Postcards from the Forest - April (snow) showers

It has a different kind of feel than a crisp, sunny day with a brilliant blue sky and glistening snow. it is a subtle, subdued, quiet wilderness. The absence of light and contrast beneath the cloud cover make every view somehow personal, reachable, intimate.

A wet snow has been falling for the past several days in the Angeles National Forest. Fingers of snow reached down as low as 4,000 feet, but a more all-encompassing blanket can be found at 6,000 feet and above. When the clouds part for a moment, it is clear this snow will be a memory soon; the sun is warm and the air quickly turns spring-like in its presence. But for a few days, it looked for all the world like winter again.

In the higher regions, some of that snow may be able to hold on through the weekend, although the forecast calls for rain beginning this evening. Perhaps that too can fall as snow. Magical, wonderful snow.

Some quick reminders should you venture out to see the snow. There are no gasoline stations and no cell phone service in the national forest. There are effectively no restrooms at this time, and very few trash receptacles; all picnic and camping areas, and most major hiking trail heads are closed to promote social distancing. Our beloved Newcomb's Ranch Bar and Restaurant will remain closed through April.

Angeles Crest Highway is in fact a state highway. Please, do not stop on the highway. People are stopping on the highway to take pictures. This is so dangerous to everyone.

The speed limit graduates from 40, to 45 to 55 mph. There are many turnouts. Please use them to let vehicles behind you pass. There are also several passing lanes. Slower traffic should pull into the right hand lane and let other vehicles pass. If you see an emergency vehicle coming toward you, do not attempt to pull over. Keep driving. If an emergency or law enforcement vehicle is behind you, do not stop or slow down on the highway. Proceed to the next turnout and pull over; if there are other vehicles behind you, try to leave them enough room to pull over also.

Perhaps most critically, don't cross the double yellow line. Stay in your own lane with all of your wheels at all times, and especially on corners. It may be relaxing to get out of the house and out of the city, but a mountain road is the last place you should let your mind slip into holiday mode. Stay in your own lane and stay alert.

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