Devils Head Fire Tower

 Allie and I went on an adventure yesterday to check out the Devil's Head Fire Tower. It's one of those places that's a bit out of the way and easy to forget about, so I just hadn't gotten around to it. But yesterday I wanted to get out for a low-key adventure and let my legs recover a bit from doing a double incline with a weight-vest on Saturday. It was a short 2.8 mile round trip hike with almost 1k ft of climbing from the parking lot to the top of the tower.

Temperatures were comfortable yesterday, especially for November. I think a little lower in elevation it was "hot" in the low-80's. To think this time last year we were getting a snowstorm as I tried to get plumbers out here to make bids for a new waterline installation. So far this year is much better LOL!

Hiking up to the Tower, reading about how I can't take Topaz off National Forest Land :)

No Lieutenants were hurt in the making of this photo.

Allie posing with Pikes Peak in the background.

Allie's opportunity to not fall off the rails :)

It was fun to explore somewhere new, even if most of the outing was spent in the Jeep. Long drives can be an opportunity to relax the mind and let it wander, visit with a friend, or brainstorm other things that we don't have time to think about in our busy lives. Yesterday I thought I should start keeping a list of smaller activities like this that I can check out when I'm not feeling like a big physically exhausting adventure. I did remember yesterday to bring a picnic charcuterie, which originally I wanted to eat on the tower. But when we pulled into the parking lot it was evident this was a very popular hike. There were a lot of people, so we just did the hike and then found a picnic spot afterwards at a lower elevation along the river.

In addition to making a low-key adventure list, I am making some time each week to research the trade classes I want to take and see what's affordable and rated highly in the community. Carpentry is big on my list after the welding and blacksmith work. I wouldn't mind learning to work with leather as well. I would love for this time next year to look back and see all what I have learned how to do and all the interesting things I've made and projects I've taken on.

It's easy to get stale, even with things you really love. I can feel my brain needs more stimulus and I get bored with the healthcare, wellness, and fitness space. 

Grateful for decent weather this week. It's just a matter of time before we get the unpleasant and more dangerous weather forecasts and the adrenaline goes up just getting down my neighborhood hill and to work safely.