August 23, 2013

By now the world has probably seen, heard of, or read about the horrific fire that is destroying the Sierra Mountains just to the East of where I live and where I spend a lot of time photographing and just enjoying.   The Rim Fire crossed the western boundary of Yosemite National Park yesterday between Camp Mather and Eleanor Lake and left a path of destruction along Highway 120 North of Yosemite to Groveland.  The Rim Fire (as it is called) has grown to over 105,000 acres -- or roughly 165 square miles -- it is soon going to start it's day of burning largely out of control through steep, rugged terrain. It has destroyed many structures and home and threatens an additional 2,500 homes.  Our family spent a week at Pine Mountain Lake this summer and that area is being evacuated now.  We have friends who live in the Greeley Hill - Groveland area.  I don't ever recall a fire more devastating to California that this fire and I pray for the safety of the people who live and work in this area, for those fighting the fires, and for the fire to end before much more damage is caused.  The way it looks now that is a BIG prayer...the blaze is just 2% contained and the winds are fanning the flames in all directions.  Groveland, Pine Mountain Lake, Buck Meadows,and all the little 'you just missed it' spots along the fires path will need all our support when this fire is finally killed.  It will take a lot of our support to bring this part of California back to the beauty we have know.  Please, if you get a chance to support those in the fires path... please do so.   Thank you from a neighbor in Modesto...