While on vacation visiting family in New Mexico, I met a man named Skip who maintains the lookout tower atop Eagle Peak in Catron County. At 9800 feet above sea level, it's the highest point in the county. And Skip's up there watching for smoke.

From the State Road 12 to the top of the peak, it's 18 miles. We walked the last mile. But it was certainly worth it.

By the way, in the video, I called Skip a ranger, but he's not. Still, what an awesome job and responsibility.

Here's what I learned:

 

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