Mailbox with a little new snow, but apparently a lot more coming that will change things shortly and substantially. So I’ll mention the more interesting part of today’s hike: my après hike tour of the WS Fire Training Academy, viewable on many days from the Mailbox summit. Luckily I was able to provide the advance coordination necessary while descending Mailbox. :)
The entry is off Exit 38 just past the trailhead for DHP. From there, it’s another 2 1/2 mile winding drive to the gated, restricted access facility. There’s nothing fancy here - it’s a training facility after all. And as you might expect, a lot of stuff looks burnt. :)
Because conditions were wet and dreary I was driven around the compound while the PIO pointed out various training modules or whatever you’d like to call them, some still in use while others are fully or partially decommissioned, along with a general discussion of the various users of the facility, etc. Since they use so much water, they utilize a few retention ponds in conjunction with a treatment facility to reuse much of their wastewater.
I won’t bother with details, because if you have any interest in such things you can always coordinate a tour for yourself. Or at least visit their stunning IG page. Incredibly helpful and responsive people out there who are more than happy to show you what they do.
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