Different Planets on the same planet.

Traveling the world we are assigned to one realizes the incredible diversity of our planet.  Yesterday the Kadizzlites took off on an adventure to a fire tower high above the Sierra Ancha Mountains.  These mountains are only about 15 miles from our camp site yet the climate is entirely different and so is the terrain.

Wayne Axtman, from our home town of Hazen, decided to make the hike with us.  After placing one vehicle where the trail would end, we headed to the fire tower.  Two miles up a steep road by foot brought us to the tower.   The Commander and Kadizzle have always thought about serving a term in a fire tower.  The view, as expected, encompassed a large part of the universe and was spectacular in every direction.  We could look down on so many of the places we have hiked.  It was obvious you could plan on being at the base of a lot of lightening strikes if you lived there.  This tower was a little different and had a cement block room at the bottom.   Just imagine being in a room and getting hit by lightening five or six times in one night.  A warning sign said to not climb the tower during storms.  Sort of like don't piss in the wind.  The fire tower was at 7,135 feet, which is high for this area.  The higher elevations get more moisture, so you are in an alpine environment.  Pine trees four feet in diameter are common.

After soaking in the view, we headed four miles down the mountain on what appeared to be some sort of old jeep trail.  Along the way, we spooked a flock of turkeys, and saw a lot of elk tracks.   Acorns were everywhere, and no doubt that is what the turkeys were eating.  Kadizzle ofter wonders about the Indian food supply and how they survived.  This food supply was within about a two day hike for the Indians that had dwellings down where we are camped.   Meat, berries, and a whole different variety of things could have come from the mountains.

Along the way, the trail got sketchy at times, and the group had to resort to map and GPS skills.  About three miles down the trail, we came across a huge dry waterfall.   During the snow melt it would be a site to behold.  This is the first year we have ever gone into these mountains and not encountered snow.   Luckily the day was T shirt warm and very comfortable hiking.   Kadizzle would give this hike an A rating.   If you ever want to do it,  the bonus for those who have not done it is the scary drive up into the mountains.   As you climb by car or truck out of the valley, the road hangs on the edge of cliffs for long stretches.

Today Len and Kadizzle will attempt the mother of all motorcycle rides on Cherry Creek Rd.  We will go on an extremely difficult and little used back road.  Tune in tomorrow to see if we made it.