Stay Cool 209!
By Chris Murphy
We are off to a warm start in 2022 and as I write this, the faint smell of smoke is in the air. There are a few ways to beat the heat this summer. With this drought, we need to be careful for the fire risk and watch our air quality this summer. Even though our nights get a delta breeze, you need to take care during the day. Please remember to stay hydrated and that does the most good. There are many things to do in nice cool air conditioning like checking out a movie at the State or the Brenden, or find your inner Royal Robbins at Stonehenge Climbing or Alpine in Ripon, but being outdoors is the best. Take advantage of a restaurant’s covered patio and when you bike along the trails, there are many tree-covered places to take a break. But here are some fun destinations to enjoy some wetness.
Let’s Swim
The pool at Graceada Park is open this summer. There is also a community pool in Empire that teaches water safety as well as a community pool at the Salvation Army Red Center and splash it up this summer. But please, stay out of the canals and the fast water in the rivers. It doesn’t end well.
Let’s Splash
Sometimes all you need is a splash to freshen up your or your kids’ day. There are now 9 Splash Pads in the Modesto area so you and the kids can have a lot of wet fun and stay cool this summer. Join your kids and run through and get wet and have fun.
www.modestogov.com/543/Splash-Grounds
Let’s Get Misty
You can lower the temperature on your patio by installing misters. You can buy a set for around $30 at the home stores and they install quickly. They use little water and they make a difference if you need to be outside or have guests.
Let’s Raft
As the drought goes into the 2nd year, there is still some pretty good water flow in our mountain rivers. The Stanislaus River has some of the best white water rafting for both the expert and the family level rafters. There are two main areas of rafting, above or below Knights Ferry. The wild river is really running this year and there are some Class I and II to white-knuckle rapids. There are some mellower trips too and for most, some plain old fun float trips. These are all easy to get to, both to start and to get out of the water. Please make sure that you raft these rivers with an expert. Even if the water looks calm, it isn’t. Enjoy the fun and raft to your ability.
Here are some of the local rafting companies that will get you all hooked up, whether you go as a single, couple, family or group, there is something for everyone. Some even have raft and camping options so you can make a trip out of it.
River Journey Adventures www.riverjourney.com/
Sunshine Raft Company www.raftadventure.com/
For rafting the North Fork of the Stanislaus Class IV+ www.oars.com
Stay Cool
Don’t overheat! It is important to not only look cool, but to actually be physically cool. It is great to get out there and run, ride and play but make sure you stay hydrated. It is funny, but longer sleeves actually keep you cooler. Keep water with you. You can over heat faster than you think and don’t push too hard. Don’t be afraid to stop and rest.
Here are some simple tips to stay cool this summer
Stay hydrated
Eat more & smaller meals
Close the shades in your house during the day
Soak your feet in cold water
Drink water or sports drinks with electrolytes, not soda
Wear loose fitting cotton clothes in light colors
More Info:
Cooling Centers in the area – stanemergency.com/pdf/cooling-locations.pdf
City of Modesto Activity Guide: www.modestogov.com/483/Activity-Guide
Keep your dogs cool.
The cement and pavement can be hot! Think about your feet when you go out side and walk on the street. Ouch Ouch Ouch !
Now think about your dog’s feet. Those little pads can cook quickly, especially if you have a little dog like I do. Pay attention to the temps and know how hot the ground can get
PUBLIC SERVICE
Fireworks and the great outdoors do not mix.
Please do not blow up illegal fireworks, no matter how cool you think it is.
Protect your pets! They do not like the explosions.
California is loaded with brush from our wet spring and it will end badly and even metro cities can go up in flames.
Thank you for not burning California
