About 2 weeks ago, after spending a beautiful day of kayaking we were faced with having to make some decisions when upon arriving at home we had 30 minutes to evacuate our home. Up here in the Sierra foothill town of Auburn, CA, where we live there was a fire within about 2.8 miles from our home. This was a very quick moving fire because of the winds that day. Needless to say, we were moving around pretty fast trying to decide what to pack. Pictures, important documents, clothing for a couple of days and some other items were loaded into our RV as we hooked up one of our vehicles to leave.
We were very fornuate as the winds changed direction and went to a more northernly direction, we found out we could stay. However, we did stay packed up and ready to go if things could change.
This fire destroyed 63 homes, about 5 businesses completely and a couple of other structures were damaged. So us not having to evacuate was a very minor inconvenience. There is no way I can comprehend what these families are going through. I knew someone personally who lost her home completely, but as she says, at least her family was not hurt. That is the one most fortunate thing out all of this, no lives were lost.
Since that day as I look out from our deck, admire the trees and other natural scenery, I realize how quick things can change for you of which you have no control over. I've also decided that I am going to get those old photo's scanned, loaded onto my computer and then put some of those little family memento's in one place so if we need too leave they are all where I can find them. However, I also realize that it is more important that noone gets hurt during times like this. You know, stuff can be replaced.
I am also very proud of the citizen's and businesses in this town. So many people have donated clothing, food, money and other assistance to help out the families who lost their homes.
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