Arnold, CA…Whew…the great dig out has begun!  Underneath the pile to the left is a Subaru with a tree stuck into the back seat and another portion of a tree stuck into the hood for good measure.  Stakes through the heart for sure.  Thankfully it was the only vehicle in the family with full coverage so while the wounds to the Subaru are definitely fatal there is yet hope for the vehicle’s owner.

Behind the vehicle to the right under the snow pile is the rest of the tree making it impossible to even get to the road with a vehicle that was not impaled.

We know as bad as this was many in the mountain communities had it worse.  We feel for each and everyone of you!!  One day things are going along well & the next a tree is down, a vehicle destroyed and the utility company says it will be 6 days until you will be able to leave your home again.  In 7 or 8 days you might even have power again.

When we told utility companies about tree hanging from the wires and blocking the driveway yesterday they said it would be the 24th at the earliest until they could get to it.  Oh the joys of the utility business in 2026.

As soon as the snow slowed down we removed it ourselves early this evening.  Luckily we could do it and we know all too well many folks could not.

In our over 20 years here this was one of the worst storms we have seen.  Especially in regards to tree damage.  The rains loosened up the soil a bit.  Then the cold snow stuck to the wet foliage & limbs and Mother Nature made sure we paid the price for the mild, dry January.

We have seen personally and heard of so many wonderful stories of neighbors helping neighbors it almost makes one believe in humanity again.

Storms and disasters really bring us together and minor political differences are quickly put in their proper place.