Feather River Firefighting, Northern California

Firefighters in the Feather River Canyon in Northern California get an overview of ongoing operations.  This fire was started by Cartel marijuana growers making their escape from Federal Agents, and starting fires as they fled to cover their tracks.  This is amazingly difficult terrain, with precipitous walls in the Canyon, draws and smaller canyons everywhere.  Hiking is not hiking but more accurately scrambling, making firelines near vertical in spots.  The logistical challenges are unbelievable.  These Hotshots make it all just another day on the job, handling the extra effort and workload without a second thought.  With any luck the spate of recent State actions on legalization will cut deeply into the market for these illegal grows which are devastating to our National Lands, leaving garbage strewn camps, dangerous chemicals and miles of PVC piping from their "irrigation projects".

Crater Lake Reflections

Todat's shot from Crater Lake!  With the days and days of rain in the city and snow in the mountains, sometimes we can forget why we put up with it.  Here is a little sunshine and a remnder that all of the grey days allow us to have full rivers and lakes, ample fishing, spring skiing, water sports and all the amazing craft beer, wine, and cider that we can drink!  It is days like these that we pay for all winter by putting up with a little grey.  I don;t know about you, but I think the payoff is well worth it!