Ominous skies

[shiredancer]

Greetings from beneath the smoke cover! We've got a big 'un burning a few miles away in the Goleta foothills. We're pretty sure we're not going to be in any danger even if the winds do pick up, but just to be sure, I've started a little pile of photo albums, important documents, baby videos, etc. If necessary we could be ready to evacuate in about ten minutes, I think. This fire started about 48 hours ago -- that evening I had four teenagers here for a sleepover and they could see the hills on fire directly across from Kidlet's bedroom. Made for an exciting night. At that time it was 50 acres. Now it's 2500. The university where I work is directly downwind from the burning canyon, so I've been living in the smoke and ash for a while now. Today, this evening, it has gotten so weird and strange and freaky -- a dark, sullen, orange and black sky and ash steadily falling everywhere. I took some pictures just now -- I wonder if they'll show at all what it really looks like? Maybe Peter will help me post some.

I hope you all have clearer skies! (You Northern Californios, staying okay?)

Comments

[haleth.livejournal.com]

Today was the first day out of the last 10 that I haven't seen or smelled smoke! Yay! There are still fires, but I think more than half are out now.

That is ominous. Hope it doesn't get any closer to you.

[shiredancer.livejournal.com]

*Hugs* I was wondering about you in your location, Haleth. Glad it seems to be getting clearer! Imagine, a few days ago the count of CA fires was up to 1500, and now it's down to less than 400. We have #1 status for priority right now *brags*.

Poor Big Sur, though.

[linaelyn.livejournal.com]

Yikes! Stay safe, sweetie. I'm watching all the online fire coverage and thinking of you. You sure know the drill with the baby photos/imp. docs./etc! I hope you don't have to skedaddle.

We're all fine, though the air's been smoky for a loooooong time. Today seems to be pretty clear-ish with the breeze blowing strongly.

[shiredancer.livejournal.com]

Yes, you-all up North have had an incredible number of fires! I feel terrible about Big Sur -- haven't heard today's updates yet so don't know how it's going. Ours is fortunately being kept to the Los Padres National Forest (so far) -- no structure damage beyond some sheds. Knock on wood!

I hope your skies stay clear now. *Hugs*