By Bob Spiwak
It’s a sunny Monday morning and the rain predicted for yesterday was barely a trickle this side of Mazama. There is a chance of snow for tonight, followed by warmer days. At Harts Pass the snow level in a week has risen from 79 to 88 inches. The snow/water content is now at an even 100 percent at 79 inches. Our prediction is that it will diminish quickly from here on, which means a rapid runoff that could swell the creeks for a brief time. If you’re camping near the water, stay on higher ground.
Last Monday we had our first frog song, a solo emanating from the pond, The following day the traditional wild rice choir was in full voice, accompanied by the first water skater of the year. Spring is here and as the snow has receded, more and more work reveals itself in the form of down trees and thousands of loose branches from willows and aspen. In short, it is a big mess requiring a lot of bending and picking up, limbing and bucking those trees that are downed or broken-topped, getting them out of the way and in some instances, stacking for firewood.
Sunday (March 22) produced two birthday boys at the Mazama Store — Jeff Hardy and Tim Wezeman — and Ms. Gloria advised that it was also Brad Pinkerton’s natal day. Best birthday wishes to you all.
Studded tires have to be off the cars in less than two weeks, and getting nailed with them on after the deadline of April 1 (barring a blizzard) will be costly. Looking a couple of weeks farther into the future, it will be time to renew fishing licenses. Then, mid-month it is the turn of our friends at the IRS to dip into our pockets, and two weeks later the county will have its hand out. A busy month in the checkbook.
The golfers are smiling again and a cadre of them went to Desert Canyon golf course on successive Thursdays in the two weeks past. The greens were a might shaggy the first week, we’re told, but a few days ago they were tightly mowed.
Bear Creek Golf Course is probably the latest-opening course in the state, and that is fact, not hyperbole. But it will soon come alive under new operators Debbie and Terry Evans. Debbie said that the course will be opening on April 1 to the public, but for season ticket members there will be a “soft” opening on Friday (March 27) through Tuesday (March 31).
In the meantime, with snow just about gone from the course, the Evanses will be walking it to check things out and planning for the foot golf and disc (Frisbee) golf courses they plan to install this season. Fun for the whole family.
