This spring, California’s poppies ushered in a super flowering season. After a long dry drought, the poppy fields in southern California blossomed everywhere. Spectacular poppies have attracted thousands of people and caused massive traffic jams in small cities such as Lake Essino.
Thousands of people parked their cars on the side of the road, pouring into the green hills covered by colorful poppies, turning the small town of Lake Essino into a popular tourist attraction.
Look at these beautiful poppies to explain the influx of tourists.
Steve Manos, Mayor of Lake Essino, California, said: “We have experienced a long drought that has caused the death of many non-native grass species in the area, which has given wildflowers a chance to bloom. This year’s rainfall hit 100. The new high in the year, so drought and heavy rainfall provide a perfect combination to promote such bloom.”
There will be many people coming here to enjoy the scenery and selfies on weekends. The working day was a bit quieter, but not much quiet.
The local residents said: “We have lived here for 20 years, which I have never seen before.”
Another local resident said: “I think this is a good thing for the local economy — all these tourists.”
The city’s economy has also benefited in some unexpected ways. For example, a driver who illegally parked was fined $55.
But such a large crowd has also brought trouble.
Mayor Steve Manos said: “An employee of the city government was hit by a car. One person was bitten by a snake, and many people competed for parking spaces. Many people parked their cars on the highway.”
Local residents are also not satisfied with the influx of people, waiting for the tide of tourists to fade.
Although the life of Lake Essino will soon return to normal, residents of Lancaster, about 180 km north, are preparing to welcome thousands of tourists, as the next wave of poppies will be in full bloom.