Dad and Daughter

This weekend is Father’s Day (Sunday June 17), and if history is any indication, the Jemez Mountains will be a popular destination for Dad and family. Camping, fishing, hiking and relaxing will all provide mountain activities for Dad. Fenton Lake (4900 fish), Jemez River (1500 fish) and San Gregorio Lake (8000 fish) have all been stocked for the weekend.

Now….for a word of caution. The  Santa Fe National Forest Jemez Ranger District will elevate fire restrictions to Stage II on Monday,  June 18, 2012, 8:00 am.

The following will be prohibited: (Under Stage II Fire Restrictions)
* Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or stove fire. Exceptions: Petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, propane grills and heating devices that are in proper working order are allowed only in campgrounds and wilderness areas.
* Smoking.
* Using fireworks, explosives or other incendiary devices.
* Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine.
* Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
* Welding or operating acetylene or other torches with open flame.
* Possessing or using a motor vehical off roads on Federal Lands, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within ten feet of the roadway.
* Violating any state law, that specifically concerns burning, fires, or that which is for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fire.

These restrictions will certainly have an effect on your camping experience until we receive enough rain to reduce the fire danger and relax the fire restrictions. Soon the rains will come, the forest will again be alive with wildflowers and all will be right with the world.