Our New Backyard
















We took a drive the other day to see what was 'in the backyard'. Dad was our tour guide. He drove us up Hughes creek which is just a mile or so down the road - where we took our crazy bike ride. After about 20 minutes of rattling along on a gravel road and admiring the scenery, we turned onto an even less improved road! These back roads are so rough and narrow that really the truck mostly just crawls along, turning here and there as dictated by the constant ascent. Eeventually we took what is known as the Ransack loop, past several old mines and on up to Granite Mountain Lookout. There is an old Forest Service Fire lookout at the top of this ancient mountain. It is a 10' x 10' building right on the highest prominence of the mountain with a 360 degree panorama of the surrounding hills. This empty old shack has been largely refurbished and white washed and is available for rent for a modest fee. (!)

Most of the soil on this mountain has long ago worn off in the constant wind which blows up this high, and what is left is a very rocky surface held together by a few hard scrabble trees. Did I mention the view? Wonderful. Blue upon blue wandering off into the distance in every direction.

The lookout can only be accessed by four wheel drive vehicles, there are no improvements, no water, lots of flying insects. It is a retreat for the hard core outdoors person who desires the utmost in solitude. Be sure to pack lots of beef jerky and a good book.