The 2023 lighting of the St Regis Firetower was done in memory of our beloved friend, board member and all-around great guy – Ed Hixon.
The Friends of St Regis Mt Fire Tower participated in the statewide Lighting of the Fire Towers event on Sept 2nd sponsored by the NYS chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association. This was the 7th time the St Regis tower joined in and the 10th year FFLA held the lighting.
This year board members Rich, Bob and Tom along with friend/photographer Mark made their way up the mountain equipped with all necessary lighting and photography equipment. The hike up was fun and uneventful. We encountered many folks hiking down – some who were aware of the lighting and were going to a viewing point down below. The summit, and especially on top of the tower, was quite windy. This did not affect the lighting but proved to be a challenge for Mark taking long exposure pictures.
Also on the summit, there was a group of 4 climbers from Rainbow Lake who had friends that were paddling out onto Lake Clear to see the lighting, a couple of guys on their way to completing the ultra-SL 6ers and a couple of ladies from PSC – one who writes for the student newspaper.
Meanwhile, the Lake Clear Lodge, with its wonderful facilities on the shore of Lake Clear and exceptional view of the tower, again held a tower lighting extravaganza. Board members Doug and Jack, friends Jan, Phyllis, and Mary were present to participate in the activities and enjoy the splendid meal. Doug spoke about the history of the tower while showing the slideshow Lighting LCL 2023. Doug presented a framed (made by him!) certificate of appreciation to Ernest for all the Lodge does for the firetower. Jack managed the raffle and spoke with many participants. Mary and Jan greeted visitors and enjoyed wonderful comradery among the tower enthusiast. And as usual, Cathy, Ernest and Yurgen of the Lodge were exceptional hosts. This year’s event saw more guests than ever before!
After a very successful lighting event and the celebration of the tower at the Lake Clear Lodge, Ernest and Cathy Hohmeyer of the Lodge presented The Friends group with yet another very generous donation. This relationship between The Lodge and the Friends of St Regis Mountain Firetower is a very unique arrangement amongst firetowers – one we all are very proud of. 
