A neighborhood burns near the foothills of Colorado Springs. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)
This is the horrific images we are seeing from the Waldo Canyon Fire at Colorado Springs. The fire is not affecting us in any detrimental way here in Chalk Creek. No smoke, no ash, just clear blue skies...no rain, of course, either. And rain is what is desperately needed here.
We have been very busy here at the campground. Over 30,000 people have been evacuated from Colorado Springs. Several of them have found their way here, after removing their treasured items from their homes, putting them in their rv's and heading west. We have found space so far for anyone needing it, but I will say it was a wild and wooley day in the office yesterday. I was on all day, and being Wednesday, normally a quiet day, I was alone except for my boss lady, Tamara. We got all the calls answered, everyone checked in, and the folks already here taken care of as well. It was a heart-breaking day, but the attitude of the evacuees was something to be admired. Plenty were very flustered, but realistic about things. In fact, down in the lower campground, folks started finding each other as they were setting up, people who lived in the same neighborhoods and didn't realize they were coming to the same place. They wanted to put up a sign "Woodland Park Evacuation Camp". Very nice folks. One group even had and 80 year old neighbor who had no way to leave, they packed her up in their car and are putting her up in their trailer while the kids sleep in a tent. Just good folks. Just as tragedy brings out the worst in some people, it brings out the best in most. Here is a link to the latest news as of this morning.
So, we're fine, the area is fine, and even if something were to happen, we can be packed and rolling with ALL our stuff in about half an hour. We did discuss the possibility at our staff meeting, and we are as prepared as anyone could be. In the meantime, we pray for rain, no lightning, and for the pyro psychopaths to stay away from our blessed little valley. I will return to our regularly scheduled blog programming as soon as possible!
It's heartbreaking to watch this all unfold. We were just there 2 weeks ago and it's unimaginable that this happened. Thanks for the updates Karen. We follow this closely.
ReplyDeleteIt is heartbreaking. Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteSo sad. Such losses all around. Sure wish I could send you some of our rain and the water all over the ground. Glad to hear you are still having blue skies. Good choice for this summer in Colorado.
ReplyDeleteThe situation that you are experiencing there in Colorado is truly horrific. My heart goes out to everyone. Just wish there is something we can do to help. How wonderful to hear that, when need be, people are rallying around to help one another. Those folks that took their 80 yr. old neighbor with them are amazing. Our prayers are with you and all the folks living in the fire areas. We pray that God will hear our prayers. Be careful, please don't take any needless risks and know we are thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad to see all the distruction and the upheaval that these people are going through. I remember going through Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and your lives are a mess for some time. However, it does bring out the best in most people and that sounds like what is happening at your campground. Wish we could help in some way!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update and stay safe!!
Mother nature is not being kind...first Debby and now wildfires. Be safe....
ReplyDeleteWe really appreciated your post about the fire! Thankful to hear it's not affecting your camp!! So heartbreaking, but at the same time, your accounts of neighbors finding each other, and being there for each other, is very heartwarming. Praying for rain! Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteRobin & Michael Harp of F.R.O.G.turtle
www.frogturtlefriends.blogspot.com
Thanks for the update. I can't imagine how stressed out those folks must be....Glad you could get them set up in the campground. It does do the soul good to see folks rally together and help each other. Take care and stay safe
ReplyDelete