FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News Release

Angeles National Forest Announces Emergency Closure
ARCADIA, CA — October 22, 2007

ARCADIA, Calif. — As a result of extreme fire activity, and to protect public health and safety, Angeles National Forest officials are implementing a forest closure, effective October 23, 2007. The closure will last until the extreme conditions subside.

Let There Be Light!

It was February 2001. Just before Valentines Day. My good friend, Lib and I were trekking to the top of the highest mountain on the African continent. On this seventh day we would trek some eight arduous hours through a treacherous hail storm with zero visibility. We would step thoughtfully over the ice field. We would shiver in subzero temperatures. We would watch our comrades fall, hungry and thirsty, but being deceived in better judgment by altitude. At this late stage, here on the Western Breach, there would be no turning back. Even for those of our group who would not join us at the peak, those sobbing, vomiting and struggling with small fractures, at least this day would need to be completed before a safe exit could be achieved. This day, though, seemed impossible. I found my way through the fog to our guide and I hollered to his left side, “Simon! Will we die?” Simon answered me with the honesty for which I remember him best “No, no, Carol. You will not die. But you will suffer.”

Well… this is kinda how I feel about chemisty.

The Great Bear Rescue

These photos courtesy of Bob and Laura Sandiford. This bear found himself trapped underneath a bridge and was fortunate enough to have the Forest Service locate him, net him and send him on his way! Here we see him headed home at last!

Here we can see the lucky bear rescue in progress!

Rainbow Bridge (Old Hwy 40 at Donner Summit, Truckee). Notice the bear dangling from the ledge!