Things Are Looking Up With UFO Watch Tower

Los Angeles Times ^ | August 8, 2004 | David Kelly

[SoloGlobalExplorer]

HOOPER, Colo. — Shortly after her cattle business went bust, Judy Messoline looked to the heavens for salvation.

She had never thought much of flying saucers but knew that her San Luis Valley ranch sat in a region renowned for bizarre, unexplained phenomena. So Messoline erected what she believes is the world's first UFO watchtower.

"I opened it as a tourist trap," she acknowledged.

But it became bigger than that. Over the last four years she has seen self-described alien abductees, psychics, channelers and visitors from Pluto, Jupiter and points beyond come through her door.

The straight-talking rancher has learned to bite her tongue during these close encounters, occasionally of the third kind.

"Who am I to doubt?" she asked.

The last year has been her busiest yet. Thousands have pulled off Highway 17 near tiny Hooper in south-central Colorado to climb the tower and scan the skies over the craggy Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

[SoloGlobalExplorer]

I think I may have discovered a sideline income.

[Semper Paratus]

"All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too.

Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl,
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl."



Copyright © 1968; renewed 1996 Dwarf Music

[KellyAdmirer]

I'm typing this while sitting in Buena Vista in the heart of the San Luis Valley ranch. I think I missed my calling, why didn't I think of doing that?

[FourtySeven]

The newest venture of Jehova's Witnesses?

[foolscap]

I always thought it would be fun to fake a crop circle and then laugh at the New Agers that go out to worship it.

[Pagey]

I don't know why more people are coming," said Messoline, who doesn't charge admission but accepts donations.

If they're coming onto her property, why she wouldn't charge admission is simply beyond me.Perhaps since losing her cattle, she just needs continuous company.