Sam Cox’s Summer

Posted on September 4, 2008 by Powderwhore Productions

You might remember Mr. Cox from the last 3 PW movies. Sam has been working for the U.S. Forest Service for the past 10 years, he’s currently in his second year as a smokejumper. Here’s a little peak into what he does when it’s not snowing.

Here’s Sam’s account of his summer.

Shorter days and brisk nights have me thinking about winter, however it seems like appropriate timing for a summer update. Fire season has been fickle across the West. It will come crashing down for a brief time, and then falter, followed by a complete disappearance for several weeks. I have been fortunate enough to spend time on fires in ID, NV, OR and two trips to CA during the past 3 months. Not a banner season by any stretch of the imagination, but enough to keep the bills paid during the winter. The addition of newfound free time this summer has also allowed for all types of extracurricular activities. Another smokejumper here at the McCall base is an experienced B.A.S.E. jumper. We ventured down to Twin Falls and jumped the bridge under his supervision. Jumping from a fixed position is an entirely different animal than exiting the aircraft. Overall it was an excellent experience. My photography skills leave quite a bit to be desired, but here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure.
”Hit it” drill in front of the DC-3