Fire Tower in Pequot Lakes -
Take a journey where health and fitness become the byproducts, from the immediate rewards that await your arrival - which results in a happier you!
When we think of health and fitness our minds instantly envision healthy foods or drinks. Maybe a gym with weights, music and that locker room scent while the calories burn. Now imagine a gym with no electricity: no artificial light, music, machines or air exchangers. Thousands of years before gym’s came along, people had the fitness that met the body's needs in daily living. Today we still use the term “Nature” to describe it… but why not get something extra out of it?
There is always a “fork in the road” when it comes to decisions or traveling on a path…Literally. It has been over 30 years since I’ve been to the Fire Tower in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. At 100 feet tall with 135 steps, it was built in 1935 with one purpose in mind: Early fire detection - spotting the first signs of potential forest fires to intercept. Today it holds numerous purposes. Historical preservation, sightseeing, family trips, and all of this comes oddly enough with health benefits. Starting on the path towards the Fire Tower, I came around the first bend and there it was… the fork in the road.
I had the option to take the paved path to the right (which was longer, but less of an incline) or I could take the shortcut (which was on gravel, but a steeper climb). In this fast paced world, I wanted to get there right away! The forest seems to swallow you up and you forget about the outside world for a minute. The canopy above seals you under a bright green umbrella of leaves. The peaceful silence begins to whisper when the leaves start to sway with a gentle breeze and the sparrows “peep” warning signs back and forth, alerting each other of your presence.
With benches placed at just the right times, one takes a break and looks back at what you have hiked so far. This setting almost comes out of a book and you curiously look over your shoulder and see the Tower through the treetops. You realize how close you are and get underway to arrive a minute later. As you look up your brain says, “I got this!” I came here for one thing and I WILL GET that view with my camera! Ascending in increments to mitigate leg fatigue, I realized that taking pictures along the way was almost a waste. It was at the top where I found the real rewards waiting for me!
The view was stunning with different cities on the horizon in every direction. I even glimpsed a small view of the east shoreline of Pelican Lake by Mission. It was miles away but I had my camera on serious zoom! Coming out of the Tower Room to just a few steps below the floor, I decided to sit down. Back out in the breeze, I sat in awe of the forest below and took in the aerial scenery as I didn’t want to leave. There was peace in this moment and time faded. By the way, I haven’t even gotten to the health aspects of it, so bear with me. Better yet… let’s get to it before I “trail off” again.
This entire time you’ve been breathing in fresh air, which the surrounding forest filters the air pollutants. This in turn gives you better “Blood Oxygen Levels” assisting brain function for better cognitive responses. The sun itself has a list of health advantages that enhance body functions as well - most notably Vitamin D. Good for bone density and strength, it also helps regulate melatonin levels which can reduce stress and improve sleep.
The constant motion, working with the sun's gifts and the fresh air: join together to assist in burning calories which can result in weight loss. All of these elements combined can also strengthen the immune system, which aids in the reduction of illnesses. Daily stress subsides in the tranquil setting as you’re surrounded by the calming sounds of the birds and the breeze. The sun helps boost serotonin levels, which improves mood and can help fight depression. These work in sync together with longevity in mind - which is the very reason people seek to be healthy and fit. The view at the top wasn’t the only reward. Your body definitely thanks you, but it’s the pictures that show you are living life and creating memories… Those are the additional gifts!
So get out and “see” what Health and Fitness looks like!
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