The central valley of California enjoys a weather related phenomenon known as Tule fog. Named after a species of grass, this fog is prominent in the winter time — especially following a significant rain. We had such a rain yesterday and now, this morning, we had the first installment of fog. Accidents due to this fog are common and are the number one weather related cause of accidents in these parts.
A few years ago there was an 80 car pile up down around Selma. Prior to that, just north Stockton, there was a 28 car and 12 big rig pile up because of this fog.
The fog is thick and syrupy, something like Greg’s blogs, and can be quite a nuisance. When the fog arrives it brings an eerie presence. I keep listening for bagpipes and just know I’ll spot Nessie in an irrigation canal.
7 Responses to “Fog”
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November 15th, 2006 at 10:56 am
You’re suggesting my blogs are a nuisance? Just keep it up and I’ll start writing about Chipper again!
[Greg, start writing about Chipper again, I dare you! :-)]
November 15th, 2006 at 11:16 am
Greg’s blogs aren’t a nuisance or thick and
syrupy for me. But dangerous and tricky, yes.
Something someone like me can be taken in by
and thereby with my comments create
laughter at my own expense all the way from
coast to coast and from north to south!!
But I guess that would be a fault of mine and
not necessarily his fault, huh?!?!
November 15th, 2006 at 12:09 pm
I grew up in Bakersfield where the fog descends cold and thick. We’d regularly have fog delays where school would start a few hours late to allow the sludge to burn off. I remember many times walking out the front door and not being able to see the steps or my hand in front of my face.
I remember talking to a colleague once who talked about blizzard delays in their hometown in Montana. In the same conversation, she mentioned that she was in high school before she knew that “block heaters” were optional on new cars. Everyone she knew had one. I had to confess that I was probably the same age before I knew that people had cars without air conditioning.
This just goes to illustrate how big and diverse the US is. There are places where there are outlets in parking lots to keep engine blocks warm and there are other locations with mister fans to keep outdoor restaurants cool.
But, then again, we also had earthquake drills.
November 15th, 2006 at 12:27 pm
Ah, valley fog. And I’ve always wondered what a Tule was. Thanks!
Our fog stays way way high and will block out the sun for weeks at a time. But it’s been absolutely gorgeous the last few days. No complaining here.
Hope the move goes well…
November 15th, 2006 at 1:28 pm
Brady! Hope the move goes well? I’m not
falling for that one again!
November 15th, 2006 at 1:37 pm
Shouldn’t that be “Nessie?â€
Don’t you think you’re being a bit “ruffâ€(ruff) on the Rev.? Will Chipper return? Stay tuned.
[Right you are and I have made the adjustment, thanks.]
November 15th, 2006 at 3:25 pm
Sandra has a charming story about her commute home from work one late night through the tule fog. You should ask her to tell it to you some time.