Bad weather makes for good photography.
― Ansel Adams
I took the photo above four days ago a few blocks from where I live. Huge waves batter the Walton lighthouse and swallow up Seabright beach.
It’s been a wild and wooly time at the western edge of North America since the start of the new year. One storm after another has dumped incredible amounts of rain, leading to overflowing creeks and rivers, raging high tides, and destructive mudslides. The downpours are wreaking havoc on the city and county of Santa Cruz.
The New York Times covered the devastation in depth. This morning’s NPR news broadcast was interrupted by a warning of dangerous, life-threatening flash floods and informing us of possible evacuation orders.
This isn’t over yet. There’s another storm on the way and at least one more coming afterward.
Thank you to everyone who emailed, texted, and called to check-in.
Please know that I am okay. My neighborhood is on high ground, so we are faring well. My thoughts are with everyone dealing with the developing crises and the coming weeks and months of recovery.
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Responses:
Alexis Genya -January 23, 2023
Gorgeous photo. Great quote. Stay safe.
Aliza Stewart -January 23, 2023
Thank you for letting us know. I read an update which mentioned Santa Cruz and worried about you. So it was good to get the blog. I hope you are on your way out of state!
nancy-laurel-pettersen Pettersen -January 10, 2023
Glad of the high ground!! And for alerting me so I know to check on my friend who also lives in Santa Cruz. Most-sweetest wishes!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come to Atlanta. I'll cook for you (but I'm guessing that you're a better cook than I am. I'll do prep? '-) Be safe!!!!!! Nancy-Laurel-m**
Larry Goldfarb -January 23, 2023
Though I've lived through other storms in Central California over the past 40+ years, it has never been like this. The ravages of global warming are effecting all corners of our planet.
Larry Goldfarb -January 23, 2023
Thank you so much, Aliza. Yes, I managed to get out of California for a week of teaching in Texas. It was a close call because the highway out of town was closed due to landslides two of the three days before I left!
Larry Goldfarb -January 10, 2023
Thank you, Carol. May 2023 be good for you as well!
kdfeldie -January 09, 2023
Thanks for the update. I was worried about you. Is it time to escape to Austin? Take care of yourself. Xokaren d
Marghe Mills-Thysen -January 23, 2023
Thank you for letting us know you are safe and well Larry. I've been thinking of you and wondering and now am relieved to hear this. It's pretty wet where we are as well, but nothing like what we see of Santa's Cruz.
Nancy Plagman -January 23, 2023
Take care of yourself! My thoughts are with all of California as you go through this difficult time! Nancy P
Liz Albright -January 23, 2023
I was wondering about you and so glad that you have sent this message!
Betsy Anderson -January 23, 2023
Gosh Larry I had no idea about the weather out there. So glad you are ok. Seems like your location is perfect. We had a very destructive storm recently here in Maine. I’m far enough from the water to be safe too. Much love and continued safekeeping and protection to you❤️
Carol McAmis McAmis -January 23, 2023
Thank you for letting us know that you are ok during this very stormy time. May you be safe and well in 2023. All the best, Carol McAmis
Larry Goldfarb -January 10, 2023
I feel lucky to have made it through the nine (!) atmospheric rivers that soaked California. Sure glad the trees in my yard got trimmed and my roof taken care of before the end of last year!
Larry Goldfarb -January 10, 2023
Thanks, Alexis! I couldn't believe the waves were as high as the lighthouse. I"m grateful I captured the image.
Larry Goldfarb -January 09, 2023
Thank you, Betsy. Glad to learn you weathered the recent storm in your neck of the woods. Thank you for your good wishes.
Larry Goldfarb -January 23, 2023
Thank you, Karen. You were spot on - I managed to get to escape to Austin for a week. Just my luck - I flew out on the day the FAA computer system crashed. Thankfully, I made it to Texas.
Larry Goldfarb -January 09, 2023
Thank you so much, Liz!
Larry Goldfarb -January 10, 2023
Thank you, Nancy-Laurel. I hope your friend survived the storms unscathed as well.
Larry Goldfarb -February 02, 2023
Thank you so much, Nancy!
Helen Roberts -January 10, 2023
Thanks for posting. I will be thinking of you during the coming rains. Sending many blessings. The situation is hard to believe and hard to imagine. Helen Roberts
Larry Goldfarb -January 23, 2023
I feel lucky to have gotten through the 9 (!) atmospheric rivers that deluged our fine state. Glad to know you're okay in Sonoma County!
Bob Boyd -January 10, 2023
Hi…How do I join the Feb 5 ATM session? I’d like very much to do so.
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