Herb and Craig London
"Never say Whoa...always say Giddyup" exemplifies Herb London's attitude about life and the development of Rock Creek Pack Station. Since 1947, Herb London has been offering wilderness and outdoor vacations in the Eastern Sierra. Craig London has spent every summer since his birth in 1954 at the pack station and operates the pack station with his Dad.
Herb London still actively manages the operation. During winter months, he heads south to Ojai for the winter. After a career at American Airlines, Herb worked for Inyo County during winters...serving 12 years as an Inyo County Supervisor. One of the Founders of Mule Days, Herb London's interest consists of training mules, public land management policy and raising airdales.
Craig and wife Carmen live in Bishop year round. Craig received a B.S. in Animal Physiology from UC Davis in 1976 and graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1980. Carmen teaches fifth grade at Pine Street School in Bishop. During off-season months, Craig manages the winter office, takes care of the livestock and is an associate veterinarian at San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital.
The entire London family is dedicated to serving the public, taking care of the land, making sure the horses and mules of the operation have happy and meaningful lives, and that the crew has a good time and is fairly compensated for their hard work and dedication.
Tim Lewis, Phil and Jamie Hirnshall
Welcome to Rock Creek...what can we do to help? Phil and Jamie Hirnshall, embody the spirit of the staff of Rock Creek.. Since the 1970's, the Hirnshalls have led hundreds of trail rides and pack trips from Tahoe to Mt. Whitney. Phil and Jamie set a standard of excellence for the entire crew. The Hirnshall's quick wit, kindness toward guests and competence are an inspiration to new packers such as Tim Lewis.
Phil Leonti, Tom Allewelt, Wes Anderson, Joel Mikow, Mike Morrison, Ryan Kitts and Jim Brumfield are other long time packers that have over 150 years of packing experience.
Tim Lewis and other young men and women bring youth and enthusiasm to a crew of senior packers and cooks. Most of the crew come from ranch backgrounds and once they start packing at Rock Creek....have a hard time ever leaving.
All the crew carries on the traditions of the many talented men and women that shared so much with the Londons and present crew since the 1940's. The spirit of Benton Fredendall, Wynnie Rieser, Lloyd Percy, Biggins and Paul Pate live on with the present crew.
There is always a group of full time crew aided by those that return year after year for several weeks to a month. New employees learn the trails, traditions and develop skills to serve another generation of guests. Former guests and employees seek out the best young people and encourage them to work at Rock Creek.
Only the most able, hard working and those with exceptional people skills succeed as staff at Rock Creek Pack Station.
Jim Brumfield has used his knowledge of the Sierra and his love of packing, together with his skills, as an author to create the novel
"Across the High Lonesome".
The Pack Mules and Horses and Mules
The 130 horses and mules of active and retired animals are the backbone of the operation. Pack mules carry the provisions for trail riders, hikers and those wishing to have their gear packed to a wilderness campsite. Mules typically carry 150-240 pounds of equipment, food and dunnage and work from June through September. During the off season, livestock graze fields in the Owens Valley.
Horses and mules come to the pack station as four to five year old green broke. After a couple of years
of training they spend up to another twenty to twenty-five years working in the Sierra.
Fiddler at the Campfire?
Fiddlin’ Pete Watercott has entertained, fireside, for many Rock Creek horse drive encampments.
Performing on the mandolin, guitar, and of course, fiddle, Fiddlin’ Pete’s music brings a special light to the campfire.
“The fiddle is the first cousin to the wind,” Pete says, ”there’s no better place to hear it than out here where it
can curl it’s sound around the whispering pine boughs!”
A veteran musician with over thirty years’ experience, Fiddlin’ Pete performs at concerts,
festivals, and Rock Creek Pack Station events! Pete has recorded three CD’s, including his
“Songs of Curley Fletcher”, the most comprehensive collection of works by the legendary author
of “The Strawberry Roan!”.
For a memorable evening while on your Rock Creek Pack Trip,
consider having a fiddler at your campfire! For more information on Fiddlin’ Pete Watercott go to
www.fiddlinpete.com.
crew
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A RESERVATION
Click here for more information and a map detailing where we are in California with area maps as well.
Call us TODAY at 760-872-8331 for a quick reponse to your questions.
You can email us, also.
Rock Creek Pack Station provides all of its trips as a permitee of the Inyo National Forest.
All Trail Rides and Packing Schools are subject to an 8% regulatory reservation fee, plus 2% USFS fee.
NOTICE: Persons of any race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or with any handicapping condition are welcome to use and enjoy all facilities, programs and services of USDA (Forest Service).
Discrimination in any form is strictly against agency policy and should be reported to Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20520
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GOLDEN TROUT FISHING GOLDEN TROUT FISHING GOLDEN TROUT FISHING GOLDEN TROUT FISHING
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Last Updated: April 18, 2008
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