Hey You! Lookout!

This weekend I finished the classroom portion of my Fire Lookout training. I'll complete eight hours of in-tower training and then I'll be ready to fly solo as a Fire Lookout Host at Strawberry Peak.

According to their website, "Majestic views, solitude, quiet, heroic vigilance—the seven fire lookouts of the San Bernardino National Forest capture a romantic part of California’s past. In the 1970s, when new fire spotting technology made them obsolete, they fell into disrepair. Today, through the help of the National Forest Association, the lookouts once again serve the forest. More than 300 Fire Lookout Hosts give more than 9,000 hours each year from May through October to educate visitors about the history of the lookouts, the ecology of the forest, spot fires, and keep the lookouts a vibrant part of the forest."

While the towers aren't staffed at night, the views, as you might imagine, are incredible. This is the view towards our house from Strawberry Peak. As a Host, I'll be able to spend the night in the lookout, though solo, since only trained Hosts can stay. The public can rent Morton Peak lookout for an overnight stay.