A steep climb up one mountain led to a special treat: a fire tower. Back in 1980 they still had some fire towers that were manned by the Forest Service. After leaving my pack at the foot of the tower, I climbed up the metal stairs and made it to the top. After sharing greetings with the ranger on duty, I took in an incredible view. Music played softly on a radio. I noticed a small refrigerator in the corner. On the ranger's desk were various papers, folders and a box of thin mint Girl Scout cookies.
Did I ever mention that backpackers are always hungry?! Just the sight of that cookie box made my mouth begin to water. Of course it would be rude to ask for a cookie, I would never do that. But before I left, I chatted with the ranger. He seemed glad to have a little conversation. I said, "you have everything up here, a great view, a fridge, a desk, you even have Girl Scout cookies."
His response surprised me, "oh, Girl Scout cookies, I really don't like them. Do you want them?" I tried not to fall all over myself accepting his generous offer. After climbing back down from the tower, I shouldered my backpack and hiked about a mile to the next shelter. It was toward the end of the day and I stopped. Several other thru-hikers were already at the shelter. They were stunned when I pulled the box out of my pack and started passing out cookies to everyone. Everyone had climbed to the top of the tower. Everyone had seen the cookies. No one believed that I was able to bring them with me! So, to the generous ranger in the fire tower, thanks for your hospitality and generosity. It is a story that has stayed with me all these years!
I did eat a cookie last night. Just one freshly baked, delicious, yummy, chocolate chip cookie. Just one. But the exercise and healthy eating is gradually paying off. This morning I weighed 184.0 pounds. Just because I'm losing weight doesn't mean I have to starve or completely give up everything. One cookie every now and then won't kill me as long as I am making progress. I'm trying to change my lifestyle, not lose weight only to put it right back on. I hear the doorbell ringing, could that be the Girl Scouts.....?
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