Month: March 2009

Utah Weather Alert

This is what is predicted for us tonight and tomorrow, as we are in the Southern Utah mountains! Oh, my!! I guess my trip to Zion National Park is out.

… WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 4 PM MDT THURSDAY…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SALT LAKE CITY HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW… WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 4 PM MDT THURSDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

THIS WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS FOR THE SOUTHERN MOUNTAINS OF UTAH.

SNOW IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP ACROSS THE SOUTHERN MOUNTAINS THIS EVENING. THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL WILL DEVELOP LATE TONIGHT… AND REMAIN HEAVY AT TIMES THROUGH EARLY THURSDAY AFTERNOON. THE SNOW WILL TURN SHOWERY LATER THURSDAY AFTERNOON… WITH ACCUMULATING SNOWS ENDING OVER MOST AREAS LATE IN THE DAY. STORM TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 10 TO 18 INCHES ARE EXPECTED FROM THIS EVENT.

WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO BECOME STRONG AND GUSTY WITH THE PASSAGE OF THIS STORM SYSTEM. AREAS OF CONSIDERABLE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW ARE POSSIBLE THURSDAY.

And this is what we drove through on Vail Pass, CO yesterday, and the snow was primarily the day before and today. It did snow on us as we passed through, however, so this has definitely been an interesting trip.

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Springtime in the Colorado Rockies, 3/22/09

This is just one photo of Springtime in the Colorado Rocky Mtns., on I-70, just before Leadville. Lots of skiing going on, and more, after tomorrow’s storm blows through! The second shows the altimeter.

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dsc_1205That’s 10,400 ft.

One of the many gifts my parents gave me was the gift of seeing most of the western national parks when I was growing up — long before they were crowded. My step-dad also gave me the gift of teaching me how to backpack up some incredible mountains, carrying everything I would need on my back for camping out in the woods. While both my mother and brother were campers, they did not share our love for backpacking.

Today, I saw Pike’s Peak for the first time in a long time. My step-dad and I hiked that, but I cannot remember how far up we got. We did get to the top of San Gregornio and San Jacinto, though, in other years. As I get older, and continue to function with only one leg, those experiences take on new meaning, knowing I was able to have them in my life. Many do not. Ever.

Storm Watch, 3/22/09

While we got approximate 1/2 inch of rain, snow flurries, and sleet, no real snow stuck around my place, my one and only neighbor tells me. Cone Peak is covered, however. I, on the other hand, just crossed the Rockies, and saw lots and lots of snow. More is coming in tomorrow on the Western Side of the Rockies, but is not expected on the Eastern Side. Good weather to follow for Big Sur, and the Rockies. I’ll go through my shots, and see what I have to share later tonight. Now, I am getting ready to go over to my daughter’s, visit with my grandkids, and cook them all these absolutely greasy spoon tacos my daughter loves so much! Back shortly.

Storm Watch, 3/21/09

This from this afternoon’s NOAA forecast discussion:

MODELS ARE STILL
 FORECASTING THIS TO PASS THROUGH THE NORTH BAY AROUND MIDNIGHT AND
 MOVE BRISKLY DOWN THE COAST AND BE SOUTH OF MONTEREY BY DAYBREAK.
 SNOW LEVELS WILL BE BETWEEN 3000 AND 2500 FT AFTER THE FRONT PASSES
 SO COULD SEE A DUSTING TO 1 OR 2 IN ABOVE THESE ALTITUDES BRIEFLY
 TOMORROW MORNING.  ALSO HAVE NOT RULED OUT THUNDERSTORMS WITH THE
 FRONT AS INSTABILITY WILL BE MODERATE AND AGAIN LOTS OF CONVECTION
 ALREADY SEEN WITH THE FRONT OFFSHORE. RAINFALL AMOUNTS WITH THIS
 SYSTEM SHOULD AVERAGE A QUARTER TO HALF INCH IN THE LOW LEVELS WITH
 UP TO 1 TO 2 IN IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS ESPECIALLY SANTA CRUZ AND
 SANTA LUCIA MTNS.

Sunset over the Clouds

Sunset over the Clouds, originally uploaded by wind_dancer.

Don’t forget the BSMAAC meeting this morning. I probably won’t be able to attend, due to a prior engagement. But I’ll get reports, I hope. The big topic for discussion will be, of course, the bridges for the State Park. PelicanNetwork sent out the article from the Pine Cone last night. Kirk, Dan, Stan, and Jack have been working tirelessly on communications with the state to make sure this project is fast-tracked, and funded.

I have an orphan

Four or five days ago, my feral cat had kittens in my old, non-running Rover. I thought it was a good, safe place, but for whatever reason, Mama did not, and moved the kittens. All but one. When it had been alone for six hours, with no sign of mama, I rescued it. Mocha is living in a box with me, being bottle-fed. The one and only time I tried this before, I wasn’t successful, but I did not have the special milk nor bottles then. I do now. Maybe I will succeed this time. Maybe not. maintaining the 90 degree temperature required is impossible. All I can do is keep her covered up, and hope.

Sunday Brunch at Deetjen’s

 

Sunday Brunch at Deetjen’s, originally uploaded by wind_dancer.

Wonderful day, yesterday, out and about in Big Sur. Still a chance of rain today, but it is definitely feeling as if we are shed of winter, and spring is here. Got a few shots of some of the native wildflowers that are showing their colors I will upload when I can. I love the way the light spotlights some of the flowers. Great brunch with a couple of great friends!

Doris informs me that Caroline Provost created this wonderful arrangement!