STORM2K

...out of hibernation he comes!

After 100+ days of 100+ degrees this summer, it finally dropped into the 50’s this morning here in the valley of the sun. On my way home from work yesterday, a local radio host was talking with the manager of the Arizona Snowbowl ski area who noted it was “snowing as we speak” on the San Francisco Peaks (elevations above 12,000’). He remarked there were a couple of inches of snow on the ground at that time.

And so the chill and talk of snow in the high country has me moving again.

During summer hibernation I have visited S2k regularly from the coolness of the cavern (That’s with a “c”, not a “t”!). I’ve watched the ebb and flow of the tropical weather season mostly ebb. And I’ve poked my head in to “Off Topic” now and then to notice the new faces and see that needs have been addressed by the caring folks who run the S2k shop. Business and personal matters are being well-tended to. I bow to those who continue that commitment. While I’m not often heard from, please know that I am nevertheless hanging around just out of sight; not far away.

With fall now in full swing, I recall my most memorable autumn trip ever.

The first weekend of October in, I think, about 1987. We were on a road trip to New England and specifically to North Conway, New Hampshire and Pinkham Notch Camp below the Mount Washington summit in the White Mountains.

The purpose was to gather among weather friends to visit the home of the world’s recorded fastest wind speed. 231 mph atop Mt. Washington itself.

The maples were on fire for those first couple of days. Never had I seen color like that with a backdrop like that. And, being among dozens of weather friends, some of which I had known for a while, and some of which I was just then meeting, my wife and I were so very impressed with the location, the people, and that brilliant display of color.

Indeed we enjoyed the two days of meetings and the visit to the summit. Winds were relatively calm the day we ascended. Maybe 50 mph.

And on the way home…that drive back from Conway through Connecticut and the mountains and hills of New York…we ran into a blinding snowstorm. At nighttime no less. But how memorable it made the whole trip.

So here I am back again. Among weather friends in early October. And I am remembering those we enjoyed that weekend with. The place and its inspiring beauty. Those people and their passion for weather.

A simple question for those of you who have ever had an almost “spiritual” weekend enjoying the fall colors?

When, where, and who were you with?

I remember that weekend in October like it was yesterday.

I remember when I purchased my first house it was in the first half of November, but there were still some trees that had some brilliant color. The maple tree in the very front of the house was a luminous yellow and the day we made settlement was a perfect Indian Summer day.

Here in the Mid Atlantic the color show may be shortened if a Nor-easter blows through. Our peak in my area is around Halloween and just afterwards. So far I have a few trees in my backyard that I'm not quite sure what species they are, but they are an orangy-yellow right now. They are always the first to change. I see hints of crimson, bright red, orange and yellow here and there, but the majority is still pretty green.

Later this week the high temps will slide into the 50's and 60's, so I'm sure that give the color a bit of a push.

Well I have to say that you've been missed Poppysky. How the heck are you and how is your family? (especially those grandbabies)

My favorite season is Spring, but the Fall leaves are beautiful and do draw me into the woods for a walk. I love going for my yearly Fall drive to buy pumpkins, apples, cider and mums. That was a tradition that my parents started and I continued it with my kids.

I especially remember camping in the Allegheny Forest on a beautiful weekend in October many years ago. The air was crisp at night and warm during the day. The colors were amazing - red, orange, yellow green. We camped right on the Allegheny River and in the morning the fog would lift from the water to reveal the mountains with all their fall glory. I can almost smell the morning coffee and bacon. The crackle of the campfire at night and snuggling into a sleeping bag to get toasty warm ----- hmmmmm, good memories.

Hi there Pburgh! Granddaughters are no longer babies, I'm afraid. Growing SO fast. They are coming to visit this coming weekend...and then we are all flying out to the Windy City for a few days with family and friends.

Taking them to the apple orchard for some cider donuts while I'm there!!

Hope all is well with both you and Stephanie.

My most memorable autumn experience was in Colorado. The year was 1969. I was a freshman in college at Western State. There was an early season heavy snow on Monarch pass. We went climbing, put on the rock skis and made some turns. I'll never forget that day. It's when I first experienced high altitude skiing. The day was October 5th and there were still a few Aspens in color at the lower elevations. A year later I was in a different part of the world. You never know whats around the next corner.

The Rockies are beautiful, aren't they Dionne?

The latest I've been to Colorado is mid-September and the Aspen is breathe-taking. I love the fluttering noise they make when the wind blows through them.

I can only imagine Poppysky how fast your two princesses are growing!!!

On a somewhat related note, I love to decorate inside the house for the fall and Christmas. I bought a cinnamon broom and added some artificial berries and leaves to it and a bow. I had it hanging in my family room. I had to put the sucker downstairs in the basement this evening. I'm getting a headache from it and I do love cinnamon! They must've soaked that sucker for about a year.