@ovals49 me. When one grows up in an area with 10 inches annual rain the value of water is very stark and struggle is constantly shaping life. Rural beats urban and corruption reappears after multiple generations.

The panels are solar and are rated to collect water down to 10% humidity. We are at 11% today. The reservation is in the driest parts of the original three tribes home range. Maybe in the future water is air currents will be allocated like surface water and ground water. Shudder!!

of some sort, hopefully at least solar powered. This will not in any way increase the amount of available water in the eco system, it is simply a water distribution tool. Moisture removed from the atmosphere in this way will not fall as rain.

Whenever water shortages become newsworthy events I think of the Dune series, with a planet’s human inhabitants living inside ‘still suits’ that recapture both respiratory water vapor and all other human waste products for later extraction and processing as reclaimed drinking water. Likewise water content of the bodies of the deceased are processed for drinking water. We’re not there yet, but it seems that it is very much a possibility on humanity’s distant horizon.

Reducing consumption and waste of resources, recognizing the limitations on the ecosystem and living within those limitations is, in the final analysis, the only path to true sustainability. Otherwise, we will need to move on and begin to strip some other distant planet’s ecosystem to continue to satisfy our rapacious compulsions.

@QMS In 1991 is cultural lifetime ago. The farmers were leading the fight against the Land Use Laws limiting development. Now they realize it is the best tool against deep pocked developers overwhelming communities.

The project was first imagined in 1991. Locals supported it: As recently as June, an online petition in its favor had more than 3,200 signatures.

But the trail, like the railroad that preceded it, would cut through farmland. A group of more than two dozen farmers — some with property alongside the right of way, others from 20 miles away — say the trail would impact how they farm and what they can spray. It would encourage trespassers and maybe attract tent encampments for unhoused people. They say land-use laws mean farmers shouldn’t have to change, no matter what the community wants.

Read the article before going out and changing water, thinking about changes in the state. Last years fire season, continuing confrontational protests around the state and increasing plastic trash showing up on my place I would be on the side to stop the project. The intent was good, but times change. In the 1990's there were multiple projects around the state to improve opportunities for rural/urban cooperation. Too many destroyed the area and community the project was to benefit.

An old railroad right of way has become a dividing line between 2 factions.

https://www.hcn.org/issues/53.7/north-extremism-how-a-trail-in-rural-ore...

Thanks SOE!

@Lookout temperatures or increased physical exertion. Low levels can increase the potential for severe heat stress problems. Some medications can alter absorption and excretion of electrolytes, do your research before indiscriminately adding supplements or sports drinks.

Our heat wave was proceeded by a few cool weeks. The first hay crop had been delayed by 3 weeks. Which actually made the timing closer to last century harvest schedule.

should be a no brainer. We started collecting our roof rainfall several years back. We have two 1000 gallon tanks buried and covered by a deck that gravity feeds to the garden.

Nothing like swimming in the spring fed water of Little River when we have excessive heat. Instant cooling. Another factor often overlooked is consuming adequate amounts of salt. Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. I don't take salt tablets, I just salt my food liberally (especially in the hot summer).

We have had a mild summer thus far. Awoke to 62 with highs in the 70's today...in Alabama on the weekend of the 4th??? I'm sure we'll pay the cost in August or September, but I'm appreciating our current weather, and am wishing my western friends a little relief!

Have a good one!

@mhagle when viewing the pictures of heat stressed plants. It jumped from freezing nights to scorching hot days so quick my annuals need to be replanted. Hopefully some harvest before fall frost. The perennials have benefited from the additional straw mulch added the last couple of years. Saved the blueberry flowers from the frost, now half the berries are dehydrated from the heat. I think they are going to harvest every few years not annually.

Thanks for the good information on this. Growing up in the upper Midwest 60 years ago, I didn't know what heat stress was. Gardening in Texas I have learned to stay out of the sun and wear hats and proper clothing if you must. We had a cloudy wet spring and my garden loved it. When the sun came out mid-June many plants succumbed. Not all though. The Chocolate Cherry tomatoes and the Costoluto Genovese Tomatoes don't seem to mind with the burlap shades. Cloud cover is our friend here. My husband built a water collection system from half the roof of his shop that holds 2700 gallons which we use for the garden, showers and laundry. It helps.

I always enjoy reading about China too.

Hope everyone is in good spirits and looking on the bright side.

@Granma corrective actions are often simple, if left too long even dramatic efforts may fail. Heat stress is such a problem. Small efforts can assist the body temperature and heart rate to return to normal. Too much excitement can actually speed the crisis along.

Thanks for your thoughts, have a great 4th.

For an OT. I appreciate your suggestions for starting some body cooling. So often, we're told to get someone in to air an conditioned place and/or call 911. But to me, it makes sense to do what you can, on the spot. Even if calling 911, it seems foolish to do nothing while waiting for them. Your no fuss cool down suggestions are great.

I agree that we ought to leave China alone, let the Chinese people make their own decisions about their government. In many ways, the Chinese government takes better care of its people than the US does. China has raised the standard of living of its people under communism, the standard of everyone, not just a few.