Via Morongo Bill and The Guzzler, this is a result of a somewhat stronger than normal rainstorm in the Mojave Desert. This happened on US 395 just south of the Owens Valley and north of Ridgecrest.
That’s a small storm. In Summer 1997 a somewhat stronger one not far away tore out the Ricardo Campground at Red Rock Canyon State Park. And when a 100-yearstorm hits the Ivanpah Valley, even more fun will result:
“While neighboring properties will not be substantially affected by increased peak or sediment flows, the data suggests that a significant number of heliostats may fail due to erosion removing the soil support for their mounting poles, as many as 32,000 during a 100-year flood event.”
That’s from the CEC, via Basin and Range Watch.
Whee.
Wow! The power of the Desert!
This is the only place I can think of to come for comfort. Nobody here needs to provide it; it’s the visit that comforts me.
I’m about to lose my friend of seven years, a beautiful Belgian Malinois rescue dog named Zoie. She’s 13 (we’re pretty sure) and it’s time, and I can’t stand it. She’s not my dog, but I have been her companion and house-sitter for nearly seven years, spending close to three months a year with her. (Her people have a second home overseas and can’t bring her along.) And I walk her at least once a week, sometimes more.
I was scheduled to stay with her this October, and I hoped desperately for this one last October, but the decision is made, and she will die this Saturday. I trust the decision, which was made in consultation with a vet I know and respect. It will happen at home, by another vet who has an excellent reputation.
I’m going to say good-bye to her today. If she’s having a good day (or a good-enough day) I will take her for a short, shady walk. She’s deaf and unsteady, but she loves a short amble and some good sniffage.
So this is all happening the way it’s supposed to happen, and all that’s left is a whole big world with trees and clouds and golden Northern California hills, and no Zoie. I have to stand it, and I can’t stand it. But I will because that’s what we do.
I came here so you can give Zeke a head’s up. No one needs to respond, I just had to tell someone.
I’m so sorry, Larkspur. Thanks for being Zoie’s friend.
Wow. Impressive. Scary impressive.