The Cluster F*ck Complex

Coming home from the Cluster F*ck Complex, I stayed in the Holiday Inn Express across the highway from the tiny Arcata/Eureka Airport where I would be flying out from. Hotels are an amazing luxury after days or even weeks on fires, where fire camp is considered home.
Logistically, fire camp has everything a person needs to survive for weeks out in the middle of nowhere, battling a fire that creeps on for seemingly forever. Fire camp also has the benefit of being a very simple routine to follow: wake up, eat, go to briefing, stock the engine with foods and head to the fireline. After a day of hard work (or not), return to camp, eat, turn in timesheets, and go to sleep. Repeat for two weeks with an occasional shower added in just for spice.
At the Cluster F*ck Complex, otherwise known as the Siskiyou/Ukonom/Blue2 Complex, I decided to try out the Sleeper Unit for the first time. The Sleeper Unit is an air conditioned trailer with 40 bunks built into it, which are enclosed on all sides with the exception of a curtain on the exit side. A long narrow hallway allows access to the bunks that are stacked three on top of each other, lining both walls all the way to the end. The word bunk may be misleading. They are actually more like cubbies. Holes in the wall shaped like coffin cut-outs. With the exception of the constant hum of the air conditioner, the private reading lights in each bunk, and adjustable personal vents, the thing reminded me of the catacombs of Rome. After two restless nights, I adjusted to the situation and slept rather well and managed to stop hitting my head on the cubby above me. I believe constant fatigue contributed to that success. A tent may very well be a more comfortable option. However, I have found that these sorts of situations have taught me to adjust rather quickly to change. I believe I can handle anything. The dreaded splash-back from a freshly cleaned porta-potty illustrates my point exactly. I experienced that horrid event this morning and now am on the lookout for any changes in my personal health. Those of you who have been there know what I mean.
So staying at the Holiday Inn was luxurious. I had air conditioning, internet, a toilet that flushed and a bed twice my size. I even had a TV and a blow dryer!