Big Bear vacation part 2

Tuesday was our big 10.5 mile round trip hike to the fire tower on Butler Peak . http://www.sbnfa.com/butler.php

We climbed about 1,500 ft in elevation in the 5.5 miles to the fire tower. Mary, Marla, me and the five dogs did the hike. There is a road to the fire watch tower but it is closed due to a forest fire in the area in 2006. I don't know when the Forest Service plans to re-open the road to vehicle travel.
(click on photos for a larger view)
Mary has been walking at least 5 miles a day for the past year or so and is in great shape. She shrugged this hike off as a walk in the park.

Marla's dog Blossom got the papoose treatment for part of the way. The climb and the heat was a bit much for a gentleman of his age.

As we approached the watch tower the road grew steeper but at least we could see our goal as we climbed.

Yes, the tower is perched high on the mountain!


The tower is complete with an outhouse, propane tank and radios.

Before you can climb the steep metal stairs to the tower you must negotiate a rocky path to the base of the tower.

Mary at the top of the stairs. Much to our surprise a couple were running the tower that day. They were a retired couple who volunteer for this duty. They chided Mary and Marla for being there - it seems the road is closed to people and vehicles (even though there was no sign to that effect). Then they had them sign the guest log. 50 other people had made the hike to the tower this season compared to 5,000 when the road is open for driving. The Grouch sensibly stayed below the tower in the parking lot to keep the dogs company.

Marla enjoying the view (which was straight down on a couple sides of the tower!).

I stayed to console the dogs while the ladies were absent. After having some snacks and drinks we headed back down the hill. The walk back down was in some ways even more strenuous than the hike up!