Editor’s note: Information for this article was compiled from numerous sources, listed below. While the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the pause button for the world’s economies, the question of what happens next—and what should happen next—is being debated by the… Continue Reading
Modoc County, March 18, 2020—Snow came several days this week, symbolically sealing off residents of the California Outback hermetically from others. In a county where the population is 2 people per square mile, it’s easy to be distanced socially. And… Continue Reading
Given the mosquitos, often blustery wind and a summer heat that can be unrelenting to those not topping a bonnet, one of the more interesting outdoor activities in the California Outback can also actually be enjoyed while indoors—as in behind… Continue Reading
The new postmistress of Canby hauled up the stars and stripes on the flagpole as I walked by—flipping through my mail—and I called out, “Oh, no! Jury duty.” She merely laughed. A recent transplant from Michigan, she alluded to being… Continue Reading
There’s a new ranger in town up on the Modoc National Forest—at least temporarily. She is Danelle Harrison, acting forest supervisor—on loan from the Kaibab National Forest down near the Grand Canyon—which she promotes proudly with a Kaibab National Forest… Continue Reading
There are three sources for drama: Man vs. himself, man vs. man and man vs. nature. In Modoc County folks who want to grow their own veggies, herbs and flowers—immediately have access to a bountiful crop of drama: Facing off… Continue Reading
Blame the llamas. They escaped their pen and went roaming. Who can fault them? Nice fresh grass sprouting after all the winter rains. Big pond of water nearby to drink from: You’d break free too! March here in the California… Continue Reading
If you want to test your self-sufficiency—or sense of it—get yourself snowed in, preferably while staying in a small cabin, in some remote woods. And then let the electricity go out. And so recently, I was snowed in under almost… Continue Reading
Backstage of the century-old Town Hall in Modoc County’s Fort Bidwell—up in the far, right corner of California—the visitor can see faded inscriptions on rough-hewn walls: Little time capsules of messages—now murky—in schoolhouse penmanship of our grandparents. Written many in… Continue Reading
Fall descends on California’s High Desert now, with telltales natural and man-made settling over the sagebrush. Though the equinox is a few weeks away, already the atmosphere has chilled and a watch needs keeping on the forecast for frost—the first… Continue Reading
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