Dragonfly Ranch

The Detwiler fire is now at just over 76,000 acres and is 45% contained. It has slowed considerably and people are being allowed to return to their homes in some areas. Mariposa proper was apparently spared but a number of families in the surrounding areas lost their homes. The shelters here in Oakhurst are still open, but they are moving aid donation stations up to Mariposa as of tomorrow. The officials won’t release information on the cause of the fire until they have it fully controlled. So we will wonder until then and hope for no more fires this season.

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This morning’s update shows that the fire is 30% contained. It doesn’t appear to be moving towards us very fast if at all, since the evacuation line on our side hasn’t been moved in a couple of days. Another hopeful sign that we’ve forgotten to mention: one of the shelters for large animals was set up at the Coarsegold rodeo grounds, just 5 miles down the road from us. Presumably the authorities believe that we’re at a safe distance for now, at least.

Hypertrophied cucumber

Cold cucumber soup for dinner

Arlin bought two of these online. While he was trying one out, he must have accidentally mentioned back shroud the handle, because the garbage poured out on the floor.

This tiny frog hitched a ride to Fresno and back two days ago by hiding out in our insulated bag when I went to Costco. I discovered it when I was putting milk and butter in the bag to go home. I packed them carefully so as not to hurt it, and it hopped out when I got back, apparently none the worse for the trip.

The fire as of tonight is holding at 75,000 acres with 25% containment. Mariposa evacuees are being allowed to go home; the fire apparently came within a half mile of the town but bypassed it. Everything depends on weather and wind conditions, but we can be hopeful they have a handle on it.

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Not sure how clear this will be, but the fire extends from Coulterville in the north to Cathey’s Valley on the south. It’s a little scary looking because it looks almost like an arrow pointed at Raymond. We are keeping current with reports and updates and have our pre-evacuation plan ready just in case.

Send good thoughts to the people of Mariposa. The town was evacuated for the first time in history and we are told the town may be squeezed by the fire tonight. As those of you who have experienced mountain fires know, it depends on wind and other weather factors where it goes.

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Thank you to everyone who has gotten in touch to ask if we’re OK. So far, the answer is yes, but the Detwiler fire is too close not to worry about, so we’re taking precautions. We’re reviewing our evacuation plans and gathering our stuff so we’ll be ready if it comes to that. But as long as the fire hasn’t crossed the line from Mariposa County into Madera County, we’re OK.

The fire is about 20 miles away as I write at 7:00 a.m. Thursday. The smoke has been in the air all week, so we’re constantly aware of the fire. The photo shows the sun setting in the smoke last night, but it doesn’t do justice to the deep red glow we saw.

This link takes you to the page with the latest official updates. It won’t mean much if you’re not familiar with the area, I’m afraid.

http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/1672

…and it’s 107 degrees

it is out with the old and in with the new!

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