This week, we’ve been enjoying the best evening thunder and lightning storms since I moved here in 2020. With conditions just right, we’ve had nightly flash flood warnings, along with maps of lightning strikes within miles of Winterpast. The storms should continue through the weekend, with rain pouring out of the sky every evening between 4 and 6 PM.
After long summer days of 100+ degree temperatures, the clouds roll in and the wind begins to howl. A little while later, the water comes down in sheets. Such a beautiful ending to hot summer days, although Oliver and Wookie remain a bit confused. Until now, water usually comes out of the hose or sprinkler system. They’re not so sure about this new arrangement.
With only a few days of evening rain, the desert has again come alive. The sage brush is greening as it sits in puddles of fresh water. Plants that seemed dead on Monday are growing green today. Such an amazing place in which we live.
Flash floods in the desert are a very real threat. When the water comes down so quickly, it has no where to go. Following the terrain of the land, it flows downward towards the big canal running through our town. It matters not if roadways happen to be in the way. It just flows on.
If you live in a desert environment, you probably already know that driving through such an event is not a smart thing to do. A car can begin hydroplaning, causing the driver to lose control.
Hydroplaning can occur when there is very little water on the road. It happens when your tires lose the grip on the roadway, and instead travel on a film of water reducing the ability to steer and brake. Your speed, tire tread, and vehicle weight can contribute to the danger. Never choose to drive through flowing flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown.
While the evening rains continue, the mustangs are coming down from the hills. On our travels during the last two days, we have seen hundreds of horses of all ages. Many foals have been born this spring, hanging out with their bands. Today, we saw our first two mustangs munching on the neighbors lawn.
Normally, the mustangs live high in the surrounding hills. In the spring, they have plenty to eat and drink. As the summer goes on, by August, the food and water are gone and they come begging down to the low lands. It’s then we start to see conflicts between the horses and people.
These horses, although smaller than domestic horses, still weigh approximately 1500 lbs. Hitting something of this size is fatal for motorcycle riders. It can definitely hospitalize or kill the driver or a car or truck, as well. Dark horses on a dark night are nearly impossible to see when driving 65 mph along the worlds loneliest highway, a problem for which there is no easy answer. Horses and motorists don’t mix.
Remember to slow down on wet roads. Avoid using cruise control. Try to go around puddles or standing water. Don’t tailgate, but give yourself plenty of time to stop.
You may have heard of the quick, easy way to check tread depth — just take a penny and place it in one of the tire’s grooves with Abe Lincoln’s head facing the base of the groove. If the tread doesn’t cover any part of Lincoln’s head, the tire is at or below 2/32nd of an inch and should be replaced. Please don’t drive on bald tires.
Most of all, at this time of year, listen for weather updates. If at all possible, choose to stay home. Summer thunderstorms are unpredictable and can be deadly. Yesterday, less than two miles from Winterpast, one person went to heaven, while three others took the earthly route to the hospital. Be careful before, during, and after summer rains.
Whatever you do today, enjoy these summer days. There are just 58 days until the first day of autumn. Summer is indeed a lovely time of year!! Take time to make the best of it!!
More tomorrow.