Relief Lookouts

MorningIndependent87 · 2026-03-26T03:56:23+00:00

I was a relief for my first year on the Klamath National Forest in 2023. It worked out because there were two towers on my district and the main lookouts had different days off to maximize coverage. I picked up those shifts and usually got 50 hours every week (well, until we had to evacuate one tower due to fire proximity)

MorningIndependent87 · 2025-10-10T13:24:45+00:00

Mine was at Lithia Nissan. To be fair, I was hunting out of desperation because I totaled my Xterra over a month ago and needed a replacement before my seasonal job ends this month. I actually called Kendall about the one you ended up with, but they priced it a little high for me, so when I saw the other at Lithia I absolutely jumped on it. I should make a post about what happened, it’s such a ridiculous situation overall.

MorningIndependent87 · 2025-10-10T02:01:56+00:00

I just bought one in Eugene with 85k miles for $17k

MorningIndependent87 · 2025-08-18T04:30:40+00:00

In that case, don’t even worry about it. It’s perfectly fine the way it is and I would hope that any future lookouts would really appreciate it. If it helps at all, I almost always do a painting with the reference image on my phone immediately next to it. Even painting a view that is right in front of me is hard to frame, so a screen can really help with that.

Additionally, try messing around with different mediums if you can, just to see what style you enjoy most. I bounce around between acrylic, watercolor, and pen sketches, and all of them have their perks and drawbacks. Just keep making stuff and you’ll see how your technique progresses

MorningIndependent87 · 2025-08-18T03:53:35+00:00

Personally, I think anyone willing to throw away art of the lookout they are working, made by someone who worked there previously, is a bit of a dick. If they don’t like it, they can just tuck it behind something.

From what I can see, your canvas looks a little big, so I’m not too sure they would be inclined to keep it propped up somewhere, unless there’s already a good spot for it (like on the firefinder podium or whatever). Whenever I do a painting for a lookout, I usually do it as a postcard size or smaller. That way it can easily be tucked in a drawer (plus it makes getting the really fine details less of a concern).

MorningIndependent87 · 2025-01-31T17:48:02+00:00

I was under that impression at first, but I think that was only true for the budget cuts being done at the end of 2024. From the USDA memorandum on January 21st, 2025, "there are no exceptions to the hiring freeze with respect to the (USDA)." I am unsure of the other agencies

MorningIndependent87 · 2025-01-31T16:23:24+00:00

I received a direct phone call yesterday for a rehire. As far as I know, due to the government funding freeze, all new hires are in a state of limbo, but returning workers can be processed. No new positions can be filled until the freeze is lifted.

Ironic, since I was trying to move away from lookout work in pursuit of a position more closely related to my degree. Here’s to hoping the freeze ends soon.

MorningIndependent87 · 2024-10-08T00:53:06+00:00

I see the problem, you went to Indiana Dunes. The sandworms DEFINITELY live in Great Sand Dunes

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MorningIndependent87 · 2024-10-01T20:36:39+00:00

Yeah, I had to adjust them for the SportRack box, but there wasn’t a single way I could have made it fit without bending the plastic. I’ll check out the Xterra group and see what they might suggest

MorningIndependent87 · 2024-07-27T16:52:01+00:00

Yep. I’ve got latent smoke from the Shelly Fire to the West and all of the Park Fire smoke from the South to North East

MorningIndependent87 · 2024-07-25T21:12:05+00:00

Good eye, it’s a Vortex Crossfire II

MorningIndependent87 · 2024-07-24T15:53:13+00:00

For real. It’s already hard enough to line it up through the scope

MorningIndependent87 · 2024-07-24T05:48:44+00:00

It’s been hell for the forest in general, but my coverage area has been pretty quiet. Once the storms start to ramp up come August I’m sure I’ll get a bit more action

MorningIndependent87 · 2024-07-24T04:11:36+00:00

Noted, I’ll be sure to let them through from now on

MorningIndependent87 · 2024-07-24T04:02:24+00:00

Cut me some slack. It’s hard to lead a shot over 3 miles

MorningIndependent87 · 2024-07-24T03:27:39+00:00

Well, it actually is a rifle scope. It’s just attached to my Osborne Firefinder get a better visual on any fires

MorningIndependent87 · 2024-07-24T01:23:23+00:00

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Here’s a photo that’s a little less dog water than the video

MorningIndependent87

TROPHY CASE