.jpg "North Rim lookout tower NR GRCA NP AZ")
Constructed in 1933, 75 feet (22.86 m) tallJust beyond the junction where the Arizona Trail turns north I rounded a bend and saw…
.jpg "Edward Abbey cabin NR lookout tower NR GRCA NP AZ")
…this really dilapidated old residence that once housed, maybe, Edward Abbey during his time working at the North Rim Lookout between 1969 and 1971..jpg "Outhouse NR lookout tower NR GRCA NP AZ")
Don’t think it’s been used for a whileAnd the outhouse out back.
.jpg "NR lookout tower NR GRCA NP AZ")
I was determined to climb to the top of the tower..jpg "Aspen tree from NR lookout tower NR GRCA NP AZ")
AspenIt seemed really odd to be looking at the tree tops.
.jpg "Looking down from NR lookout tower NR GRCA NP AZ")
And even more strange to look down..jpg "Looking down from NR lookout tower NR GRCA NP AZ")
Back at the two-track trail I hiked in on..jpg "Trap door NR lookout tower NR GRCA NP AZ")
Trap door into the towerWhen I got to the top I was happy to see it wasn’t locked. The wind had picked up as I climbed above the trees and it was kind of scary.
.jpg "View from NR lookout tower NR GRCA NP AZ")
View westBut once inside the 7×7 foot lookout the view was to die for. (Not literally mind you.)
.jpg "View from NR lookout tower NR GRCA NP AZ")
The stand in the middle of this tiny room used to hold an Osborn fire finder, sort of like a giant compass, to help locate where smoke was seen..jpg "Notepad in NR lookout tower NR GRCA NP AZ")
The pad of paper had many messages from people who had visited the tower. Several sought the ghost of Abbey. I had nothing to write with so scratched my message into the paper with a rusty paper clip then wiped ashes over the top..jpg "View S from NR lookout tower NR GRCA NP AZ")
View south of San Francisco PeaksI hung out for about an hour, just me, the wind, and the bird songs.
.jpg "Looking down from NR lookout tower NR GRCA NP AZ")
Then I had to climb back down..jpg "Inside NR lookout tower NR GRCA NP AZ")
And on the way, was finally able to take a photo of the inside of the tower. It’s too small while you’re in it. And that’s when the batteries in my camera went dead, as were the spares. I’m going back to Lithiums because the dam rechargables don’t last. But I’ll bet you’re glad there’s no more photos.
“The first thing I did was urinate off the rim onto a little aspen tree waiting patiently below. It was a semiconscious act, no offense meant, signifying a claim to territoriality. But I have belonged to the Grand Canyon ever since, possessing and possessed by the spirit of the place.” –Edward Abbey
Gaelyn-
Veyr much enjoy your photos & musings. Thank you. I am so glad you are well and out there doing it all.
Very inspiring.
Marlys
I really enjoyed all these pictures. I kinda' got a funny stomach looking down through that grating however. I might have a hard time peeing off the north rim… good old Edward – always so er – descriptive!
Tell those steps on the climb up are sturdy enough to hold a big gal like me! I don't want to take the hike without being able to make the climb.
I might of made it to the top, but the descent looks far scarier. The view is spectacular. I agree with you when it comes to rechargable batteries.
Now there is the pefect place for me to live in!! Thank you so much for climbing to the top to take pics for us Gaelyn. A neat way of leaving a message too. 🙂
can't believe you climbed to the top…i would have worried about the structure's integrity. beautiful captures though. thanks for sharing with us.
have a wonderful rest of the weekend.
hugs
Fascinating to see the inside of the old lookout tower as well as the view. I also like how you left your message without a pen. Those darn batteries! I'm guessing the walk back didn't take as long, but was still enjoyable.
I never tired of your pictures. So wonderful. I love that you spent an hour in that tower, alone with the view and the sounds.
The view from the top of that tower were spectacular. I would have happily looked at many more pictures. Why do batteries always go at the most inconvenient times?
Are you kidding, I'm sad there's no more photos and story.
Your adventures are ones that we will likely never have but we all can enjoy them through your wonderful post…
Thanks, Gaelyn! (Keeper of the watch)
Be well, be happy 😀
Looks like you had an enjoyable time.
Oh my gosh..I thought..she isn't going to climb that..and then you did…whew..what a view….
I love Edward Abbey's outrageousness! Great photo tour of the old house and tower. Taking that photo on the way down looks a bit precarious!
I agree with you on rechargeables. Unfortunately, they don't last nearly as long as lithiums.
I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Susan
http://carusbcharger.com
Hi… I worked on the the North Rim from 1969 to 1972. I lived in the entrance cabin near the highway. Ed Abbey lived in a trailer behind the cabin and never lived in the cabin at the tower. He would walk up the road every morning to go to work. I have lots of stories if anyone wants to listen. stglmyr@hotmail.com