#ParadiseStrong

A year ago, we were writing about Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties and how they had recovered from then-recent wildfires.

The above image is of Near Peak color in Mendocino County vineyards near Ukiah. Proof that things do get better with time.

Today, our thoughts are with the people of Paradise whose Northern Sierra foothill town, ten miles east of Chico, has been ravaged by wildfire.

At least for now, luck seems to have run out for a town that a popular local legend says was named in the late 1870s after the “Pair o’ Dice Saloon.”

However, if California gold rush history tells us anything, panning out isn’t a permanent condition. Good luck will roll again in Paradise, even if hard times are now afflicting many good people hurt by this disaster.

And so, we’re #ParadiseStrong. 

Post Note: Walt reports that “The last few days have been unusually cold with the temps the high 50s.  The forecast for this week was supposed to be for sunny weather and temps to be in the high 70s.  These low temps and heavy smoke (just like last summer with the local fires) has had an effect on the seasonal color of the vines.  The heavy smoke is keeping the sunlight out and daytime temperatures cold.  Some vines are still turning, but today (10/11) I noticed that many have suddenly dried up and have turned brown or dried green.  I don’t know how long this will last.”