America hit the roads this weekend, unlike last year. With vaccination rates north of 60% for those 12+ years old, families, couples, singles did their best to get out of Dodge for some relief after 15 months of pandemic restrictions. A heat wave in the Northwest did not affect California(yet), the only hurdle might have been a run up in the price of a gallon of gasoline. While the rest of the nation is paying $3.35/gal of gas, Californians are enjoying prices north of $4.45/gal. (Thank you, Greenies/Gov. Gruesom.) Maybe Californians are "immune" to gas hikes, but during these times, one dollar more per gallon seems like a harsh penalty to live in the Golden State. But the Super Majority Legislature in Sacramento firmly believes that most locals are willing to pay the penalty to live along the coast(about 1/10th of the state's residents). For those residents of the Inland Empire, these prices are burdensome.
With the drought comes less recreational opportunities: lower lake levels, decreased river flows, restricted water releases from storage dams, and local limits on all public and private uses. Such are the conditions on this holiday weekend. It could be worse. The Lava Fire near Mt. Shasta has destroyed 27 homes, at least. Highway 5 has been closed at times as smoke and ash lowered visibility. Lightning strikes continue to be a major cause of remote fire ignition. On a good note, the Willow Fire just east of Big Sur has been 80% contained and crews have been relieved on the lines near CArmel VAlley and the Santa Lucia Range west of the Salinas Valley town of Arroyo Seco.
Lake Tahoe had its share of visitors as boaters, hikers, swimmers, and other vacationers descended on the Sierra gem. While many motels were booked solid, there were vacancies in some campgrounds around the lake. Highway 89 was busy as motorcycles and motor homes roamed the basin in search of a perfect resting spot. The weather also cooperated bringing temperatures to the lakeshore in the 75-82 degree range: perfect. The lake levels have fallen, but many feeder creeks continue to flow. The Truckee River bridge was the scene of many river rafters taking a turn on a raft to make the slow flow to River Ranch. Scores of groups paddled/ drifted along, basking in the sun while dipping a foot into the cold waters coming over the dam through 3 open gates. No fishing allowed, thank you, w/i 1000' of the dam.
Diners took advantage of open seating and cozied up to bar tables along the river, enjoying drinks and burgers at the Bridge Tender resto. The visitors center across the highway had many a guest wandering through to pickup a brochure describing the many features of one of the state's most visited locales.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, will slow things down a bit as weekenders head back to the Bay Area to work, to attend summer camps and summer schools where students will attempt to make up for lost time due to the pandemic. The Mayor will take a survey to find out the sentiments at local Tahoma businesses.
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