Welcome Home

 

This is the beautiful view from Garner Valley that greeted us on our return home to Idyllwild.

Instead of smoke clouds, the mountains were surrounded in rain clouds. Considering it hasn't rained since May and that was negligible, we believe prayers were answered in minimizing this devastating fire.We are quite grateful for the tireless efforts of all the firefighters that prevented the fire from entering Idyllwild.

Another great sign, seeing parked wildfire fighting helicopters. When we evacuated, the sky was full of aircraft. Today we didn't see one overhead aircraft.

Only residents were allowed to enter Idyllwild this afternoon. This was the proof of our residence so we could return.When the sheriff's office gave us this pass, they greeted us with "Welcome Home". It brought tears to both of our eyes. Sincere, kind words were given from a caring stranger.

 These were a few of the reminders of the fire that almost destroyed Idyllwild as we entered town.

I was surprised to see this once green pine tree with white pine needles.

Another sight going home, trees surrounded by life giving rain clouds.

Besides worrying about the firefighters, my biggest heartache when leaving this fire stricken wilderness was the impact it would have on the wildlife. As a few of you know, I cried for all the voiceless victims of this fire this week.

When we returned home, our front stairs and porch were covered in blackened embers that fell from the sky while we were gone, along with a blackened bird. Quite disturbing! Before unpacking, the first thing I did upon arrival was refill our water fountain, refill the birdfeeder and hummingbird feeder to help these creatures. My heart was lifted abit when the territorial male Anna's Hummingbird returned to defend his feeder from another hummingbird. There is hope.

We will do all we can to be a part of restoring this part of the wilderness for our dear grandson, Owen.

He was our great distraction during our time while we had to evacuate from this beautiful part of the world.His t-shirt has his future hiking boots and tent on the front...not sure about the campfire on the sleeve.

Happily, I can say Idyllwild still exists as does our humble look out tower on top of this ridge.

Thanks to all our dear friends, family and strangers who sent love and prayers our way this past week.

The Land the Wildfire is Devastating

 

We have both good and bad news tonight about the wildfire. First, the good news, the flames have not gone over Southridge into the town below. The bad news, the fire is still burning northward into the wilderness toward San Jacinto Peak. As of today, 27,000 acres have been effected.There was fear today that the predicted weather patterns would bring unwanted winds. This was not the case.

This photo was taken the day we evacuated Idyllwild. It shows the barrier, Southridge and at the top of the mountain peak, Tahquitz Peak, stands the Tahquitz Fire Look out tower that those of us who are lookout hosts have been concerned  it would be consumed by flames.So far, it has been spared.

To the left of the 100 year old Tahquitz Lookout Tower is the town of Idyllwild, to the right is the destructive fire that is spreading up the wilderness.

This photo was taken from the tower a few weeks ago. You are facing southeast where the fires are burning.

This photo was also taken from the tower. It faces east towards the Palm Springs area.The fire spread down this mountain. Endangered Bighorn sheep are one of the animals in danger from this event.

This meadow, Tahquitz Meadow, is close to the tower. When we walked through this meadow recently, we were surprised at how lush and green these ferns were despite the drought. Some of the ferns reached our chest. It was beautiful. We have been told the fires have gone through this area.For those who like to hike or backpack up in this wilderness, they will be devastated. Much of our volunteer Wilderness Ranger work is done here and nearby where the fire is active.The Pacific Crest Trail, PCT, which goes from Mexico to Canada passes through here.

This area is north of the tower. It is called Wellman's Cienega. Cattle were brought up here in years past to graze. I have learned this is where the flames are headed. To the right of the picture, the fire is progressing. To the left of the picture is Idyllwild down in the valley.The planes have "painted the mt red" along this ridge to protect the town.The flame retardant that is released from the planes is red.

This is a view from Southridge down to Lake Hemet where the water dropping helicopters have been scooping up the water to fight the fire. This photo was taken before the fires began while we were hiking up Southridge to the the lookout tower.

Across the road from Lake Hemet is Garner Valley where firefighters are now camped.

These are views from Garner Valley before the wildfire began.

These are the latest maps from July 19th which show the progression of the fire.

Only a few of our dear friends and family have been able to come visit us here. I hope this entry gives those of you who have not yet come some insight to this beautiful land that is being changed before our very eyes.

Please continue to keep the firefighters, the wilderness and all the living creatures who make it their home and those who are impacted by this disaster in your prayers. We thank all of you who have sent us words of encouragement and support. We feel your love and it helps tremendously.
UPDATE SAT JULY 20
There is a lot of cloud cover and high humidity which is slowing the progress of the fire. They have contained the southern end of the fire. The main focus will be from the North and West. They are sending two hotshot crews of firefighters up the Tram to Mt San Jacinto to attack from the north in the back country.This cable car goes up the mt from Palm Springs.
 They have built a fire line along South Ridge to prevent it from going over the ridge into Idyllwild.

Evacuation From Idyllwild

When the day started, the fire was 14,200 acres spreading eastward without any imminent threat to Idyllwild.(By Wednesday night, it was over 19,000 acres and a mandatory evacuation was in effect.)

We awoke to smelling smoke for the first time and seeing the haze of smoke over the ridge. The wind had shifted slightly to the west bringing the smoke over the ridge to us.

By the early afternoon, this was the view from up our street. The billowing smoke coming our way was quite frightening. We decided at this point that we needed to leave.The fire was not as close as it appeared but the wind was causing this dramatic scene. The official evacuation notice did not come for a few more hours.

If you have been following my blog, you will recognize Tahquitz Rock - A popular place for climbers.This time it is surrounded by smoke.

We headed down the mountain through Garner Valley for the first time since the fire began on Monday.

 

We saw helicopters carrying water from Lake Hemet up into the wilderness fire. Although they are working incredibly hard at what they are doing, they seemed so small in comparison to the blazing fires on the mt.

The Fobes Trail leads to the PCT trail. We have hiked up this road and road our bikes on the paths nearby.This is also where we watched the international bike race in May.

Garner Valley has been cattle ranch country for hundreds of years. The firefighters are working incredibly hard at preventing the fire from coming down into this land.

 It brings us much sadness to see this fire raging through the wilderness. Since last year, we have embraced this new land. We have hiked the mountain trails; trained to be volunteer Wilderness Rangers with the USFS and trained to be volunteers with Tahquitz Peak Fire look out tower.Along the way, we have met incredible people.  Our pain is only a fraction of what people who have lived here their entire lives must be experiencing. We all hope and pray that this land will be free of the fire soon and that the lives of those who are fighting these fires will be protected.

Mountain Wildfire

Our plans dramatically changed yesterday, July 15th. We were preparing for a backpacking trip up to Tahquitz Fire Look Out Tower to do some maintenance on the structure as well as to be on the alert for possible fires when we heard there was a small 50 acre wildfire in Mountain Center 4 miles away.

 We knew  our trip would be cancelled when we saw the Lookout tower on top of Tahquitz Peak surrounded by smoke. The wildfire was growing.

The top of this peak is where the Lookout tower is located. Fortunately, the fire has not spread up to the mountain ridge.The smoke is drifting behind it.

We have seen and heard aerial attack on the fire constantly during daylight hours since the fire began.

Our friend, Dave compared it to being in a WWII movie.They are dropping water and retardant on the flames.The latest numbers of personnel include 15 helicopters, 10 fixed wing aircraft including a huge DC-10.There is a total of 2,241 firefighters battling this blaze on the ground and in the air.

Although this looks close, it is far off in the distance.

This DC-10 can carry the largest volume to attack the fire. I was told it can saturate 10 football size areas ten times before reloading.

This view is from Inspiration Point looking east outside of town.

As we watched, hotspots flared up.These photos were taken before the sun totally disappeared. Fortunately, the path of the fire is eastward away from Idyllwild. The mt ridge and winds from the west are helping to protect us from the destructive fire. As you can see from the photos, much devastation is going on beyond this town. Currently, some of the trails in the San Jacinto Wilderness have been closed due to the fire.The latest news (July 17) is that the fire has encompassed 14,200 acres. Idyllwild is not under threat but we are ready to leave if the situation changes.

Unusual Sightings in Idyllwild

Every time I go for a hike, I keep alert for the presence of snakes, especially rattlesnakes.  This past week, I spotted this poisonous Western Rattlesnake but instead of finding it on a trail, it was in our driveway!

It is not uncommon to hear the howl of coyotes in the distance but they are elusive so you don't see them very often. This one appeared at our back fence during the record breaking heatwave.

 The Green Tailed Towee lives at a high altitude. I have only seen it a couple of times when we hiked up to Tahquitz Look Out tower. I was lucky this day because it is usually hidden from sight.

On a recent hike, we came upon the rare Lemon Lily that blooms in the San Bernardino Mountains between 4,000 and 9,000 feet during July and August.  We saw only 2 of these flowers on the trail.

Although Smokey the Bear messages reminding us to prevent forest fires prevail, it is uncommon to see Smokey in person. We finally got to see him!

 Each year, a pair of Bald Eagles arrive at Lake Hemet to breed. 

Birders celebrate their arrival! Note the huge binoculars!

Near our house, there is a sign warning us that the Idyllbeast may cross the road at any time.

We finally got a glimpse of him. It's been a great week for unusual sightings!

Remembering Firefighters

The flags across the Nation are flying at half-staff to honor the 19 Granite Mountain hotshot firefighters who perished this week while fighting the wildfire in Yarnell Hill, Arizona. Each time there is a loss of life to a firefighter, the pain and sadness is shared by us all. However, very few of us can truly know the devastation that this loss brings to a family and close friends.

 

 On October 26, 2006, a similar tragedy came to 5 families and countless friends and coworkers in and around Idyllwild.The Esperanza Fire which consumed 41,000 acres in the San Jacinto Mountains was due to an arsonist, however, instead of a natural event.  Tragically, the entire crew of Engine 57 was killed on this day -

Pablo Cerda, Jess McLean, Mark Loutzenhiser, Jason McKay, Daniel Hoover-Najera

In January, we were privileged to be in the audience with family, friends and fellow firefighters to hear John Maclean discuss his recently published book. The book brings to life the men who bravely fought wildfires and the investigation and trial that resulted in the arsonist being convicted for murder.

Let us never forget to be grateful for the men and women who risk their lives fighting wildfires so our own lives may be protected.

The words on the plaque at the memorial sight where the men of Engine 57 died could be applied to those who recently died in Arizona.

"In loving memory of Engine 57 , who in the midst of chaos and strife, acted with selfless courage to protect life and property. We will always remember your sacrifice and valor."