Since the middle of July, when the Mountain fire began, we have had regular visits overhead by fire spotter helicopters and when necessary, helicopters carrying buckets of water to put out new flames.
The 27,000 acre Mountain fire which threatened Idyllwild and entered the southern portion of the San Jacinto Wilderness was 100 percent contained on July 30th. A week later on August 7th, the Silver fire outside of Cabazon began its 20,000 acre destructive path on the north side of the San Jacinto Wilderness. The footprint of the Esperanza fire of October 2006 which resulted in the death of 5 firefighters (see July 3rd entry) was also in the path of the latter fire.
The latest fire was contained on August 12th the same day a 3 acre flare up occurred up in the Wilderness.
Containment means the fire is no longer spreading but flare ups can occur. Because of the potential for fire and other unexpected hazards such as falling trees and boulders along with unidentifiable paths, many of the trails in the wilderness are still closed.
Fortunately, one of my favorite trails recently opened since it is free of the potential dangers of other paths. South Ridge Trail is a 4 mile hike up to Tahquitz Peak where the Fire Lookout Tower stands at about 9,000 feet. It is a moderate to strenuous hike for the last mile has merciless switchbacks.
I was quite apprehensive to what I would see along this trail post Mountain fire. In the distance, views of devastation along a few of the mountains can be seen but this trail is still filled with life and beauty.
This beautiful Acorn Woodpecker was perched at the peak near the tower.
Window rock still has beautiful views beyond the path to the other side.
Faithful dog still stood watch...
As for the tower, it stands just as it did 100 years ago. For all of us who have come to love this tower, we are all grateful it survived the wildfire.
"Gratitude takes nothing for granted." - D Postema
By the time I returned down the mt, my legs and feet were tired and achy. None of that mattered when I saw that this part of the mountain survived.
"How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains! To behold this alone is worth the pains of any excursion a thousand times over."
-John Muir-
