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California Gardening

Anyone else in the path of the fire like me?

15 years ago

I live on 2.5 acres up in the Santa Cruz Mts and have been watching the progress of the fire since 6:15 this morning. I just got the news that the evaculation area is within a mile of me so I best get packing. I feel so sorry for all those people who have lost their houses. I hope I don't end up losing it all. I think I will miss all the trees, flowers and garden that I have worked 22 years on more then the house.

Fingers crossed.

Clare

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Comments (9)

CA Kate z9
15 years ago
How scary! Best of luck to you.
youreit
15 years ago
Oh, Clare, how awful for you!! We'll be thinking of you, and sure hope your beautiful garden, as well as your home, is spared.

I was just thinking of Betsy Clebsch, author of The New Book of Salvias, who reportedly lives on some property in the Santa Cruz Mtns. She grows hundreds of varieties of Salvia there, and I hope her property is spared, as well.

Please let us know how things are going, Clare...when you get a chance, that is.

Brenda
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caflowerluver
Original Author
15 years ago
Thaks everyone for your concern. We went back and forth about leaving since the fire was only 2 miles away. We decided to stay. We made it through the night ok. The fire is 20% contained, 5% more then last night. They are working 24 hr shifts.

At the least the weather has improved for fire fighting. We have fog and mist and it is completely calm, no wind. Last night at 10PM the wind picked up again and we were a little worried, but decided to chance it and stay.

It will take them all weekend to put it out. We will have to keep a watch on it because it could change direction and spread at any time. I hope the winds are gone for good and it stays calm. It won't be safe up here until it is completely put out. This is as close as I ever want to get to a wild fire!
Clare
youreit
15 years ago
I totally know what you're going through, Clare! Well, my folks do, anyway. They had a fire threaten my childhood home several years ago, and all I kept thinking was the loss of all the memories there.

They had actually loaded up what they could - pets, necessities, 5th wheel - and were headed down the road when they both looked at each other and said, "We can't leave without a fight!" Luckily, their home was spared, as were the neighbors' homes. Firefighters are awesome!

Hang in there, and stay safe, Clare! We'll be thinking of you!

Brenda
youreit
15 years ago
I just read this morning that people from the community of Corralitos are being escorted back to view their homes. My aunt and uncle live there. I hope their home made it through safely!

Brenda

Here is a link that might be useful: CAL FIRE
caflowerluver
Original Author
15 years ago
We are one of the lucky ones that the fire moved away from. It is still going strong though with only about 35% contained. We are not far from downtown Corralitos and have been going to the Corralitos Market & Sausage Co. for years.
Clare
lesdvs9
15 years ago
I'm sorry I've been gone, I'm glad your home and area was saved. Fire is pretty scary to watch and wonder.
Leslie
youreit
15 years ago
Oh, Clare, that market makes THE most incredible sausages! Lots of great deli stuff there, too. Two of my cousins worked there for years when they were younger, and I THINK one of them returned there after serving in the military and doing other things for a while. It's a small world! :)

I'm so glad to hear your property was spared!! Keeping my fingers crossed that no other homes will be lost. It looks like they have it at least 60% contained now!

Brenda
calpat
15 years ago
Clare, hope things are settling down for you. I don't really know the area where you live, but I'm tracking it now. I live in Redding, the fires were all around us last week,the air quality was very dangerous, but things are clearing up every few days. Some areas around me are still in a dangerous zone. Please do keep us informed, we're all rooting for you. Pat

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