Valhalla Pier in South Lake Tahoe today
The vibrating sound of my cell phone allerted me to a new text message a while ago. The above photo brought me out of a restful state, after cleaning cupboards, dusting and completing some much needed domestic chores.
My eldest daughter who is training for a triathlon in May, took this photo while on a 10 mile bike ride today. The locaton of her June 2005 wedding caught her eye as the gathering clouds over the lake predicted the looming change in weather to come. A strange and long waiting for winter this season, has had many weather forecasters scratching their heads, with so little rain and no sign of snow this year.
Not since 1984, has there been no snow in The Sierras for the entire month of December and January to date. Ski resorts and winter sports have been put on hold or barely operating with man made snow at a premium. The absence of sleigh rides for the holidays and the noticeable lack of snowbirds flocking to the mountains in Northern California has been sadly surreal, like a regatta with no sail boats.
With global warming on the minds of millions, the absence of much needed precipitation is a growing concern. Probable drought next summer and certain mudslides and flooding, threaten as the winter delay comes rushing into Northern California in the next few days. With over three inches of rain predicted, followed by several inches of snow in the mountains, we are in for a wild wintery ride real soon.
Training as much as she can before the wet roads turn to snow and ice, my daughter wisely set out for a long, scenic ride around the lake today. I envy her the motivation and stamina to ride her bike with the frigid temps we are experiencing at present. Cannot complain too much over the lack of snow and the accompaning back breaking shoveling and driving challenges, however, the necessity for water from winter snow melt is a priority.
The fair weather party is over and mountain residents have stocked up on food and necessities to meet the coming storms head on. They are positioning themselves from the north and barrelling down swiftly to arrive soon. While many prayers for snow have been answered, the late arrivial of the needed white stuff has effected a serious set back to the Tahoe economy, from the ski resorts and hotels to the mom and pop restaurants and shops that depend on winter tourism.
Seeing the photo and impendng storm clouds over Lake Tahoe, urges me to line up the winter jackets, hats, gloves and boots by the door. The season may be late this year, but will soon be knocking at my door. And in a week or so, the sleigh rides at Camp Richardson Corral will be back in full swing. Fingers crossed!
Although there was no white Christmas this year, we look ahead to a fluffly white Valentine's Day, with any luck at all! So, batten the hatches, stock up on candles, matches, batteries and wine, there's a "nor'easter" a comin! Or "nor'wester" as the case may be? And look out Minnesota and Midwest...it's coming your way!
In the meantime, check out the following video on youtube:
"Snow!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeE3AZWoQQW
by Extremely Decent
Note: Photo taken today by Kelly Ross of South Lake Tahoe
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Comments
I just lovethe sound of "The Sierras".
R♥
This photo is magnificent. I can't wait to hear how Dylan likes the snow.
rated with love
That first picture is amazing.
HUGGGGGGGG
Fusun - Yes! I am concerned that our prayers may be "over-answered!"
Thanks!
Romantic Poetess - Oh, Dylan already loves the snow! Last winter we had so much snow and he just dove right in, licking snow flakes and whizzing in it like a champ!
Linda - Up here, they are saying it will snow Friday night into Saturday and likely Sunday-Monday...it's coming! Thanks!
and the news of the daughter in training and the upcoming wedding.
I just hope when the snows starts falling...you don't get buried.
Gorgeous photo, I haven't been to Tahoe in about 30 years. It's a lake and area too beautiful to describe, it has to be seen.
Bleue - You need to come visit!!! Thirty years! Oh my! Open invite to you! I should really post more about "The Lake." You are inspiring me...and I loved your "snow post" today!!! Congrats on your EP!
Scanner - Congrats NOT in order yet...it's coming...and I'll let you know if I'm good with it or not...sooner than later. ;)
Christine - Yep!
O'Sheep - Oh, I miss Connecticut in the Fall! My HS memories are there...and then some!
Trilogy - I heard about Seattle! I can only remember once during my early childhood, that it snowed on Mercer Island and we (kids) were ecstatic!
I hope you'll enjoy when it does hit. Sounds like you will if the wine stocks are plentiful! : )
Cathy; loved your post. Thanks the proverbial ?"gazillion"?! When my gypsy bio had me living in CA, all us original snowbunnies kept looking "hopingly" to Tahoe. "Good luck, babes"! ;-)
We'll give it to ya for free too! No charge! Not even GST (Government Sucker Tax)!! Heck, I'll even buy you enough gas to get you back across the border!
As a bonus I'll even toss in our present 9F below zero wind chill temperatures. Heck we don't need 'em; we're used to freezing our seal blubber and moose ears in our fridges (who said you can't sell refrigerators to Esquimaux?!). Start at my poor wee inundated trailer and just work outward. Take as much as you want. Take some for your friends - your family. Send some to relatives back east who aren't getting any (send some to the ones who don't have snow too). Come tomorrow. Come today. Heck, I don't mind if you even come yesterday!!!
Take it aaaaaaall! (*please*)
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Michelle - Yes, sistah! Our storms are heading in that direction, say the weather gurus around the nation. Our dry winter is about to take a big dip into wet, sloshy stuff followed by slippery, icy nastiness.
podunkmarte - Thanks for stopping by! Get thee back to Tahoe, snow bunnie that you are! Bring a sled, skis or board and a helmet for your head!
sky - Sounds like you need to build some snow men in your ample yard! Dare ya to do it, photograph it, put a carrot on it's nose and a top hat on it's head and whistle dixie! Sounds like you have a 'shin' load of snow up yonder and want to sell it cheap. I have a feeling we'll have our fair share real soon. Will update you when it dumps!
blufeather - Will surely try.
This isn't minus nine celsius (-9C), this is 9 degrees below zero Fahrenheit (-23C)! With a wind that cuts like a rip saw. It doesn't just freeze your skin - it embalms it!
❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅
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I am living in my camping trailer in BC this winter. It is the coldest winter here in over 50 years! It is SUPPOSED to be around 0C (32F).
Pffffffffffffffffffttt! and HAH! too!
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♥╚═══╝╚╝╚╝╚═══╩═══╝─╚╝...FRIEND May it snow, may it snow, may it snow...
* BEAUTIFUL SOUL AWARD!**** Once you have been given this award, you are supposed to paste it on the wall of AT LEAST 5 women/ men who deserve it. If you receive more than 3, you know you are truly special....You rock!! Its just to appreciate each other. It is always sweet to know that someone thinks you're a wonderful and special Person ♥♥♥ you are dont ever forget.
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Diane - Texas is hot, hot, hot! Sounds amazing!
Algis - Let's not go too overboard there! Nice word art! Thx!
I love my life - Love it for a while; loathe it when it becomes too cumbersome to come and go easily. Loe Kelly's photo, too Thx.
Linda - Ahh shucks and doggone it! You are!!! xo
Today I am in Florida and M says they are expecting up to 7 inches by the weekend! I am missing the Big One : (
It's a crazy warm Winter so far-but we do have our coats handy as well.