By Tom Harris Associate Editor
On February 22, 2023, it started snowing and would continue to do so for the next two weeks, ushering in one of the biggest snowstorms in recent memory in Mosquito/Swansboro. Trees were knocked down by the wind and the weight of the snow. Roofs of outbuildings collapsed. In the upper elevations of Swansboro, at least two feet fell the first week. Some homes were without electrical power for as long as 4 to 5 days. Residents ran out of gas for their generators and couldn’t get to town for more. The organizations of our community and individual residents responded in a true neighborly fashion.
Chief Rosevear mobilized the fire department, which pulled stuck vehicles out of the snow, cutting down trees and blocking the roads and driveways. SCPOA heroes Kevin and Jay kept the plows moving; at one point almost became overwhelmed by the rapid snowfall rate. Residents plowed their neighbors’ driveways and shared firewood. Properties located, “below the snowline” were not immune, as the snowline during this storm reached below Placerville. Even folks who enjoy the snow, do not like being trapped by it. It’s been said, “Mother Nature bats last”. In the winter of 2023, she hit a grand slam.
A hundred years ago, in 1923, there was a popular American slang phrase generally referring to asking someone to leave quickly, being forced to leave quickly, or taking advantage of a handy opportunity to leave. In 2023, I think we can join each other in telling “Old Man Winter” – 23 Skidoo!
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