June 30, 2026 - Delilah

 

Title: June 30, 2026 - Delilah
Hike Info : Description : Flowers and Plants

Hike Info:

Type:Lookout

Description:

It was a bit cooler last night than I expected. Still I kept warm, I just kept inside of my bag. While I can sleep with a light on, if I poked my head out of the bag, the moon was still going strong. It probably will be the same tonight.

I do wake up before the sun rises, at 0500. I had checked last night and saw that there was some lightning yesterday, both in my local area and in Stanislaus NF. The local one is outside of my vision. It stretched from the upper Middle Fork of the Kings to east of Florence Lake. The question is how to do the report. Yesterday I realized that the travel laptop I have did not have all of the files which my home computer had. Last night I had decided on how to jerryrig things to get something useful. I was able to get to mostly working and get the information the lookouts needed.

 

Delilah

By the time I was done with the lightning report-I had eaten breakfast while working on the report-it was 0800. I decided to go for a walk before getting into lookout mode. Of course, when in the tower, there is a reflex of looking around and seeing if all is right with the world. I am gone for about 40 minutes, having gone just to the saddle and back. Then I clean up the cab and get ready for the day.

Nothing special to start today off. I started off doing a scan, then took the weather. Nothing alarming with either. At 0930 I go into service with both Porterville and Sierra. Then I look at the fire weather forecast and see who is on in the Sequoia Forest. The “who is on” is what staffing there is around me and most importantly, who the duty officer is on duty. It looks awfully sparse as far as staff in this area. The radio traffic from Porterville at times can have a lot of static. This is one of those times. I have a habit of recording the staffing, so I can play it back and make sure I hear the staffing correctly. Evidently Buck Rock had the same issue as they called me up and I told her what I heard.

 

Smoke in the Valley

When I am at a lookout for more than one day, I try to clean windows. I am able to do Delilah’s windows in a couple of hours, between other duties. Well, after finishing, I still see places for improvement. At 1230 I have my lunch. Then at 1309, I take the weather. Not too much different than this morning, except more breezy. I am hearing on the radio that the duty officer and a work group is gathering at the McKenzie helipad. That is on the road into Delilah. I wonder if they are going to head this way? Am I getting lonely? I do not think so after all the isolation of Delilah is one of its attractions for me.

I do have two 15 minute rest periods, between scans. During my scans, I see a wide variety of land. There is the Valley land, filled with orchards, farmlands, and ranches. We do not report fires in this area. Then comes the foothills, above the Friant Kern canal. For the most part, these lands hold only some interest-the people I know and the history which is part of the land. Then there are the mid-mountains where Delilah is. I have traveled through some of the areas, both in a car and on foot. It is fascinating and not many people go over to Patterson Bluffs, nor into Millwood or any of the places which this lookout is part of. Finally, on a clear day, I can look up the Middle Fork of the Kings all the way to the crest.

And that is where my heart is. And why this train of thought came as I looked over the areas which I love? I wonder if I will ever be able to go back there? It does require strength and endurance, things I am losing. There is a bit of melancholy with that thought. The reason which I love that area is because I have been able to experience it, it became part of who I am. In stories you read about how a hero cannot go home and looks longingly towards the place he cannot return to. I can place myself in the hero’s shoes.

But I am fortunate as I can still do so many things I love to do, such as hike be in a lookout, read, and the plethora of interests I have. Also I have family and friends who love me. I am not despondent, just yearning.

Evening view from outhouse

At 1600, I responded to the lookout check in from Sierra. I spot two smokes, but neither are reportable as they are in the Valley. At 1716, I called up Porterville to say I am overnighting here, my last planned night for a little while. I do have a lot to be thankful for. At 1755 I went out of service with Sierra and Porterville.

Most days after I have been in the lookout all day, I am spent. Not because I am doing anything terribly physical, nor mentally challenging. I think it is because of always being on: listening to the radio and constantly looking out for smoke. Very little real downtime during the day. Yesterday evening, I was spent. Tonight, after finishing up everything, I got right to the business of eating the quiches Sherri had sent me.

98.9% of a full moon

After washing the dishes and putting away everything, I went for a walk. I was thinking I would be about half an hour, but I was gone for over an hour. Wendy and I had a light and fun text conversation. Each of my replies would give me an excuse to pause while going up the hill which is Mount Sampson, not that the road goes over it.

When I returned, I talked with Sherri for about 45 minutes. Since I have waited this long, I think I will wait for the moon to rise. It is to rise at 2119 and be 98.9% full. Maybe not as nice as yesterday, but there will not be clouds getting in the way. By 2140, I am in my bag.

Flowers and Plants

Grove of Dandelions

Milkweed

Foxtail

Google says it is Penstemon, I am not that sure

September 6, 2022 - Delilah

 

Title: September 6, 2022 - Delilah
Hike Info : Description : Background  Animals 

Hike Info:

Type:Lookout

Description:

My last day on this stint at Delilah, and what is predicted to be the hottest. I am not sure what it is, maybe heat. maybe old age-i hope it is heat, not old age-but I feel like I want to go home. I guess I am tired. These are long days. I am looking forward to getting off at 1800

I get up at 0520 and start my lightning report. There were six strikes all west of Florence Lake, but several cloud to cloud east of Buck Rock. She heard them last night.

Watts and Burroughs Valley-where the fire was yesterday

I go into service at 0700-for once on time at Delilah, I go in-service when the Forest thought I was going in. I finish up the lightning report on Forest time at 0720. After doing a few scans, I have my breakfast. By 0900, it is 90 degrees inside of the cab and by 1000 it is 91 outside and 94 inside. When I take the weather, the RH is 20%. This catches the Forest’s attention. I now go into my wet T-Shirt and cap mode. Any bets on if and when the cab will reach 100 degrees?

 

 

 

 

By the way, in an earlier blog, I talked about the birds at Delilah. Add sparrows in as well. Usually there are turkey vultures, but so far I have not seen them. Also several times dragonflies have entered into my binoculars field of vision. Talking about objects being closer than they appear. The first time, I wonder what is going to devour me.

Along the lines of birds, I made hummingbird water for the first time. Sherri usually does that. Now to see if the hummingbirds like my attempt.

It must be a rule of mine: there must be at least one fax paus each day I am in a tower. Today’s attempt at mucking up is that I missed the 1100 Sierra lookout check-in. Why you might ask? I am usually pretty regular with that one. While my hand-held radio battery decided it had lost all of its energy. I cannot blame it as with this heat, I have lost a lot of energy myself. Thanks to Buck Rock, I found out that I had been missed. So I called in that I was all safe and sound.

 

 

 

 

Clouds and the Kings River

 

Otherwise, life continues on. I scan and practice placing locations in my range. I have in my notes for the next person: be careful of the railings. They get scorching hot. Also I listen in on conversations. Such as the Forest is getting ready to release water from Hume Lake to do repairs. There is a lot of coordination. First between the contractors and the Forest. Then getting the personnel at Hume Lake to make sure everybody is safe in the Lake and down stream. Then finally to open the valve. Also the Forest personnel try to take care of the visitors. Such as a lady had a flat tire down by Grizzly Falls. Patrol 33 was sent down to assess and try to help. Patrol 33 ended up taking the lady into Cedar Grove to phone for assistance.

Just before 1500, I heard of a smoke being spotted at Redinger Lake. It is outside of where I can see, but I look anyway in case I can see it. Nope-too big of a ridge between Delilah and the San Joaquin River.

Water Gate opened at Hume Lake

Porterville notes that Forest personnel are on from 0730 to 1930 this week. I talk with Buck Rock and she is in agreement that I can still go out of service at 1800. I am thankful for that. The only other thing which happens is Richard calls up. He is coming in tomorrow and wants to know about anything he should be concerned about. Not really. There was a fire, but it was cleared up. But I tell him, be prepared for it to be hot. I then clean up the cab-disinfecting the counter tops, mopping the floor, getting rid of the trash. At 1813 I go out of service with both Sierra and Porterville.

The drive home is uneventful. I got home a few minutes after 2000, tired but feeling good. Particularly after taking a shower and having some ice cream.

I would be remiss in leaving without calling out people who called to check in, or have conversation with me. These people include Kathy, Wendy, Doug, and, of course, Sherri-my wife. Thank you!

Background

Time	Outdoor Temp	Indoor Temp
0600	82	83
0900	87	90
1000	91	94
1100	93	95
1200	91	93
1300	92	93
1400	93	93
1600	93	95

Animals

September 5, 2022 - Delilah

 

Title: September 5, 2022 - Delilah
Hike Info : Description : Trail Lessons : Background 

Hike Info:

Type:Lookout

Description:

I woke up around 0500. The stars are still out, shining brightly and there is only the vagist hint of a morning being brought beyond the crest. I drift on and off to sleep for half an hour. By then, the sun has decided to creep over the mountains, highlighting the clouds. I get up and do my lighting report-don’t you get tired of me saying that? There were three strokes, all south of Florence Lake.

By the time I get done with the report, it is time to make a quick trip down to the base of the tower, to get a few things together to bring back up. Then it is back up into the tower and getting ready for the new day. Ten minutes later I go into service. Despite the cloud cover, it is already getting warm-81 outside and 83 in the cab-I do not think it will get better. Today is slated to be the hottest day of this heat wave. How can something called a wave be so discomforting? I know, there are also tidal waves and the like. But when you are in the middle of something, you think this is the worst thing ever-it is not.

Clouds above Park Ridge

Then I start my routine of scanning, listening to the radio. I do have a dish of granola for breakfast. When taking a look at the weather, there definitely is a layer of smoke, dirt, and smog a little higher than me across the Central Valley. Also Kathy calls me and we talk for about twenty minutes. It is always good to hear from her. She is so positive of a person.

Last night during our family Zoom time, Sherri brought up that Meagan talked about Silence during her sermon-I suspect the “her'' may be not right, after all isn’t a sermon God speaking to us. Is the message then God’s or it should be the congregation’s, through a messenger? I digress. I should also say, I have not heard the sermon and probably will not for a few more days.

That has got me thinking about a book I am using as a source of meditation, Backpacking with the Saints by Weldon C. Lane. There is a chapter in there about Solitude. He also has a great deal to say about the need for Silence. Up here in the lookout, I definitely do not have a lot of direct human contact. But is that Solitude? In the tower, it really is not Silence, at least during working hours, as with the two radios going, there is rarely time where they are silent for more than 15 minutes. And by the time I get done, I am ready for bed. I need to figure out a different routine.

My "Spaceship" cloud

Both Silence and Solitude do not have value in themselves. Such as I can while away my time alone playing games or reading light-weight books during my time. But does that really count as something which anybody would consider a splendid use of that time? And now that I am to write this, I see that I am thinking in utilitarian terms. I suspect that “use” is not the main thrust of either one. It more is: how do I get to know myself better? How do I get to know my God better? That would be where Silence and Solitude should lead me. Both “know’s” are not quantifiable in terms of productivity and so cannot be thought about in their utility. Rather I think times of quiet allows me to understand more of God’s intentions in my life.

Maybe that is why it is so hard to be still. Understanding leads to action and action with understanding can lead to discomfort. Discomfort in that action is change-I learned that early on in Physics. May I need to make my life open to the changes the Father wants.

One of the things with scans is that I am learning to observe. From a lookout, it is just a matter of time before birds come into view. Two red-winged hawks were doing a synchronized dance when I was looking towards Sampson Flat. They were twirling around. I suspect they were looking for game. Last night I was reading how hawks will use their shadow to drive their prey into chaos, making the prey easier to spot. I guess it is not to provide me with a few moments of awe. They quickly disappear. But then a red-headed woodpecker appears on a dead tree to the east. Another way to slow down and enjoy the wonder which I have been given.

Looking up the Kings River

For as hot as the prediction was, it does not seem to be that hot. I am still sweating, but there is a pleasant breeze which gives the illusion of coolness until I step into the sunlight. Then I know it's hot.

Just got through reading Wendy’s staffing e-mail. I just saw that I was to go into service at 0700. Sigh, I should have read it closer. In the past during extended hours it has been 0800 to 2000. I was looking to see what time they had us getting off tonight-2000. Am I getting tired of the heat?

The heat does not feel as bad as it did Sunday, so I am slightly more active. I do stop and lay down occasionally in the afternoon. But those are for 15 minute spurts-governed by my timer. Nothing exciting. There are more clouds. I let Buck Rock know that I am seeing a cell going in her direction on the Earthnetworks map.

Around 1745, I have my dinner: skillet warmed Mexican food. Filling and satisfying. Also I end up eating some crackers, nuts, and cookies.

 

 

 

Night settling in over Delilah

But my reverie of food and contentment at not having anything happen in my area ends. There is a fire called out by Sierra in the Burrough Valley area. Wait, that is just across the lake (Pine Flat) from me, just short of 16 miles. But as much as I look over there, I cannot see the smoke. The haze really blocks any chance of spotting it. Also, I think there is a slight ridge between me and it. I call in that I cannot see any smoke. Then about seven minutes later, there is a plume of white against the dirty gray of the haze. There is the smoke. Right on the mark which I had calculated it would be. I call that in as well. That is about all I can do for this fire. If it starts getting bigger, I will note that with Sierra.

I continued scanning until 2000. Even though as the shadows extend and the ravines get swallowed up in darkness, the benefits of being up here diminish. At 2000 I go out of service. After a trip downstairs, I talked with Sherri for a while. Then it is time to drift off to sleep.

 

 

Trail Lesson:  Read and understand; do not assume.

Background

Time	Outdoors Temp	Inside Temp
0800	81	83
0900	83	86
1000	85	88
1100	88	90
1200	87	89
1400	86	88
1500	78	89
1600	89	92

September 6, 2020 - Delilah

 

Title:  September 6, 2020 - Delilah
Hike Info : Description 

Trail head: Delilah Lookout

Hike Info:

Type: Lookout

Please note: This is not a record of the Creek Fire. We were at Delilah Lookout, 25-30 miles away from the action. Below is a combination of my recollection, Forest Service radio communications, text and e-mail conversations with those who know fire. Consequently, this blog entry should be read from the perspective of a person who had a narrow, but interesting window into fighting the Creek Fire and the rescues which all the first responders achieved.

 

Description:

A new day. What will it bring? Smoke obviously. But will there be good news from the Creek Fire? Will there be an expansion? How about all of the people who needed to get out at Mammoth Pool or China Peak?

The sun gives a hint about the smoke. It rises right where the moon rose last night, over Converse Mountain. Today it is a fiery red ball with the trees being silhouetted.

Both Shuteye and Mt Tom Lookouts are now endangered. Shuteye has left its lookout and is heading down the mountain. He has not been heard from in a while. Mt Tom is leaving soon. At 0848 there is good news that the Shuteye lookout has been heard from and is safely out of the danger zone. We follow on the radio Mt Tom’s lookout leaving. He stops on the way out and finds a car covered in ash. No trace of the occupants.

We go inservice at 0800. Once again, we have a low RH-17%. Not a good sign. At 1020 we notify Porterville that we only have 2 to 3 miles of visibility. It is hot! Outside, it is 96⁰. But inside it is over 100⁰. and it is going to get warmer. Fortunately, we have been able to cool it down a bit to about 96⁰. Usually the mornings are hot at Delilah followed by breezes going up the Canyon, cooling down the tower. But today those breezes do not come up. And at 1500, we have even less visibility.

 

And then there are the people at Mammoth Pool and China Peak. Mammoth Pool looks like a large helicopter came in and lifted them out-maybe several trips. Not sure. But it sounds like there may still be a few more people down there. If this is true, that has got to be an amazing evacuation. My understanding is that they still cannot get into Mammoth Pool via a land route-the fire is still raging there.

On China Peak, it sounds like they were able to get people out last night with their vehicles. From what we heard is that they brought people up 168 until Tamarack Ridge and then took some of the Dinkey Creek roads down to where Dinkey Creek is. On the other hand, I heard they brought out the Wishon and Courtwright people down Black Rock Road to Balch Camp. When Sherri and I did this in June I was glad we were going up it, not down it. I think the rangers agree with that assessment as it was reported that a group of campers-found some drivers who were soberish to drive down Black Rock Road.

There are also backpackers coming out of the backcountry. Some are congregating at VVR. Also at Florence Lake. We also heard them say that they should stop at Blayney Meadows. I have got to assume they will airlift them out as well.

Fog or Smoke?

 

1530 and we see a blanket of smoke enveloping the tower like a fog bank. Even though it is hot, we have closed all of the windows and the door to keep out the smoke. Our inside temperature climbs from about 94⁰ to over 100 ⁰. We cannot tell how hot-the indoor thermometer only says “Hi”. We have a discussion first between Sherri and I and then with the group about vacating the lookout. We decided that if the conditions are the same at 1600, we will vacate-probably not coming back up tomorrow as we will not have visibility.

1600 rolls around and no improvement. We notify our group of plans. Wendy says that BC32 is in agreement. When I talk with him to confirm our decision, he also says to let Div 3 know when we go out of service. We go out of service a few minutes after 1700.

We made it back home by about 1930 with no problems. Wonder if we will be back up at Delilah this year?

===========

I thought I might venture a trip back to Delilah on Labor Day, Monday, Sept 7th. Looking at Delilah’s webcams, there would be no value as it was very much all smoked over and no visibility.