Noah and an Ark

When you live in the desert for as long as we have, any rain is more than welcomed; it is prayed for during the long monsoon months. Three days ago when we arrived here in Dolores and the first light sprinkles of rain began, we were delighted by the gentle tapping sound on the roof and the cool freshness of the air.  The following morning, the sky was filled with dark, threatening clouds that promised more rain would fall. The locals were praying for rain as they had a dry winter - that is no snow.  This lack of snow in turn means no snow melt to feed the lakes and streams. Shortly after noon when the sky finally opened up and released the rain, we could almost hear the land sigh in contentment for the moisture.

Surely by now, those sighs must be pleas for the rain to if not stop, at least give pause so what has fallen can be absorbed. We have mostly been hunkered down inside the RV with our two restless girls watching for the brief breaks so we can rush outside and run them around to burn off energy. Folks are getting cranky and some would move on however the weather all around is pretty much the same. Last night, it poured so hard, we were forced to pull in our slides to release collected water from the debris awnings.  The water usually drains away, however with so much coming so fast, enough collected to cause the awnings to sag with the weight.

Already this morning, we have had showers and the skies promise more of the same. We are considering starting an ark in case the water in the pond rises far enough to wash us away. The Canadian Geese and their precious little goslings along with the ducks and theirs would be our first occupants no doubt. I am sure Charlotte would welcome new playmates. She has been a source of entertainment and agitation. At her age, she need lots of exercise or she looks for ways to entertain herself. Her latest "toy" was the Venetian blind on the front door; it now has some interesting shapes on several of the blades.

No matter what the rain does today, we will be on our way tomorrow.  Predictions call for clearing later today but no matter, we will be heading out for Rifle, CO with the dawn.