Fire season 2010 totally REDUX! I'm at Snow Creek again due to lookout problems.

[DemoTex]

But the weather in central Oregon is so bad, I'm glad I'm not at the lookout. The heater up there is seriously broke. Deja Vu, eh?

So I am now in the bunkhouse at Snow Creek, a guard station for Crew 402 (now called 302) on the eastern slope of the Cascades. I'm solo out here, so Nick and I have the gate locked and the carbine loaded. Max Nix, it is snowing everywhere. I drove back out from Bend after supper and spent 50% in 4-wheel, and even thought about chaining-up at one point.

I have been told to expect to spend two weeks out here, paid vacation as they call it. I bought a fishing license, and I am ready to go!

Here are some photos. I'll try to post some bunkhouse interior shots tomorrow. It is a hoot, but a great place at the price (ZERO!).

mac


The lookout through ice-laden Ponderosa pines


East flank of the Newberry Volcano with more snow than anyone remembers


Luellow Butte


Arrived Snow Creek with a great place for a cooler


The roads got worse as I got back towards Snow Creek


Nick runs the creek


Our safety barrier from the public

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear DemoTex!

I remember a saying about Mt.Rainier...there are two seasons: winter, and August.

So.........this obviously ain't August!

Sounds like you and Nick have things well in hand...

Stay warm and safe...and have a ball!

LOVE the pictures, as always...

Glad you're back on the scene...

:hi:

[DemoTex]

2. I'm popping popcorn right now ..

So glad to have electricity and hot water!

[JDPriestly]

3. DemoTex, thanks for your posts. Great photos.

Do you have a separate blog?

[nenagh]

4. Looks so chilly... and Nick is loving it..

Thanks for your photos ..

Reminds me of a family vacation years ago on the Canadian side of the Rocky Mountains.. when it snowed in July.

Wonder what your elevation is now..

Take Care... so appreciate your diaries.

[denbot]

5. Umm.. Is the snow up there flammable?

Do you fly-fish?

[jtuck004]

6. Saw a report earlier that snow records are being broken in many areas

throughout the Mountains in the West, starting with the Rockies and extending out from the Cascades. Someone else noted there was winter storm watch 20 miles N of Spokane a couple days ago.

Much cooler than the midwest (my preference) but it is going to make for a really short growing season.

I don't remember from your last posts - do you try and take any seeds to grow anything at the Lookout, or would it just get eaten?

I suspect my dogs would trade life here for a romp with Nick in a heartbeat. Thank you for the pics.

[tomm2thumbs]

7. love the iced pines pic especially

great shots as always

[blogslut]

8. Nick!

It's so weird to see snowy photos at the end of May.

[xchrom]

9. please give all our best to nick!

thank you once again for your journal -- it really is wonderful.

[BrklynLiberal]

10. Never a dull moment for you and Nick. Thanks for sharing it all with us.