We're headed into a hot, dry and windy weather pattern, so red flag warnings are up. Central Washington is no slacker when it comes to natural disasters-- just take your pick.
The Methow freeze of 1968 wiped out the orchards and killed livestock when winter temperatures dipped below -50 degrees Fahrenheit. The great Methow River flood, in spring of 1948, was the valley’s contribution to some of the worst flooding in state history, taking out entire towns and bridges.
While historic flooding and extreme cold are occasional, recurring events, fire is probably the most constant and ever-present threat these days, and always on the mind of locals, especially after the disastrous 2014 Carlton Complex Fire.
Summer has transformed Amanda and Tom's farm into a Garden of Eden, bursting with life, both plant and animal.
In Twisp, our city water is metered and quite expensive, but they can pump all they want from the two irrigation wells on the property.
In Central Washington, water rights are complicated, and have always been the great divide between the haves and have nots.
This is a season of wonder and discovery and they are loving their new home. The old homestead is dotted with legacy plants, not just mature blooming trees and shrubs, but things like asparagus coming up through the weeds in a former vegetable patch, tough old species roses and iris, rows of currant bushes gone wild but still covered with fruit.
As for the pear orchard? Well, not good news there for a potential harvest, as a late hard freeze destroyed the blooms at a critical time. Farming here (at least for income) is not for the faint of heart. The lack of a harvest might actually be a blessing in disguise their first busy year.
John hit the road back to Seattle this morning. We had an excellent time. I'm staying a few more days, as I probably won't come back until they return from Europe in mid-July.
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