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Posting the weather on a day like today isn’t high on my priority list but I know first-hand just how unpredictable the weather can be this time of year and just how hard it to plan what to wear at these higher elevations.

I say that as I sit here, staring at a pile of folded clothing, resting atop a plastic bin – full of SUMMER clothing. Around about three weeks ago or so, the weather was warming up so much that we had lugged our heavy hurricane fans out of winter storage and had discussed preparing the air conditioner — only to have the heavens open up and dump more snow on us.

I haven’t heard any reports from the higher elevation just yet as to whether it is raining or snowing — snow is expected at 7,500 feet.  Here at 4,000′ The sky is overcast and gray making the leaves on the trees appear to be an eerie shade of green. I can’t help but stare out the window today, even though the sun isn’t shining and it’s drizzling rain, it doesn’t feel all that bad out.

Mymotherlode reports: No Weekend Opening For Passes

Sonora, CA– Due to another wet weekend, two area mountain passes will remain closed. Saturday, a quarter to three quarters of an inch of rain is expected in the Sierra Nevada. Snow levels will remain above 7500 feet with several inches of accumulation expected on Sunday. Highway 120 Tioga Pass remains closed. [read more...]

Locally, the weather remains the main topic for casual conversations, coming in second is pollen. The pollen isn’t as bad as it was about 3-years ago, if I remember correctly. The frequent rain and snow showers have helped keep the pollen count down tremendously.

I expect it to continue to rain intermittantly throughout the day. The temperature is currently at 46 degrees with little change expected overnight.

If you haven’t been to Yosemite for your yearly pilgrimage (and you enjoy the off peak season), this really is a nice time to go — grab a pair of sturdy (waterproof) hiking boots and get out in the fresh air. The falls are spectacular just now due to the heavy snowfall we’ve had this year. They keep the roads up that way pretty clear. It will be a little messy, especially around Camp Curry but if you take it slow and watch for icy patches, it’s a nice trip. (Remember to carry chains.)

The flower display along highway 140 can be quite spectacular this time of year.

And as if those weren’t good enough reasons to make the drive, consider this: Yesterday the National Park Service announced…

Yosemite National Park Unveils New Exhibit to Feature Early Visitor Photographs, Prints, and Artifacts

A new exhibit entitled “Views & Visitors: The Yosemite Experience in the Early 20th Century,” will open to the public on Wednesday, June 8, 2011.  The exhibit will be in the Yosemite Valley Museum (adjacent to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center) and will feature photographs, prints, artifacts and ephemera from Yosemite’s early years.

An Opening Reception will be held at the Yosemite Valley Museum on Tuesday, June 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There is no cost to attend and food and drink will be served.

What a terrific opportunity to learn more about the history and local culture of Yosemite and those who settled this area.

The local wildlife has really started to move about more now that the days have started getting warmer (mind you, I didn’t say “warm”) and gradually days are getting longer.

My favorite part of the day is just before dawn, the forest comes alive with the sounds of many chirping birds. It’s like music to the ears. The baby birds have started to stir, urging mama to get up and greet the day. It’s amazing to listen as they call back and forth to one another.

The sunshine feels incredible on the skin. Shorts and t-shirts are back; jackets and jeans, not so much. Even the caterpillars are taking advantage. They can be seen sunning themselves on a regular basis these days. So, be careful where you walk. I can hardly wait for all the butterflies to emerge later this year.

As soon as the sun sets you can feel the chill in the air, so don’t forget to pack your long pants and jackets, you’ll be thankful to have them. It always amazes me when friends from the valley come to visit (sometimes to play in the snow even) and they leave behind their coats, boots, gloves, etc…

It’s actually very nice to have this unusual break between winter and summer, last year I swear spring only lasted for two weeks. Summer was much too long for my taste, so this is a wonderful change of pace.

We seem to have attracted another turkey and we have five deer stop off last night — two of them were fighting. I plan to dig out the binoculars to assist me in locating an owl, I know there has to be owls nearby. Any suggestions for how to attract owls? My husband has warned me against it, he thinks it will fly off with our cat. I think he’s being silly. What do you think?

For anyone who has been putting off taking a trip “Up the Hill,” pack up the car and head for the hills. Today was a simply gorgeous day. The sun was a big hit making an otherwise brisk day tolerable. There was a definite nip in the air.

However, if the weather reports are to be believed, we are expecting warm sunny days for most of the week. The snow is piled high, in many places along highway 108 you can expect to see 8 feet (or more) of nasty icky snow but, just a short jaunt off the main road and pristine snow can still be found. These are perfect sledding days.

I’m told we will even share some 70 degree weather this week. So, if you are planning to wait until the weekend to make the trip, you’ll have to drive much further. Most of the snow in the immediate Twain Harte area won’t survive the week. Just North of Sierra Village there should still be plenty through the weekend.

This might just be your last chance to play in the snow until next year. Just remember to leave nature as you found it — come enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Let the wonders of God and nature renew your spirit and give you a fresh perspective on life. I can’t image life anywhere else. This truly is God’s creation.

Area Snow Fun!

• Leland High Sierra Snowplay
• Dodge Ridge Ski Resort
• Long Barn Ice Skating Rink

Dodge Ridge Reports:

March 28, 2011 // 6:00am – All in all, over 8 days we received 150 inches – that’s 12 and 1/2 feet of snow! Even more amazing is the 609″ mark we hit for a year to date season snowfall total, breaking all snowfall records for nearly 3 decades! Base depths are currently at 144 – 158 inches.

Dodge Ridges offers very reasonably priced ski packages and instruction. Why not sign the kids up for a few lessons? But if the kids aren’t into the whole ski scene. Check out Leland. Leland Snowplay is offering Mini Snowmobile Rides this year.

Kids ages 5-12 will enjoy the thrill of revving miniature snowmobiles while zipping around the oval course.

For kids ages 5-12 or a weight limit of 110 lbs. Helmets must be worn and are included in the cost of the ride. All Participants must have a parent or legal guardian’s signature on a waiver. All kids must be able to demonstrate that they can safely handle snowmobiles prior to riding.

Additional Fee Required for snowmobiles. Available on weekends and holidays.

I just wish I were a kid again. Perhaps, a few more years of good snow and someone will start renting snowmobiles out at Sierra Village or at Leland Snowplay — wouldn’t that be neat.

The Outpost Deli, located at 20661 Soulsbyville Road, in Soulsbyville is closed for remodeling, they plan to reopen on Thursday.