June 26, 1964: "A few months away from civilization may seem like an ideal situation at times--until it becomes a reality.
"It doesn't bother me," claims Robert Lee, who spends two to three and a half months in a remote Graham Mountains spot each year scanning for possible forest fires.
But he has seen non-drinking fire-watchers plunge into a two-week drunk after a lonely month in the forests. Others just pack up and leave without word--or bothering to pick up their pay.
Lee is a little more fortunate than some of his co-workers. He heads a three-man post and there is usually someone to talk to.
This, however, doesn't do away with the loneliness of the job, according to Lee, who has seen about a dozen men walk off their posts during his six years at West Peak.
Helping Lee man the 50-foot high lookout tower this year are Burr McRae, a senior at Brigham Young University, and Leroy Long, a senior at the University of Arizona." (Tucson Daily Citizen)