Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Fire Apocalypse

Hello my friends.  We've had a rough few days around here.  Our beautiful, green and lush Columbia River Gorge is burning.  32,000 acres of forest have burned.  The fire jumped across the river to Washington and 75 acres are burning there.  This devastation was caused by a 15 year old boy showing off to his friends by lighting fireworks and throwing them over a cliff on the Eagle Creek Trail.  One of his friends videotaped him while they all laughed.  A woman scolded him and he mouthed off to her.  She went down the trail and called the police and they got there just in time before the boys were able to drive away.  (NOTE: I borrowed most of these photos from the internet, I did not take the ones of the fire.)


The air is orange-brown and reeks of smoke and the ash is falling like snow.  We are a level #2 of evacuation.  Level #3 and we have to leave.  The fire traveled 12 miles night before last.. right towards us.  We packed up our valuables and important papers.  Yesterday morning we got up at 5 am so Dayle, Travis and Kristi could move our 55 Chevy and 68 Mustang to some friend's house 10 miles away.  They also hauled our travel trailer there with extra clothes to last us for several days or even henceforth if our house burned to ash.


What you are seeing burning here is Cascade Locks where I've share many beautiful photographs.  Isn't this heartbreaking?  


The night after that last moon shot in my last post, I took this of the full moon.  The smoke and ash was thick in the air.


A shot across the river of Cascade Locks with the mountains burning.


We awoke yesterday to learn the fire had traveled the 12 miles to Multnomah Falls.  We all watched the news on TV in horror as the brave firemen battled tirelessly to protect the lodge from catching on fire.  They have saved it for the time being.  See the fire burning right behind it?


Oneonta Gorge Tunnel was only recently restored and a new wooden interior was built.  I was there for the grand opening.  It has now burned. 

As the fire steadily marches west towards Vista House and Corbett.


::sigh::


Shepperds Dell burning.


And so we work on the deck as the fire advances.. 


And we celebrate our young chickens laying their first eggs.  Our only chicken who lays white eggs laid her first, and we celebrated.  We were going to have to leave them behind if we had to evacuate.. it broke my heart.


And so.. we wait.. and watch.. and check the news.  As of today the winds have settled down and have turned to blow the fire back to the east, we're on the west of it.  We are still #2 level in evacuation.  I'll let you know in a few days where we're at.  

((hugs)), Teresa :-) 

39 comments:

  1. Saying prayers for you and everyone else Teresa. So sad, so scary.

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  2. I have been waiting nervously for this update. We are praying for you and our beloved forests. I only recently discovered your blog through our shared obsession over the Cragganmore house off the Otter Crest Loop, but your positivity and kindness kept me reading. Sending you and yours all the good vibes and best wishes.

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  3. How awful. I so feel for you and all the people that are in its path. The stupidity and thoughtlessness of some people. Fingers crossed that your lovely home is safe. Take care. B x

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  4. OMgoodness Teresa, this is devastating. We saw it on the news...just terrible. We have everything crossed that you do not have to evacuate your beautiful home. Sending my best to you and your family. Keep safe my friend xxx

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  5. Because of one irresponsible person, thousands of acres have burned leaving hundreds homeless and even more wildlife without food or shelter. How can the authorities not have charged him?
    I swear humans these days just don't think about how their acts effect others. Sorry for the rant, but it makes me so angry at both the criminal act & the authorities not charging him. Why!?!

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  6. I am devastated to hear this news, and you are in my thoughts as you wait to see how this awful story unfolds. It breaks my heart to see such devastation of the natural world. Bug hugs to you Teresa xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  7. Oh Teresa, such devastation, I'm so very sorry, it must be heartbreaking. I hope your home stays safe, you are very much in my thoughts. Sending you a cyber hug. CJ xx

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  8. So sorry to read this, keep safe. Wishing you and all at your home the very best. Rue

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    1. I have been anxiously waiting for this update, praying that you, your family and beautiful home were safe. I have been following your blog since you first began writing it. Although I have never been to Oregon, I feel like I have visited there many times. Such a beautiful place to live! The devastation is so very heartbreaking... Hoping that you stay safe.

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  9. Teresa, I cry with you. I live in Redmond and it feels everywhere you turn there are fires and our smoke has been hazardous more than once. All of us are, sickened at the burning of our beautiful state. Take care and all my positive thoughts and energies are for you, your home and all Oregonians...peace and love...and let us not forget all our brave wildfire fighters..may they be protected.

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  10. I've been thinking of you and hoping that you weren't directly in the fire's path. In Olympia yesterday ash was floating down so can't imagine how much you're dealing with there. The only positive thing in this is that there was a witness so at least the people responsible for this devastation can be identified, although from what I've been reading on the news they don't seem to care. Stay safe and thank you for posting during a terrifying personal time.

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  11. You know how I feel about this. I adore the Columbia Gorge and this is all so heartbreaking. I worry about you and your home and family where we've had such great visits. I'm praying for you my friend. Please let me know how you're doing.
    Love and blessings,
    Betsy

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  12. Oh Teresa, how awful. I'm so sorry. I'm thinking of you. Stay safe xx

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  13. The destruction is heartbreaking...and frightening...and the cause horrible. I appreciate all the brave responders who are saving as much as possible and your love of the beauty around you which you have gifted us with, my friend. Praying for safety for all and that the fire will swiftly end. Please stay in touch. xx

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  14. Oh Teresa, this just makes my heart catch in my throat. Definitely sending prayers and white light your way.
    My parents are supposed to leave today for a camping trip on the Washington side of the Columbia, I need to call home and see if they left. I am guessing they did not go.
    Keeping you and all of the PNW in our prayers...it hurts so bad to see places you love in danger. Stay safe and stay strong!!

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  15. I can't even imagine how you must be feeling. Its so very very sad. I am constantly thinking of you, hoping and praying that you will not have to evacuate. xox

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  16. These photos make me cry! I can't believe such a young man would do such a stupid thing in this dry summer where everything is tinder dry! So will see what the devastation looks like next year. Hope you stay safe and sorry about leaving your chickens, if ya have to. Glad you've made preparations! Love and hugs and prayers!

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  17. You all are welcome to bring your RV here and plug in. We are all praying that Multnomah Falls lodge and Crown Point will survive. Praying for a friendlier forecast with some rain and lower temperatures. Take care, my friend.

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  18. Incredible pictures. It must be extremely frightening. I'm glad you have somewhere safe to take yourselves to in case the worst happens. Take care of yourselves.

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  19. Devastating Teresa. I pray the fire is under control soon. As well as for your safely. Thinking of you. XO
    Kris

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  20. Prayers hugs love to you all. So sad 😢😢 love Wendy
    Have not read any blogs as still away in UK

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  21. Heartbreaking, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. The devastation is horrendous, hopefully those brave firefighters will be able to get it back under control soon. Take care.

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  22. This is so so scary Teresa. I'll be thinking of you all, hoping for a big rain storm to dampen the fires. xx

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  23. So awful, I am so glad you are being sensible and preparing as best as you can, run if you have to and please stay safe.

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  24. I share your love of the Gorge and am keenly feeling this disaster in my heart. I know the stress and uncertainty are unbearable. Please accept my prayers and big hugs to you and yours from Japan.

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  25. These images are heart rending. I hope with all my heart that those brave fire fighters get it under control and that your home stays safe.

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  26. I had to stop and wipe the tears from my eyes before I could type this to you. These photos are horrifying and breaks my heart to know that beautiful forest is gone. Please stay safe.

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  27. Just heartbreaking for so many reasons. We will all stay tuned for your updates. Sending positive vibes that you, your loved ones, your critters and your home remain safe.

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  28. Oh Teresa, Oh Teresa. Your beloved part of our country. I'm praying for you. Friends are supposed to vacation there soon. They were so looking forward to it . Im praying you don't have to evacuate. Big big hugs to you and your family and your volunteer family too

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  29. I'm so so sorry. It's unbelievable. Im praying for you and all the people concerned. So sad. Keep yourselves safe.
    Big hugs to all the family (and the dogs + hens + fishes etc.)
    xxx

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  30. Teresa, this is heartbreaking. Such a beautiful part of the country, one of my favorite places on this planet...praying you and all your loved ones and everyone, animals too, impacted by this terrible fire, stay safe. Blessings, Victoria

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  31. I've just seen this post Teresa. How terrible this all is for you. I do hope you are still safe and the fire does not head your way.
    Thinking of you all
    Jacquie xxx

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  32. Oh my dear Teresa and family I have just seen your post. I have been wondering how you all were. The photographs are heartbreaking. I will be thinking of you all. I pray you and your stay safe. Also that your beautiful home is not lost. Hugs Anne x

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  33. Oh Teresa. I have no words. I am so sorry. We are looking at the face of a massive hurricane and you are looking at the face of a desperate fire. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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  34. I've never met you, only read your blog, but I've been thinking of you. Here in Vancouver, the smoke and ash are clearing a bit today. But I can't even begin to imagine the sadness, frustration, and fear that you are feeling. Take care of yourself and family and be safe. Our beautiful Columbia River Gorge will forever be altered, but will always be beautiful, especially in renewal. (Mt. St. Helens taught me that.)

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  35. I have thought about you quite a lot over the last few days. I haven't been online much so tonight I especially looked for your blog post. All the fire photos break my heart, especially when you've shown us the beauty of the area. I'm so glad you all are okay and I sincerely hope the fires don't head your way. Stay safe. You and your family are in my thoughts and heart.
    Hugs, Sharon

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  36. Oh No! That is just horrible! I have always enjoyed all your beautiful photos from you state and it is so sad to see it all going up in flames. Shame on those kids!!! I'm praying it doesn't get to your beautiful home. We are bracing for Irma here and it's not looking real good. Such a powerful storm could do a lot of damage. It seems like their is tragedy all around us. Sigh Stay safe....things can be replaced...lives cannot!

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  37. Praying for you and the others in the path of this fire!

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  38. It is truly horrible, especially knowing that it was stupidity that started the fire. Anyone who enjoys nature shouldn't desecrate it in any way, shape or form. It would be shameful and derelict for the authorities not to charge that boy along with penalties for his friends who thought his actions were so funny. And the wonderful lady who spoke to them and then called the police should get a reward.

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