Skydiving Firefighters, Newborn Dragonflys and What Not to Touch While Camping.

Just when you think it's safe to go back into the woods...
I mentioned a few posts back how important it is to check for fire dangers in the area that you are planning on camping in, but what happens if the fire starts while you are actually camping? If you're me, apparently you wait for the evacuation orders to come in (not always the recommended course of action and BivWak encourages you to contact the Forest Service to see if you are in any danger). The first night camping we witnessed quite a few thunderstorms all around us that started more than a few small blazes. The nearest one looked to be about an acre in size and about three miles from our campsite. Thanks to the incredibly wet spring here and the quick reaction time by the Forest Service, the fire was quickly smothered. We just happened to be camped about 15 miles from a lookout, so the next day we made our way to the top of the mountain. When we got to the top we could see exactly what the storm from the night before had done. Small spot fires were starting to pop up in the mid-day heat and they were not as accessible as the one next to our camp. Just then a plane circled around one of the small smoking spot fires and drops off a smokejumper, then another, and another... four jumpers to be exact. It was pretty amazing to see. I worked as a wildland firefighter for three years and never got to witness what I saw that day.





We also got to witness a birth before the day was out... well, kind of a birth anyway. The dragonflys were just beginning to hatch from their larval skin (which looks surprisingly similar to the aliens from the movie Alien). While it wasn't the most beautiful display that you can witness in nature, it was pretty amazing to watch it dry it's wings and take flight for the first time. Just one more thing to take the time to witness, if you are given the chance.





Just a note for everyone this summer, something that puts out a lot of light is usually really hot. So when your gas lantern needs a few more pumps towards the end of the night, make sure not to steady it by putting your finger on the top. It makes for a funny looking blister on the tip of "pointy". Don't worry though, he's recovering fine and has regained almost all feeling.