North Blowout shelter destroyed

A very popular Nordic shelter known as the North Blowout Shelter was destroyed as the B&B Complex Fire consumed forest land west of Sisters.

The shelter, located south of the Santiam Highway and east of Big Lake, was a popular winter destination for cross county skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers traveling in the Santiam Winter Recreation Area.

The North Blowout shelter was originally constructed in the mid-1980s by the Willamette Chapter of the Oregon Nordic Club. The Oregon Nordic Club, along with the Forest Service, stocked the shelter each fall with enough firewood to warm wayfaring travelers.

It wasn't uncommon to see an eclectic mix of users on any given day: a newly married couple snow camping for the weekend; a mom, with her brood in tow, trying to get out of the weather; advanced Nordic skiers stopping for a quick bite of lunch -- all peacefully huddled around the woodstove, sharing scraps of beef jerky, favorite gorp recipes and the warmth of the fire.

That camaraderie, companionship and charm of the shelter will be missing from the Santiam high country this winter.

However, there's a movement afoot to rebuild a shelter for the area.

"The Oregon Nordic Club would like to see the shelter restored quickly but realizes it is only one of many projects that will burden the Forest Service following the B&B fires," said Jim Todd the Volunteer Project Coordinator of the Willamette Chapter.

Hoping to speed the rebuilding effort, the Willamette Chapter is offering volunteer assistance to the Forest Service. The club is hosting a meeting between the Sisters and McKenzie Ranger District officials on December 11 to discuss plans for a new shelter, as well as funding issues, building materials and volunteer construction labor.

Other chapters of ONC and the Chemeketans have also offered support, according to Todd.

Todd said the Willamette Chapter of The Oregon Nordic Club would welcome support and assistance from other clubs, groups, businesses, or individuals who enjoy winter recreation in the Santiam Pass area.

Those interested in the North Blowout Shelter Project or other volunteer projects through ONC can contact the club by phone, mail or email at: ONC Julius Dalzell, President, PO Box 181, Salem, OR 97308, (503)763-8852 or [email protected]