Firestorm 2003

[Diplomat]

I know that none of us in SoCal are totally unaffected by the fires.  Kathy and I hope that you are all safe and sound and also that your homes and pop ups come through unscathed.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

[OC Campers]

We second Jeff and Kathy's statement.  May God be with you all!!

Jacqui

[Camping Coxes]

I know that none of us in SoCal are totally unaffected by the fires.  Kathy and I hope that you are all safe and sound and also that your homes and pop ups come through unscathed.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

I've been concerned about our So. Cal. people, and specifically have thought often of Scott and Georgeanne (it's getting closer), SimiRich (it's there) and Moose and Moosette (not sure how close they are).  Julian is where one fire started and we've camped there and have friends who own a B&B there.  We were in Valley Center two weeks ago camping, and now it's burning too.  This is awful.

[gsm x2]

I've been concerned about our So. Cal. people, and specifically have thought often of Scott and Georgeanne (it's getting closer), SimiRich (it's there) and Moose and Moosette (not sure how close they are).  Julian is where one fire started and we've camped there and have friends who own a B&B there.  We were in Valley Center two weeks ago camping, and now it's burning too.  This is awful.

Scott and Georgeanne are doing fine.  The nearest fire is at least 20 miles away and would have to cross a river and a mountain range to get to us.  Staying wary though.  Thanks for yoyur concern.

Scott

[oldmoose]

Like Scott & G we're OK also. Simirich is OK also. Non of us were happy about breathing the smoke and ash though. I had to mow in all this and took a number of breaks as it was very hot on Saturday. Stayed inside on Sunday.
Moose

[Camping Coxes]

Like Scott & G we're OK also. Simirich is OK also. Non of us were happy about breathing the smoke and ash though. I had to mow in all this and took a number of breaks as it was very hot on Saturday. Stayed inside on Sunday.
Moose

We're right along with you.  I'm right in the middle of the southern and northern fires, not to mention one more inland too, so we're getting a lot of ash.  My asthma is making me cough from all this and we've got ash all over everything.  No point cleaning it up until it's over.  My pool looks like a big ashtray was dumped in it.  But, my house is still here, not in danger, and my family is safe, so I have nothing to complain about.

[Paul L]

The past few days have been long ones. The fires in San Diego burned into Scripps Ranch, just across the 15 freeway from us. As we worried about the fate of family friends who live in the area we readied a few things just in case. A wind shift took the fire south into our old neighborhood, where more homes were lost.

Although the fires no longer menace the suburbs we feel no relief. The backcountry jewel of San Diego county, where our family has enjoyed generations of outdoors recreation and camping, is burning or in dire peril. The Cuyamaca area has been torched, Julian under threat. It seems it won't stop until much of the areas that are dear to us have been blackened. The skies today mirrored how we feel, gloomy at mid-day under an ash and smoke imposed dusk.

[Cottonwooder]

The skies today mirrored how we feel, gloomy at mid-day under an ash and smoke imposed dusk.

Paul, so sorry to hear that.

[oldmoose]

My SIL's group camped at Wm Heise 2 weks ago. It may be gone by now.

 
I guess we better watch our ash!

[cyclone]

Hi there!  I just wanted all of you to know that those of us in other parts of the country are concerned about you all, too.  I keep watching the news and hoping that none of my friends here or on my scrappin' boards are affected.  I'll keep you and your loved ones in my thoughts.

[Cottonwooder]

Jan, thanks for the kind words.  I've been praying for not only our Southern human neighbors, but all the four-legged ones as well.

[Camping Coxes]

The backcountry jewel of San Diego county, where our family has enjoyed generations of outdoors recreation and camping, is burning or in dire peril. The Cuyamaca area has been torched, Julian under threat. It seems it won't stop until much of the areas that are dear to us have been blackened.

Paul --

We camped in Valley Center two weeks ago.  We've camped at
Wm. Heise and driven through Cuyamaca on our way back from Julian, where we visit often and have friends who own a B&B we try to get to annually.  We don't know if it's still standing.  We tend to always go south when we camp, so I really appreciate the back country jewel of San Diego you speak of.

I won't say I know how you're feeling because I'm pretty safe where I am, but please know that your fellow So. Cal. campers are very concerned and praying for everyone affected by the fires.

[Hoosierpop]

Hoosierpop here (Hollypop's DH)
I'm just finishing up my 5th 12+ hour day here in the newsroom of the San Diego Union-Tribune. My job has been working with the CDF and creating a full page map outlining the fire's footprint. Very devestating!!! While at work on Sunday Holly and the kids were at home. Reports were rolling in on the speed of the fireline. It came within 1-2 miles of our home, we are a stones throw from the Mission Trails Regional Park, which it hit a portion of (Tierrasanta neighborhood). When the TV station mentioned our neighborhood that's when the family headed out with all our photos, documents, dog and cat. Luckily the fire was contained and didn't spread any closer to home. The air for the past four days as been grey and filled with ash. I don't know how many times I've hosed down the sidewalks, patio, car and pool area. This weekend I need to clean out the pool filter, the pool was grey from ash. What is very touching is where it's spread thru Julian and Cuyamaca State Park. We were just camping up at Paso Picacho on SR-79 south of Julian. The  drive home was breathtaking, noting all the horses, beautiful scenery and fresh air and dreaming how cool it would be to live up there with horses, etc. Now, it all looks like a war zone. Anyhow, it's time to get tomorrow's map proofed thru the copydesk and try and get home before midnight. I think I've seen DW a total 5 hours this week. The good news is we're going camping next weekend in the desert at Agua Caliente State Park for 4 nights and plan on enjoying the natural spring-fed pool (always 89

[Hoosierpop]

BTW: If you're interested go to //www.signonsandiego.com, scroll down to MORE and click on maps to see the area where the fire hit.

[Camping Coxes]

BTW: If you're interested go to //www.signonsandiego.com, scroll down to MORE and click on maps to see the area where the fire hit.

Your map was very helpful; unfortunately, I got the answer I didn't want.  Our friends own a B&B in the Pine Hills area, near the Pine Hills Lodge.  From the path of the fire on the Julian map, it looks like it went right through their area.  They were at Pine Hills Road and Blue Jay Drive.  Do you have any further info on this area?  They don't live at the B&B anymore, but also have a home nearby, so they may have a double loss, not to mention losing the source of their livelihood.  Many people will still have a job to go to after losing their home, but my friends may have lost their home and their business.