Warming temperatures and rainy days have melted most of the snow that covered the mountains a few weeks ago.
The highest elevations still have snow but it is disappearing daily.
Last weekend, we still needed snowshoes on parts of the PCT. Snowshoeing is loads of fun but remember to be prepared if you plan on hiking in the snow. Familiar trails disappear and are unrecognizable when covered in white. It's also hard to gauge the depth of the snow until you sink into it. A fun day can end up as a disaster if you aren't careful! Check with the ranger station and bring your topographical map and/or GPS along with extra clothes and food.
The melting snow and rain are filling the creeks with rushing water. What a great sight!
Since our only experience living on the mountain has been during the drought, we are excited to see water bubbling and cascading over boulders in unexpected places. Water brings life back to the mt.
Lake Hemet has benefited greatly! The shoreline and vegetation that resulted during the drought are underwater once again. A missing sound has returned....croaking. The chorus of frogs can be heard from the submerged meadows by the lake. Fantastic!
Almost feels like Spring is here especial since the birds are starting to sing and pair off. Today I saw a couple of California Thrashers in their respective Manzanita bushes singing away declaring their territory to one another.
It is still Winter though. Get ready for another snowy blast next weekend. I'm optimistic.
Click on photos to enlarge.
Photos and content by Robin Roberts.
