One night on Suntop Fire Lookout

Late at night in Suntop fire lookout – our “summer home” for five years as fire spotters, weather recorders, log keepers, litter collectors, visitor greeters, “head” cleaners. Sweet clean air wafting across us. Very quiet. Then we hear it – a car coming up the road - this was several years before the gate at the saddle. Darn (or stronger words!) Noise & lights coming, and I'll have to chase them off as they've ignored - “or didn't see” the “no overnight” sign about a mile below. Up they came, pulled into the parking lot, then odd car noises, then quiet. Several car doors bang. Loud drunken voices. Wonderful thinks I! Waiting a bit, hoping they go away. No such luck, get up, dress, grab a flashlight ( but don't turn it on, ) and as the invisible man walk down to their car -. My wife's nervous comments about being careful still in my ears. Find they've tried to drive up the trail to the lookout. Realize by listening to the drunken talk the vehicle is high – centered. Step near the vehicle, foot lands on something that clinks. Bet they're hunters & I just stepped on an open box of rounds! Reaching down in the dark, feeling around, confirm the box of rounds. Still not noticed by the hunters. ( If I'd a been a bear I'd of eaten all of them! ) Waited until I located Mr. Alpha by listening, then walked right up to him – still “invisible!” Turned on the flashlight, lied to them said I was the ranger up there, and why were they here? Turned out they were hunters, perhaps I should put the word in quotes, as “hunters,” and were planning on camping there until tomorrow when “Ron” was to meet them. I pointed out this area was posted as no camping & they'd have to leave, they got a bit huffy, but when I asked for ID and licenses they calmed down, said they'd leave, except they couldn't move their car. I explained they had 20 minutes to leave, then I was calling them in. They managed to get the car moving in a few minutes, and left. Peace was restored! Back up the trail to the lookout where wife looked relieved, and back to bed. Quiet again!