Glamping =0)

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DavePloessel
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Glamping =0)

Post by DavePloessel »

Not quite "High" Sierra, not quite the usual trip for the wife and I, but super fun and worth a go if you can make the time..

Tried something new last weekend: Staying in an old fire lookout tower. Last Fall my wife had mentioned that she had always wanted to stay in one, so I booked the Oak Flat Lookout tower in the foothills of the southern sierra above the Kern River canyon. It's at +/-4960' elevation, so I don't know if this qualifies as "High" Sierra, but it has amazing views.

No electricity, but the USFS does provide a full range with an oven (which we used), a propane light (didn't use) and a propane heater (definitely didn't use), as well as a couple beds and a well kept bathroom about 50 yards away, which makes for some serious luxury in my opinion.

We arrived at about 2 am on Saturday. The road in requires a high clearance 4X4 or AWD for the last 1/4 mile or so, but is otherwise a piece of cake. Climbing up in the dark and wind was a bit exciting though.
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I, despite all the climbing I've done, am terrified of heights, and was less excited than Britt, who loved it.
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We set the alarm for 4:45 to enjoy the full sunrise. I took advantage of the oven and made cinnamon rolls and coffee
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We took a day trip into Kernville and hit up Kern River Brewing (good stuff!)
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Then headed downstream to the Remington Hot Springs (well worth visiting)
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and back to the tower for an afternoon charcuterie plate while we waited for the sun to set
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soaking in the views
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We must have taken a few hundred pics of the sunset. it was spectacular
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Topped off the evening with a burrata and sausage pizza for dinner followed by some stargazing.
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Got up the next day, made eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, then headed home. (no pics as reached the limit)

Hope you enjoy!
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maverick
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Re: Glamping =0)

Post by maverick »

Luxurious camping, like the cinnamon rolls :nod:, the hot springs, cheese, olives, and especially the sunset. Thanks for sharing Dave.
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rlown
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Re: Glamping =0)

Post by rlown »

A very cool report! I can see the draw to this type of camping. Pictures absolutely amazing to top off the experience. Thanks for sharing.
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cefire
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Re: Glamping =0)

Post by cefire »

worth it just for the cinnamon rolls :D everything else is just gravy, lots and lots of gravy :thumbsup:
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TehipiteTom
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Re: Glamping =0)

Post by TehipiteTom »

What fun! I've been thinking about doing a fire lookout trip sometime...there are a bunch of them, all over the state. This might be the nudge I need to actually do it. Thanks for posting!
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Brien
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Re: Glamping =0)

Post by Brien »

What a view! We've talked about doing the same thing but haven't got around to it. We might have to look into it now. Thanks!
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Re: Glamping =0)

Post by ERIC »

Wow! Great post! Got my next anniversary planned now. Cheers!
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hybrid90
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Re: Glamping =0)

Post by hybrid90 »

Very cool! Always wanted to do this but reservations are never the right time for us.

It's going to suck having to climb down those stairs at night to go use the bathroom OR just give your neighbors down below a surprise ****** ******? :D

Thanks for sharing the pics.. looks like you two had an awesome time.
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Re: Glamping =0)

Post by giantbrookie »

Very nice. If Judy and I had known about this back in the day we certainly would have tried something along these lines. Cinnamon rolls, holy smokes. That really takes it to another level.
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gabe&mel
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Glamping =0)

Post by gabe&mel »

Wow! Thanks for the report. I definitely will remember this idea when planning weekend getaways with Mel. Seems like another avenue for us to get out without all the pre planning of backpacking trips.

You mentioned reservations are required, where are you reserving them at? Any sites that have compiled all the fire lookouts in the Sierra?

Thanks again,


Gabe

Edit: I see reservations are made at recreation.gov
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