Weather
You travel when you can, but you can’t overlook the weather. Many travelers have
been disappointed by the weather – not just the surprise cold snap – but the
normal-to-the-area hot or cold. Weather must be considered when making your
travel plans. We feel touring during the summer must be adapted to the weather
-- that means we have a casual pace.
To anticipate the weather conditions in the areas we plan to travel we check
average temperature and precipitation for spots we plan to visit. The web site
www.wunderground.com is invaluable as it presents historic data by day or month
or year (click seasonal weather average) and shows extreme high and low
temperatures. It also has current weather and forecasts by time of day.
Some areas have erratic conditions. We experienced snow in Yellowstone National
Park, with roads closed to Cody, in mid September. Once we waited a day in late
June for a 12-inch snow to be plowed off a mountain road in Colorado. Some
people say they do not mind the hot temperature when it is dry, they must be
younger than us. Temperatures can vary radically in very short distances. Along
the California coast the temperature in mid summer near the ocean may be in the
60s and be over 90 just a few miles inland. You’ll have similar differences from the
base to the top of a mountain.
Tied to the weather is the need to use proper sun protection as much travel is
during summer sun, which intensifies at higher altitudes. And remember to take
water – this is very important.
You travel when you can, but you can’t overlook the weather. Many travelers have
been disappointed by the weather – not just the surprise cold snap – but the
normal-to-the-area hot or cold. Weather must be considered when making your
travel plans. We feel touring during the summer must be adapted to the weather
-- that means we have a casual pace.
To anticipate the weather conditions in the areas we plan to travel we check
average temperature and precipitation for spots we plan to visit. The web site
www.wunderground.com is invaluable as it presents historic data by day or month
or year (click seasonal weather average) and shows extreme high and low
temperatures. It also has current weather and forecasts by time of day.
Some areas have erratic conditions. We experienced snow in Yellowstone National
Park, with roads closed to Cody, in mid September. Once we waited a day in late
June for a 12-inch snow to be plowed off a mountain road in Colorado. Some
people say they do not mind the hot temperature when it is dry, they must be
younger than us. Temperatures can vary radically in very short distances. Along
the California coast the temperature in mid summer near the ocean may be in the
60s and be over 90 just a few miles inland. You’ll have similar differences from the
base to the top of a mountain.
Tied to the weather is the need to use proper sun protection as much travel is
during summer sun, which intensifies at higher altitudes. And remember to take
water – this is very important.
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