Wild Fires!!

I forgot to mention, when the taxi came to pick us up at 4am July 16th to take us to the airport, the smell of wood smoke in the air was evident and the ash in the pool was obvious. The taxi driver took us via Downtown/Taquitz to show us the fire on the mountain ridge. At the airport people were sweeping up ash from the public areas We were delayed for an hour taking off to San Francisco, not because of the fire or fear of the jet taking in too much ash and crashing. No, the usual .. weather at SFO. That didn't matter to us ... it cut down our stop over by an hour so only four hours wait instead of five. Incidentaly, the United lounge at SFO in one word ... crap!!

Tonight the fires are back and at 6pm we couldn't see the mountain because of the smoke. Ash floating down, smoke causing eyes to stream but far enough away not to cause us any real concern. People have been evacuated to Hemet (it must be bad). About 2,500 acres burnt so far and many homes/buildings gone. We really have considered registering with the American Red Cross to use this place as emergency accommodation. I'm sure the victims wouldn't mind the hooks in ceilings/St. Andrews Cross etc. We'll be sure they are only here during the week!!!!

If all we have to worry about is smell of wood smoke, ash in the pool and having to wash down the patio, then life isn't too bad!!! Cough,  cough!! Pass me a tissue!