REI

for @REI, #REIfirelookout

Fire lookout towers gained a lot of popularity in the very early 1900s. Built to spot smoke and wildfires from a high vantage point, a person known as a “fire lookout” had the assignment of reporting what they could see via telephone, heliograph and even sometimes carrier pigeons.

REI recently constructed a replica of a gorgeous fire lookout tower inside their flagship Seattle store. The sides of the replica have clever video panels displaying a video loop of thick fog grazing across mountain tops. You can get a better view if you head upstairs to the second floor, and then you’ll almost feel like you’re actually there in the mountains.

To celebrate the construction of this fire lookout, REI hosted an event the other night that I was able to attend. The activities took place mostly outside, where a several impromptu fire pits were created to stay warm and also for roasting marshmallows. Games and drinks were the perfect way to spend the evening while checking out some of the amazing new product REI has in their store. On top of everything, Grace Love & The True Loves were invited to play live music that gave the night just the right mood (and now I want to see them again at their next Seattle show!). The entire experience left me wanting to get outside and see some of the fire lookouts that still exist here in the Pacific Northwest.

Thanks for the great night, REI! For anyone who hasn’t seen the fire lookout in the Seattle flagship store yet, I highly recommend checking it out!