June 2002

The first month of our 2002 season is behind us. In some ways we wonder, "Where has it gone?" In other ways we wonder "How did we get through it all?" Not that it was a "bad" month. Aside from the 2 foot section on the front of the trailer peeling off like a banana while cruising along at 65 mph in the Mojave Desert on a 114 degree day, it has been delightful trouble-free. Even the wildfires have been conveniently distant from most our work. We managed to get through Arizona's Coronado and Coconino National Forests (picking-up some new and missed campgrounds), the San Bernardino (which is south of Los Angeles) and made a large dent in the Angeles (east of LA) National Forest's campgrounds.

Revisiting Coconino and Coronado National Forest was a trip down memory lane. Certain landmarks triggered memories of this person or that event. Having those magnificent Ponderosa pines around us again was delightful. The cooler temperatures were nice, too. We had to get permission to do our work because both Forests were, for the most part, closed to the public. This action was taken to avoid a holocaust like later seen in the wildfires around Slow Low, AZ. However, the economic impact of closing was apparent in areas we visited. Not only are tourists staying away but weekend campers and hikers. Many small businesses may not be able to hold on until the monsoons hit (around July 4th). Let us hope the rainfall will be generous when it does begin both in Arizona and the remaining Southwest.

Drought has given the San Bernardino and Angeles National Forests the appearance of late September, after a very hard, hot, and dry summer. When we find a patch of green, along a trickle of water or under a stand of Douglas fir, it is almost shocking. Dusty dirt is the most common element of our stay here. One National Forest technician called it "cocoa powder" dirt, a good description of this stuff.

While finishing the San Bernardino, starting the Angeles National Forest, and avoiding a wildfire in Cajon Pass, we spent some time in Pomona (at a KOA campground but don't tell anyone), California. Two separate afternoons we visited the Lazy Daze Motor Home factory for some daydreaming. They are very nice and we'd just love to get one but must wait until our books make the NY Times best non-fiction book listings <Grin>.

Our stay in Pomona wasn't all daydreams, we did some work, too. If you look at a map of LA, the Angeles National Forest is located in all those canyons and mountains that run along the edge of all those towns. There are ski resorts (yes, they do get snow up there) on top of those there mountains! Mt Baldy ski resort is one and is located above the Angeles's Manker Flats campground. Between the ski runs and Manker Flats is the Snack Bar, located in the resort's original lodge, and in the Snack Bar is Mike, one cool character. About the size of a grizzly bear, Mike runs the Snack Bar (he also cooks, cleans, and is the sole employee) and has the best stories to tell about Mt Baldy and folks who now live or have lived in the neighborhood. He claims his Smoothies are the best on the mountain, which is probably true since we saw no other place open and serving these concoctions on the mountain. One would think there would be more interesting characters here but, except for Mike, we haven't met that many. Maybe next month.

One of the highlights of Southern California has been the consistent digital cell phone signal. It is great to have the peace of mind of knowing we are just a phone call away from everyone most of the time. Plus Fred can get our e-mail on a regular bases so they don't pile up like before. There is something terrifying about seeing, "You have 65 messages."

Another highlight of Southern California's National Forests has been the huge pine cones scattered around. Sugar pine and Coulter pine cones are enormous!!! The Sugar pine cones are about the length of a football and the Coulter's cone is as big as Fred's head. They also have large and sassy squirrels in these parts. The bears and coyotes, frequent visitors to the campgrounds, are pretty well-fed, too.

A "lowlight" of our time in Southern California is the condition of the National Forests. The drought conditions have really stressed everything. Plus, these forests are so under-staffed and over-loved it makes us wonder how Forest Service personal maintain their sanity. The evidence of challenges is everywhere. Trash waiting for pick-up, bone dry creeks lined by withering trees, eroded campsite parking aprons, vaults in need of attention, picnic tables that haven't been painted in years are just a few examples. Add to the mix, thousands of visitors passing through each week and staffing at a level only a fraction of what it should be (sounds like some of Colorado's National Forest's problems, doesn't it?) and you have some appreciation of what it is like here.

Next month will see us revisiting Los Padres National Forest, again in California, to complete the Mt. Pinos Ranger District (heavy snow kept us out during our first visit - won't have that problem this time) and then we will be off for the Sierra National Forest. The Sierra National Forest is located around the southern tip of Yosemite National Park and has a large number of campgrounds, so will be very busy with it for most of the month. Oh, the sacrifices we must make for our work. Here's hoping your summer is busy and filled with fun.

Suzi and Fred