I was awakened at 5:55 by Luna, talking at the window right near the head of the bed. She had been in and out of the open window all night, meowing a rather strange cadence of sounds and vowels, for her. As I moved towards her, I smelled the unmistakable odor of a wood-burning fire. Not necessarily smoke, but wood burning. It was still dark and I could see nothing. I called 911 and was told two fires are burning in the somewhat near vicinities of Georgetown and Pollock Pines. I let the cats inside where Ill have a better chance of catching them if we need to leave. My guy left last night for an out-of-state two-week job and Im house-sitting and caring for his horse, so I had just asked him what to do and what to save if a fire occurred. I was told to spray-paint my phone number on the horse and set him loose. Since Sonic is pretty skittish, I asked what to do if he wouldnt let me near enough to do that. I was told to just do my best. I asked if there was anything in particular he wanted saved - photos, etc. In that moment, he couldnt point me to particulars but he does have three cherished photos of his kids on display. The collection that he has sitting outside is pretty dang vulnerable though and impossible for me to move. So I grabbed a Sharpie and approached the horse, hoping hed let me love him a bit under his forelock and mane (he usually really responds to that) and maybe I could scratch a phone number on him, just in case. But I forgot that the Sharpie makes a slight sound as you release the cap and that spooked him. Dang it. From what I can see, the sky is clear other than some beautiful white cotton-candy clouds. Smoke, coming from the east, is starting to fill the canyon, where the north fork of the American river flows below. There is what looks like a breeze or light wind outside and yeah, that concerns me. Came back inside, turned on the live feed for El Dorado County fires, (like me, my guy doesnt watch TV, but it would sure come in handy right now!), fed the cats, and started gathering necessities, the three photos that I know of, and whatever looks important. The car is about loaded. Maybe Sonic will let me approach him and brand him with a phone number. Id rather that little task be done now than try to do it later if the need becomes urgent. Because Ill still have to navigate this challenging rural road, originally an old wagon-trail, that is largely one-lane, winding and steep. I know its dry everywhere in this state with this drought, but it is unbelievably dry here. Im surrounded by hilly terrain and forest and the wildlife is clearly struggling to find feed and water. We see wild animals daily and they dont demonstrate a whole lot of fear. Water is too urgent a need, food after that. Im headed outside to sniff the wind again and check the sky for any tell-tale signs. Please send some prayers, dear ones. Add them to my own for the people within a short distance from here that I suspect are losing their homes, right now, as I type this. Be well and be safe.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 14:46:21 +0000
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