Monday, March 05, 2007

Alder Ridge Lookout, Part II

Internal conflict between desiring solitude and craving the company of others has plagued me since childhood. Give me a good book at a noisy party, and I'll homestead the couch. I may be drawn into an occasional conversation. But, in the end, the book will win.

That's why Alder Ridge Lookout appeals. The well-groomed grounds of the lookout gives me the chance to read and write in notebook in solitude. I haven't seen anyone else at the lookout my four or five trips to the top.

I'd love to see the Forest Service establish a cabin rental at Alder Ridge like the one at Robbs Hut (PDF file), about 15 or 20 miles north. Family and a few friends would provide conversation and fellowship. And there are plenty of nearby rocks when solitude needed.

This is the residence at Alder Ridge Lookout in Eldorado National Forest from the lookout cab. The lookout sits a top a plateau at the highest point on Alder Ridge. The ridge stands guard over the confluence of Alder Creek (above in the photo) and South Fork of the American River. The lookout was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936.

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