The Fire Tower

A few weeks ago, we rented the Spruce Mountain Fire Tower in Wyoming. This was the 3rd year we've visited here. It's a very cool experience if you like views at around 10,000 feet above sea level, sitting out on the deck drinking your morning coffee, watching storms move across the sky and getting a tiny glimpse of what it might be like to live here in solitude for many months if you worked for the Forest Service watching for fires. There are several of these towers located in various forested areas in the U.S.. Some of them have been retired, such as this one and are available for rent. This one is closest to where we live. Reservations are taken by the Forest Service one year in advance of the date you want to reserve. So, for instance, if you want to reserve it for July 31 of 2008, you would have to wait until July 31 of 2007 to make your attempt at a reservation. I say "attempt" because it books up very quickly, especially the weekends. There are 55 steps to the top and in the thin air, it can be a challenge to carry your cooler up there. There is also a little bucket with a pulley so you can raise smaller items. It has a stove, oven, refrigerator and heater (all gas), but no running water. We bought several single gallon jugs and pulleyed them up one by one. There are two beds (bedding required) and a little table with mismatched seating. No electricity and one dim gas lamp in the ceiling. We brought a battery operated lantern and flashlights. The "loo" is all the way at the bottom and several yards from the tower. Because of this and due to my tiny bladder, we brought our handy porta potty and sat it outside on the deck for nocturnal needs. At night you secure yourself in the tower by locking the access door to the deck. It's a very safe feeling. Signs at the tower warn of possible visits by large furry creatures, but we have never had the pleasure, as far as we know. There is a camping area at the bottom of the tower for friends. It's a very pleasant place as you can from the picture below. Rob Roy Reservoir is in the background where you can fish, boat or camp.

I'd like to explain what "Lite Adventure Seeker" means on my header. It pretty much means what it says. I like to have different kinds of adventures, but nothing too scary. This means I don't mind traveling to different countries, but generally prefer civilization. In our own country, Merle and I have rafted 2 times down the Grand Canyon on a big pontoon raft. More daring folks opt for the little raft experience, but I read the fine print where it says that "you can be capsized" and decided that it's too risky. We are planning to go again next May. It is a wonderful experience and you kind of get to where you have to go every few years ( like us). I also four wheel drive in my Jeep Wrangler in Moab, Utah. However, I do bypass the more wicked obstacles and have been known, upon occasion, to actually chicken out and ask my husband to drive my Jeep down or up something that is particularly frightening. However, that is a rarity. I had one particularly embarrassing situation during our last visit where I actually screamed in fright as I was making my way up a particularly terrifying stretch of rocky, steep ledges. About half way up, I stalled the Jeep and sat there sort of sideways - not a good place to be. Despite my fright, I sucked it up (Merle kind of insisted that I suck it up), started the engine and just did it. We were with friends, so I was quite embarrassed at that point - and a little shaky for awhile. The rest of the trail was fine, but very dusty and hot. (Why do I do that stuff?)

I am also a hiker. My maximum miles for one day are around 10 and that is pushing it. I mostly hike 4 - 7 miles two to three times a week. Several years ago, I participated in a one day 14 mile hike that included going over a pass at timberline. My right knee has never been the same - the downhill part is the hardest on the knees. So, anyway, that's gives you a general idea on what I mean by "lite".

Oh, and today I potted these plants and bought this chair.