Year: 2009

Two South Coast Incidences today, 4/25/09

There were two fire-related incidences reported today. One was a possible wildfire in the Nacimiento area. One was an abandoned campfire on Plaskett Ridge. The USFS-KC sent a very nice young lady named Tammy over to check on both.

The Nacimiento report was a false alarm. It was a burn pile, near a residence being closely monitored by the owner. The second, which the ex reported to me, and I passed along to the USFS, was not “originally” abandoned, as the ex had seen people there, but after he left, it WAS abandoned, and when the USFS got there, it was still hot, and Tammy made sure it was good and out. 

Thank you, USFS!!

Also, Tammy informed me that the current plan is to open the  forest on May 1, 2009. I did not think to ask if that was the entire forest, or just the portion down here. (Gotta get better at that!) She did say that it should help to take the strain off of this unburned (since 2000) area. That should be good news for the VWA folks.

Fire at Salmon Creek, 4/24/09

Noon – nothing more, so I can only assume no news is good news. I will continue to monitor, but given the cool, foggy conditions, I think it is a good bet that this little fire is either out, or on its way to being out. 

8:20 am – No details, yet. Heard on scanner. I will post more information as it becomes available .

From chp website:

7:57AM 1039 27-S1
7:57AM MTRY CTR ALREADY DISPATCHED FIRE
7:54AM BRUSH FIRE / 50 YRDS X 50 YRDS NR THE RANGER STATON
RESPONDING OFFICERS STATUS
8:16AM CHP Unit Assigned

This posted on Wildland Fire, hotlist:

From the Salinas Californian wire 50-yard brush fire reported in Big Sur
April 24, 2009 
The California Highway Patrol reports that a brush fire has broken out near the ranger station at Highway 1 and Salmon Creek Arch Culvert in Big Sur.
As of 7:54 a.m., the fire was reported as 50 yards by 50 yards in size. 
Fire fighting teams are responding.

Considering the cold, damp conditions, I don’t expect this one to be a problem. But, like Capt. Mike says, it means the ground is ready. *sigh*

Redbud & Blue

Redbud & Blue, originally uploaded by wind_dancer.

In honor of Earth Day, as I was a little preoccupied yesterday.

I planted this amazing redbud in the corner of my garden. I babied it for years, as they usually like more water. But, over the years, it has gradually become very drought tolerant.

Here, it is pictured in its between time, when it still has the buds, but is beginning to leaf out.

Dakota Update

4/26/09 – The vet never called yesterday. I’ll be going down tomorrow.

4/24/09 – Spoke with the vet this morning. There are some problems, and she may have to have a second surgery to remove the “dead” skin on Monday. She pulled out the drain on her back that they were using to flush the wound. They tried the collar, but it stressed her too much. Her red blood count is not recovering as it should, so they will be doing some tests to find out what that is. She is eating very well, walking better, and feeling better, over all, and everyone loves her, she is a sweet dog, they say. I just want her home!

4/23/09 – The vet just called, and Dakota continues to improve greatly. She is “brighter” today than yesterday, is wagging her tail more, and has a great appetite this morning, and is walking better. There is a “slight” chance she could come home for the weekend, but I called and said given the 3 other dogs, the rural, dirty, dusty nature of my place, Monday would be better for her. I would really like the tubes out before I bring her home, as much as I miss her. I don’t want an infection or relapse! I really want her home, and miss her terribly, but reality is Monday, I am hoping.

dsc_20872

I went and saw my dog, Dakota, today. That was so very difficult. I did take my winter sweater, full of my smells. I am so grateful for the suggestion. I am sure it will help her. Hasn’t been washed in quite a while.

I expected her to be happier to see me, but she was so hurt and in so much pain, it pained me. She did wag her tail, some, and did give me kisses when I asked.

I got down on the floor with her (my ex said, “don’t do that, you are going to get blood all over you!” I said, “I don’t care.” But I was grateful he offered to go with me. It was so emotional.) She has a tube going in the top through which they put sterilized water to cleanse the inside of the wound, and, of course, a drain out of which is coming lots of blood, pus, and the water. She has an IV catheter on her leg, as she gets several IVs a day. Her belly looks like she is feeding a dozen puppies, her teats are so full and swollen. She has about 40 stitches, maybe more. She may need a second surgery to remove the dead and dying tissue. She won’t be coming home before Monday.

The good news is, no broken bones, no internal injuries, no gangrene, and no amputations. It will just take some time for her to heal. She is eating, goes out to pea, and walks around, albeit with quite a limp.

I will upload a couple of photos of my baby as soon as the internet allows. They don’t really show the injuries, as that is in the groin area, but they show the top, flushing tube, the shaving, and my sweetie. Thanks, to the ex for thinking to take these for me!!

What she went through to get home to me is beyond remarkable. We are so connected, and the psychic communication was incredibly strong.

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Happy Earth Day-show Mother Earth some lovin’

Hey, what happened to the cool down? It’s as hot as ever up here! Now, go plant a tree, pick up some trash, or care for her critters! Better yet, plan your solar system.

Going to visit Dakota in the doggie hospital. I am taking her my winter sweater, full of smells of me. She can’t come home until at least Friday, maybe Monday. The damage was worse than the vet thought. *Sigh* 🙁

Missing Man & Recovered Woman

Big Sur is a place where strange things happen, sometimes. People tend to run away from family, friends, or society here. They may unwittingly join the “West of Highway One Club.” In the past few days, we have had both happen. The lady who joined the West of Highway One Club is okay. She sur-vived and made it out. The 30-year-old man,Stephen Cunniff, finally made it back to the highway after 6 days missing. And not too long ago, the man who ran from the cops, and ultimately committed suicide, chose Big Sur as his portal to another life.

Something about Big Sur calls to lost souls — those who need healing. They seek it in countless ways. Some of us stay, when we find that healing energy we have been seeking. Others, pass on or through. 

Whatever one seeks, Big Sur so unerringly provides.

Hot Temperatures

Heat wave advisories posted throughout the region for yesterday and today, and then hopefully, a cool down. Lucia reported 100 degrees on the coast, yesterday. I did not notice how hot it got up here, as I was otherwise engaged. Stay cool and fire safe, everyone! And NOAA weather discussion had this to say:

“TREND OF COOLING TEMPS BACK DOWN TO BELOW NORMAL LEVELS WILL

 CONTINUE THROUGH THE END OF THE WORK WEEK."

Life in the Wilderness, 4/20/09

Two stories, and I will try to keep them short, but hopefully interesting.

Remember my post a few days about about trespassers? Wow, did that spark some debate at the Ventana Wilderness Alliance. So far, it is about even between those outraged by my declarations re my private property rights, and those who defend my right to be suspicious of trespassers, with those supporting me gaining a slight lead.

I had no idea people could get so het up about my private property rights. It got really hot today, and I don’t mean the weather. Some posters are very supportive, and others, not so much. Funny, sort of like the trespassers I meet up here: some nice, some not so.You can follow the whole debate; the good, the bad, and the ugly here: 

Ventana Wilderness Forums • View topic – Private Property & Silver Peak Wilderness.

Second, you remember when Dakota was missing for 3 days and I found her shut inside a storage trailer? Well, she’s been missing again. For four days. I didn’t post, as I just KNEW she would come home.

On Thursday, I went to town for an overnighter. Dakota absolutely has to be kept locked inside the first day, or on a leash, otherwise, she will come looking for me. Once, about 3 years ago, she went to the school, 5 miles away. So, she always gets locked up. This time, the dog sitter left the door open and she, naturally, being Dakota, went running off to look for me. When I got home, I combed the area on Saturday. Went to the campground, went to the school, went to Sand Dollar, checked the sides of the road, nada. 

Today, just after noon, Dakota showed up with no fanfare. She came in the open door, and laid down at my feet. I jumped for joy, and then noticed she was all tore up, not walking right, and had a major gash. I rushed her to the vet. Seems she was hit by a car. Her wound was filled with maggots. Four days with little or no food or water, a hip and/or leg that may be broken, and yet she made it home, five miles and 3200 ft in elevation from the highway where she was probably hit. She is in the doggie hospital tonight, and will undergo surgery tomorrow, but the vet is confident she will survive. My dog sitter might not, however.

Dogs are just the most amazing critters, aren’t they? Dakota, the Wonder Dog!!

First Big Sur Fire of 2009 Season

From one BSVFB member, this fire is at Rancho Rico. This is what is reported on wildlandfire:

“As of 2116hrs, Los Padres Communications Center is reporting a veg fire at Sycamore Cyn and Hwy 1 on the West side of the highway, 3-5 acres with 50-60% contained.” 

SurCATS is reporting that as of 9 pm, this fire is in the mop up stages. Here is a link to some photos of the fire:

Kodakgallery.com: Slideshow.

Photos by Nancy Sanders

Big Sur Marathon in one week

Just a reminder, the 24th Annual Big Sur International Marathon is a week from today, Sunday, April 26th. Highway One between the Deli/Post Office and Rio Rd. will be closed for the race. There are only 2 caravans going south, starting from Rio Rd. at 8:45 am and again at 11:00 am. There are 3 heading north, starting at 7:20 am at the starting line; 9:50 am at Point Sur; and 11:55 am at Palo Colorado. You can download the entire caravan schedule here: 

http://www.bsim.org/site3.aspx