Today is my last day at Park Ridge Lookout, and it is Labor Day. I wake up at 0500 after getting a good night's sleep. I then realize there is something missing: no taste of smoke in my mouth. And as the light starts to grow, I realize how clear the air is. This looks like it might be a pretty good day.
Various units, such as Cobra4, Yosemite 33, Engine 42 and Patrol 32 go around to the various fires and check the status of them. Part of this status check is to make sure the fires remain inside the containment lines and to identify and tend to any hot spots within those lines. The usual calling out is that there were no hot spots and no smoke within the lines or the original burn. When the unit is content that the fire is no more, they will have it in patrol status for a couple of days. Then they declare it is out.
The Hazelwood fire inspires me, or is it that I am just bored-t don’t think so-to check the images from my past lighting reports. I did find one which looks like a strike was close to the Hazelwood fire. So I send it off to Chief 1. While I am at it, I send off an image of the lightning strikes where the Kettle fire is to Mich at Buck Rock. I get back the equivalent of an “attaboy” from Chief 1. Then Mich said that was an inspiration to look at a fire she spotted. She found a strike close by.
Around 1120 I got two visitors from Sweden, who were interested in aspects of the lookout. One of them asked a question about how the Parks are being affected by the funding cuts and downsizing. In one way of asking this question, it can be for information and a desire to understand. In another way, it can be provocative. As a volunteer under the Park, I do not need to let my personal opinion guide my answers, rather give responses which align with how the agency I am volunteering under sees fit. In this case, I told them I did not have an appropriate response and they should talk with the Park personnel-this is probably a bit more eloquent than what I actually said, but in line with it.
Then it is back to regular
stuff. Mark, my relief who is coming in tonight, calls me and wonders
if I have a particular time that I want him here. I told him that
anytime before 1800 is a bonus for me. He thinks he will get in
between 1630 and 1700. At 1530, I started to clean up the place. With
only myself, it is not too bad. Some crumbs on the floor and counter
tops to be wiped off. I realize that with all of the smoke outside, I
have not been out to clean the windows. So I do the outside, but do
not have time for the inside.
Smoke from Garnet Fire
Yosemite 33
About 1715 Mark came in. I
have already lugged down my stuff, so it is only a bag or two which I
need to take down. By the time he gets situated it is about 1740.
Yipee, I get to leave 20 minutes early. That feels good. When I get
to the Panoramic
Point Road,
I see several cars coming up. I am always on the lookout for them, so
there is no problem.
I had decided to eat my sandwich at Big Stump. I stop and before I can get out my sandwich, I am asked several questions. First, do I know where John Muir Lodge is? Yes I do. Take a left here, a left at the Wye, then a right at the Visitor Center and follow the road around. Another couple asks the question, where does the Big Stump Trail start. I walk them over a few feet and point out the path. They are wondering how long it is? 1.6 miles. Then another car pulls up and asks where the restaurant is. I give them the information as well. Finally able to eat my sandwich. It does feel good to be knowledgeable and helpful. As I am coming into Fresno, I notice there is a fire truck right in front me: Yosemite 33. I have been hearing them all weekend. Seems like a fitting farewell to my time at the lookout. I make it back home by 1945.
Extra Photo'
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| Pyrocumulus from Garnet Fire |
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| Morning view to east=Mitchell Peak is towards the center left |
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| Morning view to southeast |
Animals
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| Usually I do not take squirrel shots as they are so common and a nuisance. This one happened to be exceptionally cute. |
