The toxic algae does not appear to grow in colder water. Most of it seen here is in water in full sun, close to the surface where the sun can raise the water temperature. What we have seen here is if the water has higher than normal levels of Phosphorus and Nitrites and a lot of sunlight the toxic algae will grow, but if the water is shaded with little sunlight there will be no growth. Whether algae growing near a mineral spring would have more nutrients depends on too many other factors to say for sure.

Lizalily, my dear... I feel what you feel, having just experienced this same tragedy... if you could see me right now, you'd think I just lost another "best friend"... my heart goes out to you... Corie and Emma are now in His hands, getting to know each other, chasing bunnies and laying in the perpetual sunshine of heaven. They have no pain, they are at peace, and their memories will live on in our hearts... No other pets can replace those two lovable little creatures, but Maia and Josie will do their very best to step up and help us forget the sadness that comes with loss. Dogs are so intuitive... Maia has been incredibly wonderful since Emma's passing... and I know that the moment you hold Josie in your arms for the first time, there will be an understanding you and I cannot fathom... and Josie will know exactly what needs to be done to make you smile... I'm so sorry, Lizalily... if I could reach through this monitor and hug you, you know I would...

A little burning on new growth on one of four hibs is all the damage from Tuesday but now I have I in the water dish out front as my final denominator whether action is needed. I watered and moved hib plants out of the first light of day and will see how they faired. This should be the coldest of this round but I thought Tuesday was so mother nature as usual is a teasing mother. Will report back in a day or two as to any more burn damage. Shows that hib if well hydrated can take it into the 30's in pots and still not do too much damage. I am interested in seeing if the blossoms that are developed will drop because this cold. Always looking for the lessons Mother Nature offers. Hope everyone else faired well and .... Happy Growing David

Grand Canyon - What a hoot! I was there once. We were taking my young children on a camping trip "out west" and included the Grand Canyon. That was back in the '70s but I remember the scenes like it was yesterday. I'm going back if I get the chance. The best views are from the south rim and I suspect that is where you are headed. The north rim is less crowded, but very much out of the way. On the north side, make sure that you have plenty of gasoline for the round trip in and out, and do not attemp if your car is not in tip-top running order. Check the spare tire - is it properly inflated and holding air? Take plenty of water and some for the vehicle too. The water is more important than food. Make sure that your cameras are in working order - we want pictures!!! if you more than one camera, take along an extra for a spare. Hopefully, your tain ride will travel alongside the Colorado River as it tumbles out the west side of the Rockies. Glenwood canyon (of the Colorado River) is unforgetable. Its a place that you will want to stop and tarry for a few minutes - a great place to picnic - but you will be on the train so make sure you are in position to take in the view. The train will pass through this canyon all too soon. The tracks cross the river several times as it switches from one side of the stream to the other. I believe that the Park Service now restricts auto traffic along the west part of the view sites. However, a shuttle is available. You can get off the shuttle at points of your selection and get back on another shuttle as long as those run during the day. If you plan to take a mule ride to the bottom and back, check first about weight limitations. When I was there, the operators of these mule trains resticted the load to 150 lbs per animal including the person and his gear. I am certain that you will learn about many features of this canyon while you are there - just reading all the signs is an education. Be prepared to meet people of other lands; try to be a good American ambasador. We camped at the next town s outh of the canyon and the tent site next to ours contained a trio of 20 somethings: 1 guy and 2 gals and 1 tent. It turns out the guy was a Dutch Police Officer. i got to know him when he inquired of about speed limits, customs, etc. he was wondering about his rented car. It had lost some of its power and he was concerned there was something wrong with it, and then I reminded hin that he was at 9000 ft elevation and that little Ford 4 cylinder was down to 1/2 to 2/3 of its sea level power, and it didn't have a lot to begin with. Being from Holland, he never experienced this loss of power in his police vehicles.