Welcome Richard! I lived in Alturas California for 10 years so I understand your growing conditions quite well. We had snow on the 4th of July one year! I wasn't growing orchids back then though. I'm a windowsill grower myself, and feel fortunate to have 30+% humidity here in southern Oregon. My plants have to stay inside during the summer to beat the 100+ degree days.
Welcome to the Orchid Board. Glad you could join us. There is lots of info, and you will find yourself learning new things even if you visit the site everyday for over a year.
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"We must not look at goblin men,
We must not buy their fruits:
Who knows upon what soil they fed
Their hungry thirsty roots?"