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Ages ago, probably close to 40 years, I read a book called "Lookout Wife." I looked it up on the internet. It was written by Jeanne Kellar Beaty, but is now out of print. In the novel, this couple lived in a lookout tower in a mountain forest, and they watched for fires, read books, talked and enjoyed nature. I wanted that life. For years I wanted that life. I don't even remember if it was a good book, but it sounded like a great life. Now I think that I'm too busy writing to actually keep an eye out for fires. Sorry, guys. Find another lookout wife. I'm busy now.
Whenever we found a really fine place to camp, I'd notice that the best spot was always occupied by the camp host. That seemed like such a great job. Free parking, do not pass go. Enjoy the great outdoors every day. Blinders? Sure, I couldn't see past the campfires and marshmallows then. Now I realize that there are probably drunks and fights and lost kids that have to be handled. It's not all fun by the lakeshore, is it? Well, I'm certainly not interested in dealing with all that!
I could go on, but what's the point. I never specifically dreamed of having this piece of land in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies. If I had, well, it would still be what I wanted. Anything else would be on this list of things I used to want.
2 comments:
Last year (july) you wrote a blog about reading a book 40 years ago entitled "Lookout Wife."
I did too and, in fact, I still have the copy of it.
While I never worked and lived on a lookout--as I always hoped I would, I have send the last 20 years working in and exploring the mountains of the west. Two summers ago I even got within 40 miles of the lookout mentioned in the book. The US Forest Ranger who I was working with at the time promise that the next time I am up in Idaho she'll take me to the lookout. Maybe life long dreams can come true
I can only hope my comment gets back to you. I hope your next trip to Idaho is everything you hope it will be, and that you won't have to wait too long to get to the lookout. I also want to thank you for your service in our mountains. Those who work in and explore the mountains, I believe, get back as much as they give to the rest of us. Happy trails.
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