Somewhere along the way, between two miserable stomach surgeries and a successful spinal fusion, I decided to write not one, but three books, thinking anyone can write just one – and discovered anyone can also write three. Then I rekindled my intense interest in the American West, where for many years I was very fortunate to have worked, and began writing about those hardy characters and the tough land on which they lived, struggled, thrived and died. And writing such as:
"May be told by a soldier who is no writer to a reader who is no soldier." – Ambrose Bierce
A Western: 1862-63
A Western: 1863-64
A Western: 1864-65
Churchill's Gold: the Ripples of War
Limey Smokejumper: Fighting Wildfire in the Rockies
Inside the Great Game: the Fight for Oil and Pipelines in Central Asia
Robert D. Hubble - Amazon
This book is a great read. Giving a unique perspective to an unusual occupation. The title suggests a simple account of a Brit working in the US, fighting forest fires. In reality, it is more complicated, a glimpse of a world sadly disappearing. The author describes independent, brave individuals who commit themselves to a lifestyle that gives its own rewards, none of which are financial . This world is disappearing because of the encroaching bureaucracy and stifling management style entering many occupations. Limey Smokejumper can at times seem a bitter moan against the system but in fact I recognise many of the things and individuals mentioned from my own career. Well written and absorbing, I now intend to read the authors other books. Highly recommended - Dickens
Outstanding account of the years I jumped with Bob. Thank you for the "clear text" account of bureaucratic bologna and the loss of effectiveness that resulted.
Here is to the Last Best Job in the Last Best Place.
Robert D. Hubble grew up at a time when people told it as it was, and weren't afraid to. He grew up in a household with grandparents and was grateful then as he is now for that experience. He grew up to be a farmer, leaving his London school at the first opportunity to do so. Immediately after college, however, life forced a change and Robert served as a sapper in Britain's Corps of Royal Engineers. Then, still with a desire to farm, he left England to help run a Midwest dairy farm among the frozen lakes of northern Minnesota, before heading off to the rugged wilds of central Idaho, where he fell in love with the magnificent mountains and the gritty physical work of fighting wildfires. A job that eventually enabled him to experience many years as a U.S. Smokejumper in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. Where he now lives with his wife Christina, who has twice nursed Robert back from the edge and given him time to write these six books.
The original R. Denis Hubble
British Pathé has stepped into the 21st Century:
...and you gotta love that Benny Goodman, Sing Sing Sing