June is a disquieting month in Flagstaff. It's a bright month, with plenty of sun and blue skies. It's greening up and flowers are blooming. But it has three conditions that keep us on alert, and one that's bothersome.
First, it's hot; our hottest month. We're headed to temps in the high 80's this coming week. It will be this way until the monsoon comes, typically early July.
Next, it's windy. Though April is officially our windiest month, there's plenty of potential for red flag days coming up.
Which takes us to wildfire season. We've already had one fire north of Flagstaff in a rural/residential area. Fire managers declared Stage 2 fire restrictions May 26, before Memorial Day weekend. No camp or bbq fires. No smoking outside vehicles/homes. No recreational shooting. No tools with open flames. No combustion engine equipment in the forest between 9am and 5pm. We're as Fire Ready as we can be around the house, and Kachina Village as a whole is Fire Ready.
Finally, it's pollen season. This isn't a local picture, but it could be. Everything is covered with pollen; cars, decks, gazebos. If we leave our windows open, it comes indoors. If you have allergies, you're miserable. Ron doesn't, and I'm not bothered this year, for which I'm grateful.
What does this all mean to me? Other than being fire aware & ready, it's the usual annual schedule changes. Running, biking and Tiny Bear Hikes move to early morning to beat the heat. That moves Yoga practice to mid-morning. Real Hiking with Sue is shifting location to the Peaks 'til the monsoon starts. Tai Chi on the Deck will be after the dishes are done and before dark. Yep, that time of year!
“No price is set on the lavish summer. June may be had by the poorest comer.”
– James Russell Lowell
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