Chalk Peak, after which this fire was named, and Jade Cove, our local lapidary depository, are the title for today’s blog. Place names around here tend to relate to physical characteristics (I really did find sand dollars on Sand Dollar Beach, when I first got here, almost 20 years ago), or to the original homesteaders, like Plaskett. Many locals call my place, Top of the World. That’s what it looks like. But I digress.

Jade Festival Countdown: 1 day! Oh, so much to do and so little time! My friend Mary from Gilroy will be here tonight to help me finish my prep, which means today, I need to prep for her visit.

There were reports by neighbors that there was fire activity on Nacimiento yesterday. It is unclear from the reports which side of the summit she was witnessing, but probably on the east side. It appears that Nacimiento will NOT be a way to get to the Festival this weekend, so plan accordingly.

The Chalk Fire is now 74% contained, with no increase in acreage. No structures are threatened, and all containment lines are holding strong. We’re in good shape, just in time for the Jade Festival!! THANK YOU FIREFIGHTERS!! And Mother Nature, who worked with us, this time.

And this, from inciweb: “A Red Flag Warning has been issued for today through Saturday. Temperature 70-78 degrees; relative humidity 7-17%; 20-25% below 1500 feet near the coast; upslope winds 3-5 mph; becoming erratic 4-9 mph in the afternoon; ridgetop winds north 5-10 mph with gusts to 15 mph, increasing to 10-15 mph with gusts to 20 mph after 11:00 am.”

See many of you this weekend, and I, for one, am really ready for the music, and dancing, good food, and great jade exhibits!