It's dry. It's drier than I can remember, in the 15 years since we moved to California.
We hiked in Red Rock Canyon yesterday, and the creek, which in past Januarys has been full, fast and flowing, was bone dry. No puddles teeming with tadpoles. Not a trickle. Not a drop. Most years, at this time, tender green grass and annual wildflowers are sprouting up, greening the hills. Not this year - there's nothing growing.
The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy has already, this early, weed-whacked dry vegetation back some fifty feet or more from the fire roads.
It's dry skin weather; bloody nose weather. My hands feel like sandpaper, my hair crackles with static electricity.
Though the nights are chill, today a hot wind was blowing through the canyon as I walked Jack, and the trees swayed and tossed. There's a red flag warning out. At Fire Station 69, the sign is posted for Extreme Fire Danger. It's supposed to get warmer in the next few days.
At evening, the winds suddenly stilled. The sunset was brilliant, hot and pink.
http://media.sanluisobispo.com/smedia/2010/05/08/20/lindsey.aurora_standalone.prod_affiliate.76.jpg
ReplyDeleteI'm a native Californian. Lived here my entire life & remember the dust storm of 1977. I'm also in the water trade. The conditions this year are very, very tragic.
That is a gorgeous picture! I'm hoping to move to SoCal within the next year or so. I'm working hard to get there. Check out my blog when you get a chance! I'm going to look at more of your work. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photo. I hope the fires stay away. That terrifies me even from afar.
ReplyDeleteOh, and Maybelline....I have serious dog envy from your photo. Aunt Snow can tell you that I'm always coveting her dog too.
ReplyDelete