The 2010 Monsoon

So far, it's not looking like a real "good Monsoon."  Yes, rain has migrated from the Gulf of Mexico but, no, it hasn't been uniformly beneficial to the Great State Of Arizona.  Within the past few years, maybe even dating back to the late 1990's, the monsoon's arrival and dependability has been very widely variable.  All Arizonans, whether they moved to the state this year or 120 years go have opinions about "the monsoon."  We all love to discuss this phenomena and we all love to ENJOY this phenomena.  It's "The Arizona Way!"

Unfortunately, things don't look real good for Arizona's water situation.  After enjoying a wildly successful winter snowpack, things changed.  Now, it's Back To The Future, as some Climo People say.  They say, "Hey, we're in a long term drought and a single year doesn't change a long term trend."  Well, we beg to differ but our begging doesn't change weather!

Click here for the Climate Prediction Center's website.

Verde Valley Swift Water Rescue Team nabs 1st Place

We're beginning once again to keep an eye on Verde Valley News. Our primary source is the online version of The Verde Independent. We were delighted today to see that the Verde Valley Fire Department's Swift Water Rescue Team took 1st place in a state competition. You can click here to read the article in PDF form.  Back in The Dark Ages, there was no such things as a Swift Water Rescue Team anywhere to be found in or near the Verde.  We remember being called in to advise a rescue in January 1993.  In the February 1993 flood, authorities had to use a local kayaker to help rescue people.  Finally, the Sedona Fire Department began to get interested in Swift Water Rescue, primarily because of Tim Lefler's leadership, as I recall.  Somehow I think Tim has his fingerprints on the process that led to the VVFD doing so well in this latest contest.  Tim and Maria Elena are now our neighbors in Arizona and we say, THANKS, TIM, ya dun good!