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Well, other than the snow that fell in my dreams last night, so far so good. It sprinkled rain on and off for most of the day today, it wasn’t until about an hour ago, when it really started to pour.

About an hour previous to the rain picking up intensity, the fog had rolled in. The air was heavy with moisture, it was eerie. It made me think of what it must have been like in that movie, “Gorilla’s in the Mist,” with Sigourney Weaver. The fog has lifted slightly, so it’s not quite so dense, still, motorists will want to slow down some — the animals can’t see much better than us in this fog. Hitting a deer anytime of year is not fun.

It’s 47 degrees currently. So far we aren’t getting any thunder and lightening and so long as the temperature stays near where it is, we won’t have any snow to worry about either.

Do watch out for the deer, we have quite a few young bucks running around out there. They still have the fuzz on their antlers — and they are so beautiful. We have a chat together almost daily. I just can’t get enough of them. They are very alert right now but inexperienced and most are just now getting out on their own.

I understand now that the mothers were showing them safe places to go for an easy meal just a few weeks back when they were all stopping by in groups. It was almost as if the mothers were making their introductions.

I’ll be back when I think of more to babble about. 

Thanks for reading – I’d love to hear about your deer encounters. They are such magnificent creatures.

I just took a peek outside and the fog has lifted for the most part, which means the fog is probably pretty heavy around Sierra Village, as it appeared to be traveling East. Of course Jamestown gets more than it’s fair share of fog at times, too. Drive safe!

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 predicted snowfall (4 inches) hasn’t materialized, despite a Winter Weather Advisory that expired at midnight.

Driving East on Highway 108 at 9:00 p.m. the road sign announced that Sonora Pass was closed and chain restrictions are in effect East of Strawberry. The temperature has dropped to 36 degrees over night, it never rose about 44 degrees all day yesterday, though we did end up with a few precious moments of much needed sunshine.