Encampment Five, Gird Point Lookout

From the valley we drove many miles of beautiful but tedious back country dirt roads to arrive at the Gird Point Lookout - a 14' by 14' cabin surrounded by a 30" catwalk on top of a 7700' mountain.


The last 13 miles took one-and-a-half hours to navigate and along the road we stopped to remove logs, rocks to large to drive over and a herd of free-range cattle.  

Our first view of the lookout was a long ways off but we could see it clearly perched on top of the mountain.

 Then a three-quarters of a mile hike up the hill with packs and we are there.  What a view - on all sides.



And the wind - it almost constantly howls and vibrates the tower but our assurance comes from knowing that it has probably withstood much more severe blasts than this.  However, that assurance was tested on Sunday as a storm came through and pelted us with hail - the wind driving it through the cracks in the window frames.  Our prayers were answered and we came through it OK.  And as if we didn't receive more assurance, after the storm a beautiful double rainbow. 

We now head to Diamond T Ranch in Idaho and then to the Yellowjacket Ranger Station.  Next post will be after August 13.<
Love and prayers to all.

Fourth Encampment, Judith Guard Station

 We arrived at the former ranger station on Judith Creek after a 13 mile drive along a very dusty road.  this two story cabin is restored with period furnishings and is quite clean and comfortable.

We thought this might be a very isolated place but people have been in and out of the adjacent campground every day and the night before we left an encampment of 4 to 5 RV's was beginning to arrive.  We met some wonderful people on these encounters and they really were not interruptions to the quiet we've sought in this place.  

We even have running water!

The weather has been clear and comfortable even though temperatures get into the 90's.  Each day we've enjoyed short hikes around the area and in the evenings we enjoy a fantastic aerial display by Nighthawks finding their evening meal.