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56 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2024 The 4x4 club had a nice turnout for our fun, scenic March outing with 10 Jeeps making the run. After heading east to Dillon Road, the group turned north, ready for an adventurous 24-mile run up Berdoo Canyon Road and into Joshua Tree National Park. After just two miles, a stop was made at the Berdoo Camp Aqueduct Construction Base which is a historical landmark. This camp was part of the Colorado River Aqueduct construction project which carries water from Parker Dam in Arizona to Los Angeles. It was one of four headquarters for construction crews built along the 242-mile-long aqueduct route and was active from 1933 to 1941. The concrete foundations of the homes remain, including the foundations of a 27-bed hospital. The group made another stop further along the trail for lunch and then continued into Joshua Tree National Park to view its rugged rock formations, stark desert landscape, and the twisted, bristled Joshua trees. The dark skies with lightning, rain, and hail only added to the adventure. Join us for some off-road outings. Our meetings are the second Tuesday of the month in RCN and a 4x4 adventure is typically scheduled for the same week on Thursday. Hope to see you there! ~ Scott Snyder 4x4 Seasons Tails & Trails - All Pets In the spring, people seek relief from allergies. However, dogs and cats may also suffer from allergies, which can cause constant chewing, licking, and scratching and make them miserable. Allergies are an overreaction of the body's immune system to a foreign substance, such as pollen or f lea saliva. These symptoms are due to the reaction of histamine with receptors in our nose and upper airways. Our pets, however, react differently. Dogs and cats have many more histamine receptors in the skin and fewer in the nose. As histamine is released, the receptors cause an itchy feeling and the pet reacts by scratching at that site. Scratching can generate more histamine release, thereby causing more scratching. The constant assault on the skin by the pet's claws can actually damage the skin, leading to bacterial infections. Areas of hair loss and oozing sores known as hot spots are quite common with allergies. Pets who are allergic to f leas will often appear to have no f leas at all. Why? Because these pets are the ultimate f lea catchers, doing everything in their power to bite or scratch the discomfort of the f lea away. The f lea's saliva sets off an allergic reaction leading to a f lurry of chewing and digging at the skin. Allergies to airborne substances, such as pollen and mold spores, are another reason for itchiness in pets. This affects many pets in springtime. This condition can be inherited in certain breeds. If your pet has signs of allergies and you see no improvement with medications, you may have a pet that has food allergies. Most pets develop food allergies over a period of time. Common food allergens can include protein or carbohydrate source in the pet's food. In some mild cases, the itchiness can be treated with antihistamines or even steroids. Pet owners need to be aware that allergies are not a condition that can be cured. They can be managed. Using antihistamines, special shampoos, special diets, and diagnostic tests, such as blood testing and even skin allergy tests, veterinarians can find ways to reduce your pet's itching and discomfort. It is important to control all f leas on all of your pets. Allergies are a big reason pet owners become frustrated with their pet's condition. Collaborating with your vet to identify what is causing your pet's symptoms can help keep your four-legged family member as comfortable as possible. ~ Vivian Walker, vivr@sbcglobal.net In the foreground: Pete and Janice Tummler, and Dan Keil. In the background: Doug Pearson and Mark Dvorak Exploring the Aqueduct Construction Base Camp Heading north, into the storm

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