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| the weather can change very quickly in the mountains |
When I took the Wrightwood hiking safety course a few months ago, the teacher recommended that we check the weather report before leaving. This is such good advice! I have saved myself a few unsafe situations by looking up the forecast online before piling everything in my car and heading up to the mountains.
We had a storm over Christmas that brought us a lot of much needed rain and snow. Unfortunately, many people were stranded in their cars, on the side of the freeway, unprepared. Californians aren't used to having this kind of weather on a regular basis. We are usually spoiled with sunshine year round.
If you research and plan, you can make your trip when the roads are clear. (at least where I live.) It's wise to have chains, warm clothing, a flashlight, umbrella, and plenty of food and water, too. I keep my snow boots with me, as well.
It was a huge shock for me over Thanksgiving when I realized that the first big snow had left wet, white powder that reached all the way up to my hip bones! It came down very quickly, overnight. Fortunately, I had plenty of food in my stockpile, firewood, and a sturdy shovel. I have a very long driveway, so it took several hours to clear a path from the doorway to my car. It was all uphill. Now I know what to expect.
How is the weather where you are! Do you have plenty of supplies if you get snowed in or have an emergency?
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This is such sound advice, Stephanie, when you live in or visit an area which can experience unpredictable weather. Sadly, in Australia at the moment, there is widespread drought and bushfires on an unprecedented scale. We know that there is the possibility of bushfire where we live, we keep trees trimmed back and gutters clear and know exactly what to do and what to take should we need to evacuate here. You do have to be prepared because in emergency situations there is often little time to think before you have to act. Meg:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Meg. I know what you mean about the fires. We have them here, too. Everything that you are doing makes a huge difference. As the old saying goes, "It's better to be safe than sorry." I am so thankful for this rain and snow. It makes all of the difference in the earth and quality of the soil.
DeleteWe sure do. How nice you are getting some moisture after the past few fire seasons down there, I'm sure it's more than welcome.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a relief, LL. It really helps during fire season. We are very grateful.
DeleteOh my! That is an enormous amount of snow! Our weather cannot be trusted here either (but so far not that much snow!) Andrea
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea, Yes, it was a shock. I love it, though. (As long as I'm prepared.) Happy New Year!
DeleteI heard on the news, today, about the road closure on I-5 near the Grapevine and all the vehicles and people stranded on the road for hours! We had a lot of rain where I live and some intersections and roadways were flooded, but, I got home safely from my cousin's house. I do have a stockpile of food and water and other emergency supplies, but, I must remember to keep some food and water in the car if I plan to travel longer distances.
ReplyDeleteHi Bless, Yes, it was unsafe to travel on certain roads, in my opinion. I stayed home. I'm glad that you made it home safely.
DeleteIt was very wise of you to take the safety course so that you are aware how to be prepared both at the cabin and when you're out and about.
ReplyDeleteI never venture out on the mountains when the weather is bad, it's not worth the risk. X
Hi Jules, Yes, the mountains, especially are extremely risky. I have read books about hikers found dead from falling or freezing to death. I don't think people realize what a risk it is. I agree with you. I am much more cautious as I get older.
DeleteGood for you to be prepared! I was thinking of you and wondering if you were going to be driving through the snow this week. We had over 3 inches of rain at our house and the mountains surrounding San Diego are covered in snow. It is a beautiful sight.
ReplyDeleteHi Anita, I bet it looks gorgeous. There is snow on the mountains in Canyon Country, too. It's such a sight to see. I check carefully before driving up to Wrightwood, even though it's only 60 miles. I also listen to my body. There's a certain smell in the air when it's going to snow. Sometimes the news doesn't time it quite right. I prefer to play it safe.
DeleteI think it is so wise to be prepared. I know that we cannot be ready for every situation but we can at least try to be and then we can cope so much better with whatever is thrown at us. Experience and knowledge hand in hand can be a good way to prepare ourselves. I love being out in really bad weather as long as I know that I am safe and that I can stay safe. When you get to the safety of home it somehow feels extra special, if that makes sense?
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, sustainablemum. It does make you appreciate the security and safety of home. (not to mention the warmth and comfort.)
DeleteI am so glad you are ready for bad weather and lots of snow. Here in Florida it is much too warm for December. Lovely for those vacationing here but for the rest of us it is too warm!
ReplyDeleteHi Mereknits, Yes, I remember Florida being very warm and humid.
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