Did you know? The Department of Water Resources recently conducted their April snow survey using data from 130 stations placed throughout the state. The survey found statewide snowpack has a snow water equivalent of 28.6 inches, or 110% of average for this time of year — up from just 28% of average on January 1st. Get more numbers from DWR.
They say April showers bring May flowers, but sometimes it’s the other way around. Which rite of Spring do you prefer?
Rain has a way of making everything feel fresh and new. Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved the cool scent of the air when you wake up and showers are already falling outside. I even keep my bedroom window open on warm rainy nights. But lately, that’s been a recipe for catching a cold!
Living in California, it seems like you turn your head one day and suddenly the world is covered in fruit blossoms, poppies, and crocuses. The colors and smells surround you on a morning hike, filling your soul and making your feet feel like they’re floating just off the ground.
We both wanted to get away for New Year’s to take a break and recharge our batteries. But as usual, we had a hard time deciding which way to go – ocean or mountains? In the end, we decided to do both!
The warmth of the sun was calling my name, so Oahu, Hawai’i was my choice for our New Year's vacation. We enjoyed epic sunrises and sunsets, tropical plants, soothing ocean waters, Mai Tais, chocolate, pineapple, shaved ice, seafood — yes, lots of fresh seafood — and of course, turtles! That’s not to mention some of the friendliest people on the planet. Everyone you meet smiles back at you. It’s like a daily mood boost without meditation!
I prefer a winter wonderland escape, so after our island getaway, it was off to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for snowboarding, snowmobiling, and mingling with wildlife (elk, bighorn sheep, bison, eagle, and swans were just a few that we spotted). And of course, we had to take a dip in the famous hot springs. With breathtaking nature like the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park surrounding you, it’s a colorful cultural experience like no other!
We were dreaming of a white Christmas, so last week we escaped the Bay Area and drove to South Lake Tahoe. Needless to say, we’ve seen more snow than we ever could have dreamed, but at least we didn’t get stuck on the highway. Anyone who’s been to Tahoe knows to check the weather forecast and road conditions before you even get in the car. If you’re thinking of buying a first or second home here, it’s key to find a property that’s properly prepared for the elements.
There’s no way to plan for a polar vortex or an atmospheric river, any more than you can plan for an earthquake. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared for the worst. If you’re moving to a winter wonderland like Lake Tahoe, look for a home outside of avalanche zones and close enough to town that you’re not at risk of being cut off from the world by a fallen tree or fresh snowpack. You’ll also want a place with good insulation to save on the heating bill and keep things warm and cozy!
Take it from us: Walking in snow shoes is harder than it looks!
