Disaster is one step ahead of me. I fly home to New England for 80-degree temperatures, drought conditions, and sub-par foliage.

Then I fly back to L.A. just in time to see the southern California engulfed in flames. And just after recommending the Mishe Mokwa trail to my row-mate!

With fires in just about every metropolitan mountain range near L.A. and San Diego, and Santa Ana winds expected to continue for a few more days, be sure to stay safe if you’re headed out onto the trail.

Also, you should probably check to make sure the trail you’re headed for still exists.