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Post by markweth on Jan 19, 2016 9:04:23 GMT -8
I've started posting trip reports over on TrailGroove and thought I'd post an excerpt and a link over here as well . . . enjoy!
It is one thing to conceptually understand that you have the gear to bivy at 7,500 feet in the Northern Rockies with a forecast of six degrees below zero. It is another thing entirely to find yourself in circumstances where you end up having to do exactly that. And it was in such circumstances that I found myself on the last night of 2015. Perhaps I shouldn’t have turned down that invitation to a New Year’s Eve party after all.
I left home that morning later than I would’ve liked and drove for more than five minutes but less than five hours to the trailhead. Montana, Idaho, Washington, Wyoming . . . all within striking distance given the equation of time and space using motorized transportation. Discretion is the better part of many things in life, including keeping special places special by not indiscriminately broadcasting their details on the Internet. Hoisting my pack and stepping into snowshoes shortly after noon, I began what would be one of the most challenging hikes I’ve ever had the joy of undertaking.
Full report here . . . www.trailgroove.com/blogs/entry/64-the-lookout-a-snowshoe-trip-to-an-abandoned-fire-tower/ |
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,694 
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Post by rebeccad on Jan 19, 2016 9:16:01 GMT -8
That teaser photo is sure a pretty one. Mean of you to make us go look elsewhere!  |
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,694
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Post by rebeccad on Jan 19, 2016 9:24:11 GMT -8
But worth going and taking a look! Beautiful photos and a nice story. Thanks.
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Post by markweth on Jan 19, 2016 9:33:59 GMT -8
But worth going and taking a look! Beautiful photos and a nice story. Thanks. Thanks, Rebecca! Always appreciate your kinds words about my photos and writing. |
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,960 
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Post by Westy on Jan 19, 2016 9:37:35 GMT -8
I like your style of not disclosing and advertising the location.
Didn't know you were a Trudgling, appears that is would be an awesome Nordic ski venue.
Well Done!
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Post by Lamebeaver on Jan 19, 2016 9:53:38 GMT -8
Although all of the photos are excellent, I particularly liked the one with the sun shining through the tree. That's a tricky shot.
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Post by starwalker on Jan 19, 2016 11:49:46 GMT -8
I laughed when I read your quote of taking the man out of the library...I'm the same way. My library training and job follows me and I arrange things sometimes I have no business arranging.
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panatomicx
Trail Wise!
Less noise and more green
Posts: 496
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Post by panatomicx on Jan 20, 2016 13:50:07 GMT -8
Thanks for the TR Mark. Good preparation, good decisions!
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Post by Kevin Palmer on Jan 20, 2016 20:20:29 GMT -8
I always enjoy your trip reports Mark. I stayed at a lookout tower when I was in Montana a few years ago, and it was an awesome experience. But it wasn't under such extreme conditions.
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tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
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Post by tigger on Jan 21, 2016 7:45:48 GMT -8
Enjoyable trip report and thanks for the pics. That's always my favorite part.
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desert dweller
Trail Wise!
Power to the Peaceful...Hate does not create.
Posts: 6,291
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Post by desert dweller on Jan 21, 2016 8:08:10 GMT -8
I used to go to an decommissioned forest lookout cabin (not on a tower) in the Huachuca Mountains of southern Arizona. It was at 9466 feet and just 6 miles from the border with Mexico. The Forest Service would leave it unlocked when the fire season was over. They'd take out the fire finding gear and supplies. There was a wood burning stove that kept the place warm while the blizzards raged on. It was slowly dismantled after the area was made into a wilderness. I sure miss it. Probably spent 75 nights there over 15 years.  |
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Post by tallgrass on Jan 23, 2016 20:21:23 GMT -8
Fantastic report! Loved reading it.
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