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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.

Fuller Road Construction

We just found a letter on the windsheild of our car giving notice that Tuolumne County Public Works will be paving Fuller Road from Golf Club Drive to Little Fuller Road on Thursday, October 1st, 2009 from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

During this time, the road will be closed. They request that we use an alternative route.

I guess we’ll be stuck at home tomorrow because we can’t pick up our house and move it to an alternative location.

I must say I’m totally relieved that they are actually going to pave the entire road and not only the strips down the middle but a little more than 18 hours notice would have been appreciated.

I guess short notice is better than no notice at all.

Many area residents and visitors alike were surprised by the unexpected snowstorm last week, which blanketed the upper elevations and caused the closure of Sonora Pass over the holiday weekend.

The weekend rains were welcomed by many concerned about an overly dry summer. Cloudy days are being forecasted for the rest of the week, with temperatures remaining in mid 70s for the rest of the week, and into next weekend, making this a perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. It won’t be too hot or too cold. So, plan a picnic, take a hike, enjoy the fresh mountain air before the summer heat returns.