Out Of The Frying Pan, The Life Of An Evacuee

We were placed under a mandatory evacuation on Saturday. I was at work at The Carmel Valley Library that day when Forest Service personel came in to update our fire information which we have posted for the public. I was working the desk when he announced that the entire length of the road I live on was under mandatory evacuation orders. I was surprised and concerned, to say the least. When I left for work that morning the fire was not at all visible from my house. I asked if he thought I could wait until I got off work in the early evening, and he said I should go right away and grab my animals, etc. I had heeded the early warning a couple of weeks ago, and emptied my house of my papers, antiques, knitting supplies, musical instruments, etc. I was as prepared as I could get, physically. Beefed up the fire clearance, bla bla bla. Nothing really prepares you to leave a place that you love, maybe forever. We complied with the evac orders, grabbed the kittens, and bailed.

Now we are camped out with family in their 5 bedroom house complete with swimming pool and well supplied liquor cabinet. Things could be worse. I am concerned for the rest of my neighbors who chose to leave ( a very small percentage!) as they may not have as many options as I do. Offers of food and lodging have been pouring in from my many wonderful friends, we were even offered a house in San Francisco, if we cared to go there. There doesn't seem to be much action at the local Red Cross shelter. I can't tell if this is good or bad. Pray for rain.