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Just as Twain Harte went directly from Winter to Summer this year, could we jump from Summer to Winter, too? The first day of Autumn fell on September 23, 2011; here it is only October 2 and already our first seasonal storm is being predicted.

This Season’s First Winter Storm Watch

October 02, 2011 05:00 pm

Mark Truppner, MML Reporter

Two cold fronts will sweep across Northern California this week.

Breezy winds and rain showers will spread across the region Monday and Monday night. Snow levels may briefly drop to around 8500 feet by Monday night. Only a light dusting of snow is expected.

Temperatures Wednesday could drop to 40F at night, which could cause a dusting of snow even in Twain Harte.

Today was a lovely day with temperatures in the high 60′s and low 70′s, most who attended Oktober Fest were still comfortably sporting summer wear, with more of a layered look. The evening air gets pretty nippy this time of year. Oktober Fest appeared to have a nice turn out. We headed out too late on Saturday and we didn’t realize that they shut down at 5 pm, bummer.

We made it down to the park today around 3:30 pm, which is pretty late. I am happy to have made the effort to attend. We purchased a bottle each of Chipotle Lime Grill Marinade and Apricot Ginger Teriyaki Glaze from Yosemite Sierra Specialties - we can’t wait to try them out. We also picked up a 2# jar of Mountain Wildflower Raw Honey from Blossom Trail Honey. Did you know that…

Buying Local Honey

For allergies, buying local honey is far better for you than getting honey from out of the area. The reason for this is that you want to infuse your system with what you are allergic to. But, using reason, remember that flora have only certain boundaries. They are more limited to where they grow by region and elevation rather than locations that are close to one another. For example, if you are allergic to orange blossoms in southern California, you will have the same allergic reaction to them in the central valley. Also remember that any honey that is pure (straight from the comb) and raw (neither unheated nor pasteurized) helps to build up your immune system, which will also defend you against allergies. [Learn More...]

Honey is a natural sweetener that can be used many ways and it has so many health benefits. If you use honey, remember to seek out local honey, to make the most of the health benefits — the reasons are more than just economics. If you don’t use honey, consider picking up a jar and start using it in place of sugar. Just one word of warning about honey, Blossom Trail Honey reminds us…

Feeding Infants Honey

Because of the presence of botulinum spores in honey, children under one year of age should not be given honey. Older children and adults generally destroys the spores. Infants, however, can contract botulism which can cause sickness or death.

Did you attend Oktober Fest 2011?

We would have hung around a little longer but the music was so loud you couldn’t hear anything, so you couldn’t talk to the vendors comfortably. We really struggled to stay as long as we did. The music was so loud, it was even drowning out the singers. Someday perhaps they will figure out that louder does not equate to better.

What did you enjoy the most?

This past weekend Yosemite was offering free park admittance for the public, which I’m certain sounded like a great deal, until visitors realized they were driving into a trap.

Bus Inspections At Yosemite

Yosemite valley, California, USA

Yosemite Valley, CA– The California Highway Patrol in partnership with the National Park Service, recently conducted a surprise bus inspection at Yosemite National Park.

The inspection last Friday and Saturday, was planned in support of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Brake Safety Week.

“Operation Airbrake” ran from September 11-17th and its goal was to ensure braking systems of commercial vehicles, including buses, are maintained properly and in good working order. As part of the week long campaign, the CHP’s Commercial Unit organized a bus inspection in Yosemite Valley.

The location was selected because nearly every tour bus that enters Yosemite Valley is required to drive on state highways or county roadways within the Central Valley.

Yes, I am glad to hear that CHP is working to make the roads safer for everyone. But I seem to recall that the last time they offered free entrance to the park, they were screening passengers for terrorism threats in unison with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The CHP says it plans to conduct more unannounced tour bus inspections in the future.

Yosemite offers free park admission from time to time, so if you plan to take advantage of the offer, just be aware, you could be driving into even longer delays and congestion on the valley floor.

Fall has always been my most favorite time of year. The days are still warmer than I like but the evening air is cool and brisk. As an added treat the past two night have brought not only a gentle, if brief rain, but thunder storms.

Topaz Lake

Tonight, locals were treated to lightning as well. Look eastward, you can see the dark, foreboding sky and you just know Kennedy Meadows is having some rough weather. The change in weather put a welcome damper on weekend hoopla.

If you plan to be out and about after dark, remember to pack a sweater. If you forget, the Twain Harte Pharmacy carries sweaters, jackets and much more — just remember they close at 7:00 p.m., maybe even earlier on Sundays and holidays. (Call for hours and directions (209) 586-3225.)

Thunderstorms are the one thing I missed since moving from Michigan to California. If the strong winds and lightning continues, we could experience sporadic power outages. The power surged while we were ordering dinner at the Twain Harte Pizza Factory tonight, but it came right back on again. It was off long enough to reboot the computer. Time to hunt down those candles; it never hurts to be prepared.

It’s currently 61° and the landscape appears to almost glow because of the recent rains. Be sure to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather. During a thunderstorm electronics should be turned off — unplug them if possible.

Related articles

• Motherlode Area Calendar of Events (localhs.com)
• Eastern Sierra Nevada Fall Colors (sierravisionsstock.com)
• Fall Colors of Nevada City (www.sierranevadageotourism.org)