There are many ways to spend your weekend. For us, serving as volunteers in the lookout tower on Tahquitz Peak is one of our favorite things to do on the weekend.
There are seven lookout towers in Southern California that are maintained by volunteers. However, Tahquitz Peak Lookout tower is the only one in the wilderness requiring a 4 1/2 mile hike to reach it. This trip was more strenuous since extra tools and water were brought up so maintenance could be done.
This trip we were reminded of how close the tower came to being destroyed in the Mountain Fire this summer. Many of the intersecting trails are closed because of the potential dangers to hikers where the forest burned.
The tower endures tough winters every year with snow, ice and 50-60 mph winds. The goal this weekend was to replace the beams which hold the north facing shutter and to begin painting.
Of course, looking out for fires and checking weather conditions are always a priority.
When we completed our work at the end of the weekend, one of the volunteers said, "The tower is smiling!" We agreed! There is more work to be done but it is stronger than when we began.
