Thanks to the expertise of the BC Parks employees who supervised the ground crews and the experience of pilot Ken Plautz from High Terrain Helicopters, the 27 loads were flown up in 3 hours - the only hitch occurred when a log broke free from it's sling and smashed to the ground just before Kokanee Lake. The weather was poor, with gusty winds and rain showers causing delays but by the end of the day, the delivery had been completed.

The next day, Joern Wingender (owner of the Traditional Timber Framing Company) and Bill Bryce from the Friends flew up bringing food and better weather. The Friends had organized a work party for the weekend and Joern was bringing supplies for the next two weeks. Bill was dropped off at the Kokanee Glacier Cabin while Joern went on to the Ranger's A-Frame.

After the volunteer crew left, the restoration crew settled in to the painstaking work of replacing the rotted logs and repairing damage caused by years of use.

One piece of the restoration puzzle was left to complete - metal panels to protect the cabin walls from rain and snow. The panels will be installed against the cabin every year from late September to late June.

The restoration phase of the Slocan Chief was funded almost entirely from funds donated from four sources. The Friends of West Kootenay Parks would like to thank the estate of Lindsay and Jules Holt, without whose bequest the work would have almost certainly been delayed. In addition, significant contributions came from Kokanee Glacier Mountaineering (Kevin Giles), Les Weisbrich (for the print rights to the painting "Slocan Chief Cabin" - and the individuals who have purchased prints) and the 1988 Foundation.

Finally, the Friends would like to thank the many individuals who made small donations or bought a Slocan Chief tshirt.

Fundraising for the restoration of the Slocan Chief Cabin has been ongoing for nearly 10 years. The cabin is now ready for the installation of interpretive materials (slated for the summer of 2005). The project is not completed however. The roof overhangs of the cabin need to be extended to help protect the logs from the rains and windblown snow which have caused such damage in the past. In addition, roofing materials are needed which mimic the style of the original wooden shakes. Please help fund these further improvements by ordering a limited edition, signed print of the "Slocan Chief Cabin" or make a tax-deductible donation.