First Hand Report on the S.O.S. Shovel Convoy

We caught the convoy in Twin Falls, ID at midnight. Twin Falls was the first stop. MFMU President Clarence Taber and wife, Jill, caught up as did Flathead County Commissioner, Bob Watne. A woman approached us and asked about the shovels? She related that she was a rancher and the Forest Service and BLM had taken away their grazing allotments.

At the shovel pickup point in Twin Falls, the convoy was greeted by a KLIX radio station reporter, Suzanne Just. Suzanne wrote and sang a song ‘It’s Just A Shovel" that was played at the Elko rally. The radio station started a collection for a fuel fund. At a local car wash we were discovered by a New York Times reporter who interviewed us and took lots of photos. The reporter took many pictures of Dick Michael’s and Dick Austin’s 1955 International truck with shovels and large U.S. Flag. This bright yellow truck has a P.A. system that plays patriotic songs and others.

From Idaho Falls on to Jackpot, NV and "Cactus Pete’s" and a four hour layover. Wonder why? We were met by a reporter from the Associated Press and the Elko Daily Free Press. Lots of photo taking and questioning of many of us in the convoy. At one time there were 6 or 7 Elko County deputies and all were supportive. Even some Californians from San Diego who said there was support in San Diego.

We headed for Wells, NV and arrived about 6:30 PM. We were met by Elko Co. Commissioner, Mike Nannini, and all the light barred emergency vehicles in Wells, NV. After a flashing parade around Wells, we were treated to an all you can eat meal at the 4-Way Café. No charge. Mike and Jim Hurst were the originators of the event. We were treated like royalty in Wells and everyone was excited and damn happy to see the convoy.

Next morning, Saturday, a contingent from Twin Falls caught up to make the final leg to Elko. People from other States arrived to join up, including James Neiman from Hullet, Wyoming, who owns a sawmill and brought 700 shovels. Also a gentleman rancher from Kanab, UT whose ranch is surrounded by Clinton’s new Escalante National Monument. Everyone told stories of their experiences with the Forest Service and BLM.

We left for Elko, NV at 10:30 am.. The convoy was at least a mile long. Jim Hurst in the lead with shotgun rider Cary Hegreburg. Jim Hurst’s pickup had a bright green shovel sign on the grill guard and a flashing light on top. Jim and Cary were reported to be listening to C.W. McCall’s "Convoy" song. Remember that one? Approaching cars were flashing their lights, honking and waving in support. Adrenaline began to rush, but a bigger surprise was waiting in Elko.

Outside of Elko, vehicles of every description were lining the roadside to line up for the parade. Our group was taken to the head of a line over 200 strong. There were vehicles of every description driven by ranchers, loggers, miners, ATV’ers and just concerned citizens who had come together for a common cause for the parade. The number of people was staggering. The whole thing gave us goose bumps. Bystanders were waving, cheering, and taking pictures. There was a definite, common theme of SUPPORT FOR SOLIDARITY, SUPPORT FOR MULTIPLE USE, SUPPORT FOR GOVERNMENT BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE AND OF THE PEOPLE.