I have the great luck to spend the second half of April in Southern California. The Southwest of the United States had been suffering from a drought for several years. It was relieved by an abundance of rain, and snow in the mountains this winter. The mountain tops of the Coachella Valley in Southern California are still covered with a white cap but the temperatures are rising to the mid-80s F by midday, hence the snow will vanish.

Back in Central Switzerland, north of the Alps, winter has not yet given up its grip, withdrawing only slowly to higher regions and to the mountains.

Yet, after mid march, there have been signs of nature’s waking up from winter sleep at Vogelmoos, Nature Reserve. Following, I share some pictures of that regions and contrast them with the views I enjoy in the Coachella Valley.

Both pictures were taken at the foot of the South Lykken Trail near Palm Springs, California, on April 16, 2023.