Shepherd Foundation $3,000 grant updates Misery warming cabin

By Emily Ruchert

Special to the East Washingtonian

POMEROY–Mt. Misery Drifters received a $3,000 grant from the Harold and Helen Shepherd Foundation for Misery makeover of the warm-up cabin built in 1987 by the Snowdrifters.

The Mt. Misery Drifters, known to most as the "Snowdrifters" and formed decades ago here, was a group of folks who liked to ride through the fresh smooth powder on their state-of-the-art (now considered vintage) snowmobiles. The group had a vision to help the snowmobile community by providing shelter, safety, and fun for all ages.

The Mt. Misery cabin was built in 1987 by the Snowdrifters and had been virtually untouched since then. Our goal recently was to make some much-needed improvements to the warm-up shelter.

While sitting in the club office, Flynn's shop, this small group of people started having some big ideas. We decided to rip the loft out, which was a huge disappointment to the packrat family that had been residing there.

We power-washed, stained and chinked the outside logs. We added windows and replaced the door. We dug out the shin-high mound of wood chips, dirt, and whatever else (we didn't really want to know) that was in the wood shed and stocked it once again for the winter to come. We refurbished the old signs and gave them new life.

Our Misery Make-Over just wasn't quite complete, however. What if we took out the old woodstove and upgraded it to a hand-made, custom deluxe version? It would be great if it had flat top, perfect for heating up that grub you brought to munch on while warming up. The idea was great, but how in the world would be pay for it?

In stepped Gary Houser from the Shepherd Foundation, who is always open for ideas to help the community. We approached him with the idea, and he welcomed the grant application. The Harold and Helen Shepherd Foundation provided $3,000 for our Misery Make-Over. We combined this funding with a grant from the Washington State Snowmobile Association and some of our own funds, plus a lot of volunteer hours from club members.

Over the years, the Snowdrifters have maintained this vision while adapting and growing with the snowmobile industry. Many of the founding members are still members of the club. They speak of the old days and always end their story with a smile and we know that some of the best details were probably left out to "protect the innocent." These folks paved the way for what the Snowdrifters are all about today, providing shelter, safety, and fun for all ages.

I have been the secretary for about two decades, and although the group has changed slightly over the years, it is always a handful of us working out all the details of our mission. Without the Snowdrifters, our local mountains would not have a groomer, would not have warm-up shelters, and would not have trails maintained in the winter months.

We work closely with the Pomeroy Ranger Station and have developed a great relationship with the local Forest Service employees. This relationship enables our community to have the groomer, the shelters, safety equipment, and a great trail system.

Our fundraising events are a direct positive result of this partnership. Our events raise money for our scholarship program, local charities, and improvements to our shelters.

As with any community club, we tend to get discouraged and frustrated at times. We collaborate on ideas and try to come up with ways to encourage more involvement. Then, we throw out an idea, go for some funding, and get an award letter! Suddenly, this group goes from feeling a little discouraged to a ball of fire. We feel needed, appreciated, and energized. The Shepherd Foundation grant did just that for the Snowdrifters.

Snowmobilers beware...this small group of people in Flynn's shop are thinking BIG! Stay tuned for bigger and better things coming to a mountain near you!

-Emily Ruchert, Secretary, Mt. Misery Drifters