When I visited the remains of the old lookout atop Baldy Mountain on a hike today an interesting perspective came to mind.
I will continue to post a few more photos from Penrose Peak later, but thought these two photos might just fit here.
Last Monday I took this photo from beside the remains of the old lookout atop Penrose Peak. The tallest peak at the far left skyline is Baldy Mountain, 19 miles away in the Baldy Mountain roadless area in the Cabinet Mountains.
Today I took this photo from beside the remains of the lookout tower atop Baldy Mountain. The peak at the skyline at almost dead center is Penrose Peak which is in the Cherry Peak roadless area in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains.
Here’s lookin’ at ya, neighbor! (I am blessed to live almost exactly in between.)
Absolutely phenomenal. I wish I had a mountian view like that.
Comment by scienceguy288 — July 13, 2008 @ 7:21 pm
Yes, it’s great to have ready access to country like this. I will never understand though how few folks bother to really get out and see it! When I spend even just a little time on a peak, it’s always difficult for me to return home.
Comment by montucky — July 13, 2008 @ 7:51 pm
Gorgeous view, from there to eternity.
Comment by Bo — July 13, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
It seems like that, Bo. As much as I try, I can’t get photos to show what it’s really like on those high peaks.
Comment by montucky — July 13, 2008 @ 9:14 pm
Were these “lookouts” spotting towers for forest fires? We have a few of those left here in the Adirondacks. Some have been removed from mountain tops and some have had grass-roots organizations form to “safe the tower”… None are manned any longer. As a young person it was always fun to hike to the top and chat with the ranger on duty.
Comment by Cedar — July 14, 2008 @ 5:08 am
Yes they were. The one on Baldy dates back to the 30’s and although I can’t find any information on Penrose, I’m sure it’s at least that old. I visit at least three of them every summer. The views are incredible!
There are several here that are still in use but most have been taken out of service and destroyed by the Forest Service because of liability issues.
A few others have been repaired and have become part of the rental program where folks can rent them out for short vacation stays. (Those are usually ones you can drive to.)
Comment by montucky — July 14, 2008 @ 7:35 am
You are blessed indeed Montucky! And what an awesome pair of pictures!
Comment by Sara — July 14, 2008 @ 7:51 am
Another little preview of Montana scenery for you, Sara.
Comment by montucky — July 14, 2008 @ 8:05 am
Beautiful, just beautiful is all I can say Terry !!
Well done !!
Comment by Bernie Kasper — July 16, 2008 @ 4:43 pm
You can see why I love the high country, Bernie!
Comment by montucky — July 16, 2008 @ 8:48 pm