This post is long overdue... I kept putting it off for various reasons... First it was the heat-wave; then Santa Cruz County was in flames and we were evacuated after dark by the police; then there was hotter heat -we hit 111- accompanied by choking smoke. The final shot above is of a very close call (~1/4 mile from the bottom corner of our property) last week.
Both the temperature and Air Quality Index are scheduled to be in the triple digits tomorrow, and our family is again sleeping on the living room floor on camping mats with fans tonight because the rest of the house is filled with smoke... and yet, we are grateful for the majestic abundance that surrounds us!
Our hearts go out to all those who have lost their homes, property, livelihoods this year. Our deepest gratitude goes out to all the first responders who put themselves in harm's way to save our mountains. Our prayers go out to all of those still threatened by fires throughout the State.
Starting the storm watch a little early this year... There's hope that a trough approaching the California Coast at then end of next week, the remnants of Tropical Storm Marie, might bring us some moisture.
Here's to anticipation of a wet winter this year, full of productive forest management and ripping burn piles!
