A pm I received regarding Aztec Peak

[Alston_Neal]

Awhile back I asked.. Who built Flintstone land at the top of Aztec Peak?
The other day I was sent a wonderful message regarding this most unique construction project. I asked the sender if I could post this as a thread, since she has no thread posts and that I would edit out her full name and email address.
This is beautifully written and I thank you again for sending it to me, I think she would enjoy our comments.

Hi, my name is [edit] . I was the lookout at Aztec Peak during the early eighties. I wanted to let you know in response to your question about who built the picnic area out of stones at Aztec Peak , I can verify that it was my late husband Richard [edit]. He used logs to move the stones in place.I can still hear the thuds that echoed through the forest as he moved the stones in place. I am still amazed by what he accomplished alone while I was watching for fires ! He said it was his way of helping out.He was a great artist and also drew and painted. We saw many amazing and terrifying storms up there.I saw double rainbows that were so beautiful ! One of my best memories is of meeting a mountain lion late at night while hiking the road after my Scout had engine trouble. I also had a bear climb up halfway and take a nap on the steps. I had to wait for it to leave. Another time a snake actually slithered its way to the top landing of the tower which really surprised me ! Luckily it turned and left the way it came. Probably the most dangerous though were the idiots that took shots at the tower. I guess they thought no one was there or they hated the Forest Service. That was probably the main reason I left and also to pursue an education in the Valley. Richard and I had 5 children together. Our time spent at Aztec Peak remains one of the best memories of my life. I am at [edit] if you care to write back.

My reply....[edit], thank you so much for answering that age old question. The first time my wife and I saw that, we marveled at the amount of work that it took. The size of the tables alone must have made a great thundering sound through the woods. I can hear it now, that and the feeling of the earth shaking.
I've often wondered what life is like living in a lookout tower. I guess being a business owner and urban dweller makes it appear Utopian to me. Your storys though, brought me back to reality...wow!
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, he must have been a most charming and interesting person. Definately industrious. I hope you have written or recorded the stories about being up there. Your children have a source in you, to see Arizona in a time and place that has mostly disappeared.
My wife and I find the Sierra Anchas to be one of our favorite places in my native state. Full of beauty, mystery, with a healthy dose of remoteness thrown in.
Have you sent a pm to any others here? There are quite a few folks here that love the Sierra Anchas as much as I and would love to hear your stories.
I could copy and paste your letter to me into a public thread if you like, that way I and others could hear more. Of course I would edit your full name and email address out.
Thank you again so much for sharing.
Take care, Alston Neal

[joebartels]

Excellent indeed, thanks for directing her to HAZ
http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=145652

[Tough_Boots]

I love the furniture set-up up there! There are so many great pictures of HAZers hanging out after that hard climb to the top.

http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=137872

[paulhubbard]

One of my favs: http://www.hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=157172

[Aztec Peak 7]

Thank you so much for the interesting responses. I am thrilled by the photos and the fact that the picnic area is popular. It makes me happy to know that my husband lives on in this way through his work. Although he is missed greatly, writing this helps ease the grief a bit. We were very lucky and blessed for many years. I miss my job there but I also know I couldn't have graduated college as a librarian and created our family as well if I had stayed.My oldest is 24 and the youngest is 12, so I am actually a Grandma now. I dream of going back, but I'm not sure it is realistic. I was in my early twenties then and it was quite a good job for awhile.I fought fire for 3 yrs. before realizing that original goal of becoming a lookout. I look forward to learning more about the Sierra Anchas through you all.I would be glad to answer any questions if I can about the area and our experiences up there. I am very glad I found Hike Az.com !It is a fun and educational way to visit and learn about my favorite places in the Arizona wilderness.

[Alston_Neal]

Thanks for your great first post. I knew the folks here would like to hear about the lifestyle you and your husband had up there.
Many many folks have relaxed and enjoyed the hard work of your husband.
It is also what I would call an excellent example of American folkart and truly a work in progress. It will keep evolving...
Aztec Peak 7, your husband's legacy will live on, like the Sierra Anchan Pueblos for generations.

[Tough_Boots]

I still can't believe he did that himself. He created something that will be there and enjoyed forever! How cool...