More and stronger rains came in February, offering the promise of an end to our epic drought.
5538 Promise
But also a warning that the rains might be so strong that they’d bring flood damage but not the prolonged gentler rain needed to end the drought.
160212 Warning
Still, it was easiest to focus on the beauty. That rainbow over Tangerine Falls beckoned us to fly up for a closer look at the glorious changes going on in our mountains.
5529 Tangerine Top
Atop the falls, ancient stones seemed to be laughing as their lichen grizzled cheeks leapt to life. Looking from that rarely visited top down the full length to the popular pool at the base, we breathed deeply of the moist air.
5542 Tangerine Mist
Even the seldom seen occasional small falls nearby was roaring.
5530 Rare Sight
Climbing to check SB’s Santa Ynez River water supply, we glimpsed our first snow since New Zealand’s “O.U.” adventure.
5757 Distant Snow
We delighted to see the dusty riverbed flowing brown amid green.
5683 Earth Colors
The middle of three dams on the river wore a welcome white veil.
5740 Gibraltar Spill
Returning from our brief tour, our most popular South slope falls had grown from the prior trickle into leaping torrents.
5557 Leaping Waters
Still short of a flood though, there were quiet pools of fresh water in many places.
5843 Refreshing Pause
A possibly accessible spot we’ve seen from the air and been wanting to visit was even more beautiful than usual.
5862 Hidden Haven
Back at SBA the integrated estuary seemed to embrace the nourishing water just before it returned to the sea.
5649 Last Stop
John & Anne Wiley 
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