area. The rancher that took these said the fire has been really spotty. A total of 3 burned out of 15...I guess it must be in our genes.......... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shawn Report post Posted June 9, 2011 I am very sorry for your loss! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azpackhorse Report post Posted June 9, 2011 My sincerest condolences for you and your family Dodger, my family and I have enjoyed numerous camping trips in Turkey Creek, it is a truly amazing area. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues&Bass Report post Posted June 9, 2011 Sorry for the loss man love that area. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowsniper Report post Posted June 9, 2011 I am so sorry for you and your family. This fire has been going since May 8, a whole month! Has the FS been fighting this fire or what? The wollow fire did not start until 3 weeks later. Where were the resources to fight the Horseshoe 2 fire? Was this a USFS "let it burn"? Mark 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pine Donkey Report post Posted June 9, 2011 That is so sad. If you are rebuilding, send me a PM, I could help a day or two. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZ RANGER Report post Posted June 10, 2011 Really sorry about this. I would also be happy to lend a hand with clean up and repair. I live in safford so it is not too far of a drive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
willhunt4coues Report post Posted June 10, 2011 Thats terrible...sorry for your loss. Maybe you can rebuild. You still have the rock and start from there. I know it would be worth it and if you had any insurance on it that will be a big help to. Good luck and I hope things turn for the better for you guys. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John O Report post Posted June 10, 2011 I'm very sorry to hear your story. What great memories. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted June 10, 2011 Dodger, sad indeed. I hope your family will rebuild for your special place. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bradne Report post Posted June 10, 2011 Matthew, Check your PMs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
