The largest winter storm that’s hit the desert in years, including the first blizzard warning for San Diego county in history bore down on the San Diego Backcountry this week. A ferocious mix of driving wind, torrential rain and blinding snow tested our resilience, and preparation separated those experiencing quirky backcountry inconvenience, from those facing hardship. Yes, preparation, the one attribute that can’t be mustered up in the face of adversity, only planned and executed in advance, is what will give us a fighting chance of getting through.
Lastly, if you are in the San Diego or Southern California area and want to come up to the San Diego Backcountry mountains to play in the snow, please wait until after the blizzard passes and the roads are cleared. These communities get snow every year, and people are saying they have never seen snow like this. There may even be up to 3 or 4 feet in some areas, so especially on the north and eastern sides of the mountains, have no fear, it will be around for weeks, it’s so deep. Please keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles, after all the only way in and out of towns like Julian & Santa Ysabel are through windy mountain roads, two lanes wide, with one switchback after another. These mountain towns are so much fun to come up and enjoy, but it’s critical to remember that the residents who call it home are extremely vulnerable to not being able to get their basic needs met, either because of extreme weather, or extreme crowds of people coming up from the coast, often both.
I hope everyone reading this is stuck at home staying safe and being responsible. If you are stuck inside, (being safe and responsible) enjoy some of my favorite YouTube videos:
Coyote Canyon Overland Desert Adventure:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQYPvqj2ouU
La Jolla, California & Blacks Beach Adventure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTUJuxhP49c
Visit South Carolina Lowcountry! Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, & Charleston
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpC1MU4FMZY
Julian & Santa Ysabel — San Diego Backcountry Scenic Driving Tour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2Z_o0S4Hpg
Take Care & All The Best,
William Z. Brennan & Desert Mountain Apothecary