WEATHER FORECASTS....

The Indians asked their Chief in autumn, if the winter was going to be cold or not. Not really knowing an answer, the chief replies that the winter was going to be cold and that the members of the village were to collect wood to be prepared. Being a good leader, he then went to the next phone booth and called the National Weather Service and asked, "Is this winter to be cold?" The man on the phone responded, "This winter was going to be quite cold indeed." So the Chief went back to speed up his people to collect even more wood to be prepared. A week later he called the National Weather Service again, "Is it going to be a VERY cold winter?" "Yes", the man replied, "it's going to be a very cold winter." So the Chief goes back to his people and orders them to go and find every scrap of wood they can find. Two weeks later he calls the National Weather Service again: "Are you absolutely sure, that the winter is going to be very cold?" "Absolutely" the man replies, "the Indians are collecting wood like crazy!"

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At "Bill's" house, the "indians" have 2 cords of wood ready to go. Last year we went through 1. The top graphic explains why. The second year of a LA NINA weather pattern ( which we are in right now) always features COLDER TEMPERATURE averages than the previous. If you thought last year was too cold, best go to Texas till april or so.... Just reporting the facts...

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There have been quite a few survival stories in the news the past few days, thankfully all with a happy ending. For example, the other day I read about a man who attempted the same hike from the popular movie 127 Hours at Little Blue John Canyon, broke his leg, and crawled back to his car for five miles to survive.

In a similar vein, a man in California was recently driving along a perilously curved mountain road near the Angeles National Forest when he was temporarily blinded by the headlights of an oncoming car and his car plunged 200 feet into a ravine. Suffering from a broken arm, fractures in his back and ribs, and a dislocated shoulder, the 68-year-old survived by eating bugs and leaves until his three adult children took matters into their own hands and found their father. In a strange twist of events, another man's body, who had been missing since mid-September, was also found near the same area, bringing closure to the family that had searched for him without success.

If you're planning a hike this fall to enjoy the changing colors, make sure you follow the suggested hiking safety tips:

• Be prepared for the weather: be aware of any rain, thunderstorms, snow, humidity, extreme heat, etc. and pack accordingly (e.g. warm synthetic layers, a rain poncho or wide-brimmed sun hat). Also, make sure you are familiar with the conditions where you are hiking and know that weather can change quickly. 
• Always hike with another person, sign in and out at each registry stand, and always communicate your planned hike with friends and family so they know where you will be ahead of time.
• Carry a cell phone, area maps, compass, flashlight and headlamp with extra batteries, first aid kit, matches, knife, emergency strobe light, food and plenty of water in additional to traditional hiking gear.
• Wear bright orange gear so people can spot you easily and proper hiking boots to support your feet.
• Know how to build a fire in case of emergency and follow all fire safety regulations.
• Reduce risk of injury by getting familiar with the local vegetation, animals, and terrain before venturing on your hike. Understand that animals can be poisonous and so can plants. Be watchful of loose boulders, trail edge bluffs, and other trail hazards. Consider carrying a trail guide with you.