Little Man in a Glass House

I met a little man in a glass house recently. This was on top of a very tall mountain in the heart of Yellowstone. I huffed and puffed up the three vertical miles to reach his home at 10,000 plus feet. His name is Ed. I call him "Ed the Lookout". I bet he doesn't worry about solicitors.

Ed was kind enough to invite me in. I secretly wondered if he gets sunburned living in his glass house or embarrassed about getting dressed in the morning. After all, the hike up Mount Washburn is infamous among backpackers for its wildflowers and panoramic views. I felt as if I was walking through a calendar: every flower was singing.

No television, Netflix, neighbors, running water or in house toilet for Ed! (Food and water are packed in by NPS employees and there is a restroom in the building below.) He keeps busy by scanning the horizon for wildfires and re-caulking the window panes. He is also writing a manuscript about the history of his lookout building. Ed inhabits the last functional lookout in Yellowstone. He is, himself, a piece of the living history of this National Park.

I envy Ed and his queen sized bed in the clouds. I watched three ravens soar on the wind around our heads with their wings spread wide, their black eyes blissful. I felt as if I was flying alongside them. If only it could have been thundering out! It must be exhilarating to watch the lightening flash all around you and light up the mountain side. (Interestingly, Ed has glass insulator caps on all four bed posts as a precaution against lightening striking the building, and thus, "cooking" himself while sleeping.)

And the stars! So close to your sleeping face you feel like you could roll over and touch one! Ed is blessed. I believe he has one of the most beautiful views in this country - maybe even the world. I asked him if I could house sit. He replied, "not on your life."