Yesterday was the summer solstice and the 3d anniversary of the start of the Basin Fire, called the Gallery fire back then. It is a time to be grateful for the spirit of Big Sur and the community that supports her. Nowhere is that more evident than at the Don Case homestead.
Joyce Duffy, of the Don Case homestead, wishes to share this with all of us – near and far.
“It is the anniversary if the lightning strike that ignited the Fire that incinerated Don’s house and then went on to consume hundreds of thousands of acres of Big Sur…The whole community suffered shock and loss.
But right now I am watching in awe the miracle of this Houseraising…the joyful energy and teamwork renders me speechless…families and businesses are sending food and coffee and ice for the carpenter volunteers who work ceaselessly in the hot sun…supportive wishes are coming from all directions. This is just a hint of what the power of Community can do, and maybe it is a chance for healing and rebirthing for all of us. On behalf of the Case family, thank you all”
Then:
And now:
We live in a very special place, much as I imagine small towns always have been. There is nothing like a sense of place to ground one.
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I've lived in small towns and large, and Big Sur is like no other. The pictures brought tears to my eyes. It's all heroic and heart warming, God bless the Case family. I volunteered for house painting, I see it's not quite ready. If someone has, can find, or will take a photo of the Cases in front of the emerging dwelling of good cheer, I will make a portrait for them to hang on their new wall.
Photo will have to be close enough to show faces, and two or three views if possible, and sent in the mail so I can hold them to paint. Pets too, if you got 'em, add 'em.
No printer.
Barbara Sparhawk
The Hawks Perch
PO Box 634
Big Sur 93920
Great story Kate.
As much as I thought I knew about the Basin Fire I did not know the exact origin until today.