In honor of #NationalForestWeek, a week-long thread about what our forests mean to me. I now live on the edge of the @ShastaTrinityNF, first protected in 1905 by T. Roosevelt. With 5 designated Wilderness areas, it is the largest National Forest in California. 1/x

But my 1st forest love was the @TongassNF, on whose boundaries I was born, learned to walk, harvested berries, watched bears, camped, fished, and graduated HS all while living on a floating logging camp.

This pic is close to what my town looked like.

#NationalForestWeek

Many people are surprised to learn I come from a long line of loggers, that my dad was a choker setter, and that I grew up with the smell of sawdust and salt water.

@visitketchikan has some great content on tribes, logging, and the @TongassNF. 3/x http://www.ketchikanstories.com/film/the-timber-years/history

My best childhood memories involve foraging, especially in @TongassNF cranberry bogs, swimming in lakes, and beach-combing, all activities for which I also earned school credit. (A total score, I know).

4/x

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When my parents divorced my brother and I spent summers with my dad in Oregon. I have yet to take my son to Alaska, but you better believe I've introduced him to my summer forests, including this gem of a rental on the @UmatillaNF.

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I want to pause here and put in a plug for the @forestservice cabin rental program. Not only are the experiences unique and life affirming, but the fees collected support the maintance and preservation of these historic structures. 6/x

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Dedicated professionals have researched the history & use of these guard stations, lookouts & ranger stations and an interpretive book will await you when you enter. It'll contain old photos/rich detail abt the land mngmt stewards who lived/worked where you can now vacation. 7/x

Now that my dad is pushing 80, the option for some rustic comfort becomes more appealing than sleeping on the ground, even if you have to pack all your gear up a few flights of metal stairs, such as we did when we stayed in this @USFSPlumas rental. 8/x

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Here are my pro-tips for making the most of your cabin rental experience:

1) Read the detailed description of the rental on http://recreation.gov  AND the local forest website. Then call the ranger district to confirm the details including amenities. 9/x

2) Pack assumging the kitchen will be empty and then be prepared to leave some stuff for the next person. I always carry a kit that includes cleaning staples and extras like a can opener, good spatula, a roll of paper towels, TP, and extra trash bags. 10/x #NationalForestWeek

3) Be prepared to store your food in a rodent-proof plastic tote, the fridge (if there is one) or in bags that can be hung from rafters, hooks or nails in the rental.

Related to this, bring rodent traps and be prepared to set them. Hantavirus is real. 11/x

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I have read in some guest journal entries that they are by the presence of evidence of mice or other rodents. But if you were a mouse in a NF and could live in a cozy cabin wouldn't you? Just be prepared and make sure you don't leave ANY food crumbs when you go. 12/x

4) Take the time to appreciate the relics of bygone times and take photos while leaving primary source materials for others to enjoy. If you stay in a place that was once a ranger station, consider it a time capsule and a privilege! 13/x

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I believe @smokey_bear may have retired this particular campaign and I can assure you I now have the BEST memories of expaining the telegraph and boombox to my young son. 14/x

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Also, for kids who have only ever experienced modern plumbing, first hand experiences with sinks like this are really spectacular. 15/x

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And don't miss this thread from @annehelen about the joy and experience of renting a lookout. 16/x

https://twitter.com/annehelen/status/1283192097768566785?s=19

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