This is a song written by a local man on July 5, 2012. There are at least 2 pictures of my street in the video and the pictures are touching. Some really moving ones of the evacuation and just how scary it was as the Front Range was lit up on fire...
This is a 5-day time lapse... a long video, but VERY interesting to watch. Skip to 8:00 in for the late afternoon of Tuesday June 26, this was just after the evacuation. At 8:30, the sun goes down and the front range is lit up entirely... that was the ridge of my neighborhood. It is amazing to me to see this and know our home made it... unbelievable.
This one brings tears to my eyes...
At 6:00 into the video, they show Ashton Place and Charring Court. Charring court is right behind our house. As you look at the home burning directly in front of the camera, those are the homes that were directly behind our house. Seeing this video makes me even more convinced that our house still standing is nothing short of a miracle!
I realize our updates are much less frequent - I think we are doing our best to get back to as much of a routine as possible.
To cover the basic update:
As of 8pm last night (July 10) the Waldo Canyon Fire was declared as officially 100% contained!
This is SUCH good news! The fire isn't completely out, but that means they have the perimeter completely under control.
As far as our home on Courtney Drive. Mom and Patrick were out here over the weekend to meet with the insurance adjuster and figure out what needed to be done and what the next steps were. I have to say I don't think I have ever been so impressed by an insurance company as I am with USAA. They are really stepping up and taking care of my parent's home as well as me and Sarah during the displacement.
Some things for the home: All the insulation in the roof/attic will be replaced. The inside of the home will be professionally cleaned and vacuumed. The carpets in all the upstairs bedrooms will be replaced (due to smoke smell). All the blinds (which were fabric) will be replaced. The basement carpets will all be cleaned. The backyard will be re-landscaped and re-fenced.
Some of my expenses associated with the displacement will be taken care of which is a huge relief.
These things will all need to be taken care of before Sarah and I can move back into the house. Brandon has been so gracious to us letting us stay with him as long as we need to. It is becoming a little cramped and stressful... living out of our suitcases with clothing and shoes and our belongings constantly scattered in a one-bedroom apartment. I have to say we really can't complain, but the sooner we can move back the better.
I'll be working to clean and organize the apartment this evening as Brandon is returning home for the weekend and once again it will be 3 folks plus a pooch for 3 days in the little 650 sq ft apt.
I'm hoping I get called in to work this weekend for USAFA Rafting. I would LOVE to take Sarah out on my commercial boat for the day.
Sarah will get to see her brother in Boulder tomorrow - which I know she is so excited about! He is passing through on a trip with some friends. Although the visit will be short, I know she is going to get so much joy out of seeing him. :)
I have been working on myself lately. Trying to gain some sense of routine back along with self-esteem. I started going to cross-fit with Sarah during the week (it's kicking my butt - in a good way of course) and hot yoga in the evenings. I'm quickly starting to notice results and I bought my first pair of shorts in 2 years yesterday! These plus guiding rafts on the weekends is making for some very nice arms!
Other than that, not much to report. We are spending time together, growing as friends, going through some tough things and some awesome things, and making new friends. We are both so blessed!
Thanks to everyone for keeping us in your prayers! We love you all!
Well, I got a lot of positive feedback on our "Wine Night Video Bilingual Update." I'm glad so many enjoyed it. I watched it the next day after posting it and I was so close to taking it down out of embarrassment over my rambling, but then I thought, "Ehhh whatever - I'm goofy, you either love it or you don't..."
So, now that I've had a few days off from writing I figured it was time to get back on the keyboard again. :)
*Side Note: If you are any of Sarah's friends/family - please give her a good amount of crap about not contributing - she has had a "draft" sitting on the dashboard for over a week...thanks! :) *
I was able to visit the home again on Thursday between the hours of 9 and 4. Since I have already taken a fair amount of time off of work through this whole ordeal, I only went over for a little while on my lunch break to get some things together. This time Sarah (and her friend Matt who is in town visiting) came with. This is the first time Sarah has been back into the evacuation area since we were evacuated last Tuesday.
Her reaction was pretty much what I had anticipated. Jaw dropped open and looking around in reverence, shock, and disbelief.
It is one thing to see the pictures and videos I was able to capture on my phone... it's a whole different story to see it in real life. It is unreal to see how blessed we truly were that our home was spared in this tragedy, but even harder to stomach was watching our neighbors sort through the ashes of their homes to find what bits and pieces of their life might still be salvageable.
Please, remember in your prayers the families in Colorado Springs that lost their homes. They had very little time to get things together and evacuate, so I can only assume the loss they must be feeling aside from just their home.
So, changing the subject for just a moment here: an update on the Waldo Canyon Fire
95% contained!!!
(I'd like to imagine here for a second the roaring sound of the applause from each person reading this...)
The efforts of our Colorado Firefighters and the firefighters that have joined in from other states to help is so greatly appreciated - I wish I could give each one of you (I think something like 1200 firefighters???) a big kiss! God bless you all!
With that, I'm not sure what the next step will be for Sarah and I. My mom and Patrick are coming out this weekend to assess the home, meet with an adjuster, and begin to take care of the tasks that need to be taken care of for the home to be lived in again. This process could be days, weeks, or maybe even months.
Although the home is in tact, the hazards are far from gone.
The utilities in the neighborhood are still being checked and worked on: gas, electricity, water, etc.
There is a TON of ash and debris ALL over the place.
The latest I've heard on the news is that because the fire burned so aggressive and hot, it fused the soil together - kind of like glass. So the potential for flash flooding is very high in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood. I've also heard of potential hazard from the chemicals that may have been released in the soil due to the high heat of the fire. So, I'm just not certain at this point what the next step is.
I want to end this point by saying thanks again to everyone. The love and support we have seen through this has been the greatest beauty to come out of this event. I can't feel down, or sorry for myself when I am so richly blessed. I love you all!
WOW! The generosity shown by others to Sarah and myself has been overwhelming! Friday, I was blessed with a gift certificate from a co-worker to help in any items we may need while we are displaced. Yesterday, I was sitting at my desk and 3 lovely ladies walked up with beautiful smiles and were bearing gifts of sheets, a mattress cover, and a beautiful pillow (they said reminded them of me - so sweet!). Today when I arrived at work, there was a box on my desk. This is not unusual as we get various investment kits and marketing materials sent to us all the time. It was different though... this time I recognized the name on the return address - ERICHO! One of our best buds Eric, who lives back in MD, had put together an incredibly thoughtful, witty, and wonderful care package and sent it to us. Complete with all necessary essentials. He did a great job outlining the contents of the package so I have included a pictures of the included contents of the package. Ericho, you are AWESOME!!!
When I entered back into reality (and phone reception) I found out a few things:
First, Hwy 24 was open. This is a major road from Colorado Springs toward the high country, west. This highway had been closed for over a week as the Waldo Canyon Fire was just to the north of it. Although the fire is still burning, this is a VERY good sign of success.
Secondly, I learned that the containment of the fire had increased to 55%. This is also a HUGE victory for our firefighters. They are working so hard around the clock to keep the fire at bay. It has not grown in the last 48 hours - the only acreage added to the affected area is from areas already within the burn zone. This is such good news to return to.
Finally, I received word that for a brief time on Sunday, residents of the Mountain Shadows area there were still under mandatory evacuation were given permission to return for a short time (having to be out of the area by 6 pm on Sunday.)
So, on our way back into town, my friend Ted (Who was driving) agreed to accompany me back to the house to see the condition. As I said before, it was one of two homes left standing on our street, but the condition of the home was entirely unknown. I expected a good amount of smoke and water damage, ash, burns, etc.
What I found upon returning to the home (after a very secure checkpoint entry) was nothing short of miraculous!
The home on the outside showed no signs of visible damage. Debris, embers, trees, and all sorts of things littered the yard, but the home was not only in tact but it looked pristine! I checked the outside first. Fence posts, landscaping, and trees were burnt to nothing. However, the home looked as if a bubble of protection had formed around it. It was clear that the firefighters that were on the scene did absolutely everything within their power to save the home. Trees and fencing were cut down that were near the house. Wicker patio furniture was chucked from near the home and lying in the yard. It was completely unreal to see how close things had burned to the home (a matter in some spots of only a few feet away).
Aspen trees that were left standing were charred on one side and green on the other. The devastation was overwhelming. Behind, beside, and across from our home I saw my neighbors back to visit the charred remains of their homes and lives and the emotions were unbearable. I felt a twinge of guilt as I inspected the yard around my in-tact and still-standing home.
I gathered myself and went to inspect the inside. Surely I would be overwhelmed by the smell of smoke and debris inside from the windows we had forgotten to close before leaving in a hurry.
I nearly collapsed in relief as I opened the front door. It was the most beautiful house I've ever seen - because it was my home and it was exactly how I had left it. Things were out where I had rummaged through to pack what seemed necessary. The couches, TV, kitchen counters... just there as I had left them, as if the house was saying, "OK, time to come home and clean now... just another day..."
I walked from room to room in disbelief as every room was clean, in tact and just as we had left them. No ash, no debris, and surprisingly enough, no smell of smoke. The only visible sign I was able to find that a fire had occurred anywhere near us was a bit of ash in the window sills of the windows we had left open by mistake. I can only assume the firefighters working so hard around our home did everything they could to save it - including shutting the open windows.
I grabbed a few items I had thought about over the last week for both Sarah and I and locked up the house before leaving. It was a strange feeling to leave the neighborhood and driving by the dozens of homes burnt to the ground knowing that it was only a matter of time before I would be able to return to my home and my life.
I pray for those families that have lost their homes. Although insurance the the goodwill of the community will surely find them in homes again, I know that for many it is a lifetime of memories lost. It will be a grieving process for each one of those people, and I can only pray that through this time they find comfort and solace in the peace of knowing they aren't alone, and they won't be through the entire process of rebuilding their lives.
Sarah and I have already decided that once things settle a bit, we are going to see where we can get involved in the effort of those who have lost their homes to help. i'm not sure what that need looks like yet - but when we do, I'll be sure to let you know!
I've included some photos and videos below of my short visit to the Mountain Shadows neighborhood.
Love,
MJ
A home just a few doors up from ours...
This neighbor was just to the east of our home. They were the first ones to welcome me to the neighborhood and offer to let them know if there was ever anything I needed.
My fish Laredo, who I was sure went up in flames as I thought the rest of the house had. In the chaos of leaving, I'm ashamed to admit I forgot to grab him. The little guy made it! he was very hungry, so I was sure to feed him while I was there - but he made it!
This is the house across the street from us. The only thing left visible is the house number. This neighbor was watering his flowers when I was working to pack up the car during the "pre-evacuation" status. He wasn't aware it had been issued at the time. I told him about and said, "It's just a pre-evac notice, but you might want to get a few things packed up." Crazy now to see his house in ashes...
This is the view looking down our street to the eastern end of Courtney Drive - I took this just a few doors up. Our home is on the left with the red truck (Ted's) parked in front.
Another neighbor's devastated home.
Neighbors returning to their property during the brief allowance back into the mandatory evacuation zone.
Backyard. Fence and landscaping gone and charred.
More of the backyard.
Visible evidence in our yard of how close the fire came - this is a planter only a few feet from the home...
As we found it - patio furniture thrown from the vicinity of the home along with downed trees and fencing.
View of the range from the backyard. All of the Ranch is charred and gone.
The west side of the house. The pine tree was removed. Notice the charred fence post and the proximity to the house. Amazing that anything was burning that close and the home remained spotless.
So this weekend, as mentioned in my previous post I decided to go for the Moonlight rafting trip to get away from the stress, chaos, and devastation here in the Springs. I did make certain to have loose ends tied up and contingency plans in place before leaving - so I had a little peace of mind before going.
I got to the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, CO on Friday evening. We put on the river around 9:30-10pm. The moon was full - about 3/4, but it was so bright and Brown's Canyon was beautiful! We took our good sweet time getting to the camp set up below "Big Drop" rapid, and arrived at camp around 3-3:30 am. By that time the moon had disappeared behind the canyon ridge and ever star visible to the human eye was bright as can be. The milky way was more vibrant than I have ever seen it and on the horizon I saw at least 4-5 shooting stars. It was magical and peaceful and just the medicine I needed! We stayed awake until the sun started to light up the sky again, about 5am.
I woke up to everyone on the beach talking and laughing and laying in the sun. We stayed on our campsite/beach all of Saturday enjoying great company, laughs, and beer.
Sunday morning, we all pitched in to clean up and pack up and we rafted out of the canyon.
I could go on and on about the details of the weekend - but to sum it up - I took several naps, layed in the sun, visited with some of the most amazing folks I've been blessed to know, and I enjoyed the river and Mother Nature as much as humanly possible in a span of only a couple of days.
Praise God for rafting and rejuvenation.
-MJ
I've added some pictures and a couple of videos. From the weekend :)
A good view of our camp...
Ryden the river Dog - He'd go after the ball in those rapids ALL DAY LONG
I just received a text alert from KOAA that the estimated containment is now at 25% - that is GREAT progress!!!
Thank you Lord for our hardworking firefighters! God Bless them and their families.
Information taken from http://www.koaa.com - Colorado Springs Local News Station
Here is the latest information on the Waldo Canyon Wildfire
16,750 Acres 346 homes damaged or destroyed 15% Contained
One fatality at 2910 Rossmere Street and 1 unaccounted for at this address. (*this is 3 blocks from our home)
Under 10 others unaccounted for, according to Colorado Springs police.
Mandatory evacuations continue for the area west of I-25, north of Woodmen, north and west of Rockrimmon Blvd and west of Centennial and 30th Street.
President Obama will be flying into the Springs at 12 p.m. to talk with city leaders, U.S. Forest Service personnel and firefighters.
Two people have been arrested for burlarizing a home in the Waldo Canyon Fire area.
Pre-evacuation orders for Douglas County have been cancelled.
Teller County evacuation orders remain the same so far today.
Highway 24 will remain closed through the weekend from Cave of the Winds and the Swiss Chalet.
There was no fire growth overnight. (YAY!)
Highway 24 fire line solidly contained.
Today's fire plan: Complete work around the Stanley Repeater site. Complete direct line construction in divisions C and D. Secure line in Williams Canyon to reduce threat to Manitou Springs. Contain and secure spotfires north of Rampart Reservoir. Continue to secure line on US Air Force Academy.
Well, I'm getting through today relatively well considering what little amount of sleep I got.
Today is the most normal I have felt in days. Still exhausted, and in a daze, but being at work is helpful and staying busy is good.
Sarah went to visit a friend in Boulder last night and had a fantastic time there (Which I was so glad to hear). I'm sure it was refreshing and rejuvenating to get away from the fire, smoke, destruction, and chaos. I am so glad she had the opportunity to go there, see a familiar face, and meet some amazing new ones. We had lunch together today and had a chance to catch up which definitely brightened my day.
Brandon, my friend who owns the apartment we are staying in got home last night. He and I had sandwiches, wine, and watched a movie. This was of course after I got him up to speed on the events of this week.
Despite the wine I had an incredibly sleepless night. I lied awake on the couch for hours with a million things rushing through my mind. Things at work I started freaking out about whether or not I had completed the - constantly second-guessing myself. I thought about all of the "what-if's" with the home. What if there are still things inside that are salvageable. What if it's still standing but all is a total loss. What about rebuilding? What if the home stays and is restored, there is a great danger of flash flooding in the area.
I am so thankful that none of my mother, Patrick, or Meemaw's things have been moved out here and they are still in their home in MD, nothing displaced - but the contents of the house on Courtney Drive contains all of my things. Granted, they are just things - and nothing of great value, but I started over from scratch 2 years ago - building my life out of nothing. Am I strong enough to do this again?
I know that the mere fact the house was spared from total devastation is a miracle and a blessing. But, other than a standing structure - nothing is for sure. I know that on the other side of this, God will have me come out as a stronger woman, but there are moments I ask why? Why after going through so much in the last two years does it seem I'm back to where I started? Then, I remember that I am not the same woman that I was 2 years ago. I'm little older, a little wiser, and a LOT stronger. Not to mention, I have my better half (Sarah) here with me and this time, I don't have to go it alone. All these things considered, I am a blessed woman and I smile when I think of how truly rich I am.
I am overwhelmed by the amount of support and love we have been shown. I know because of the people in my life and the community around me that I have absolutely nothing to worry about. I have clothing, shelter, food, and most importantly fellowship.
People at my work have already begun to show great generosity. I look forward to a few needs fulfilled this coming week. Bed sheets, towels, help with needed essentials, and dinner casseroles are among the gifts we have been offered. Community is a beautiful thing.
Despite trying my hardest to maintain a positive outlook, I am still exhausted and stressed beyond what is tolerable. I had a trip planned for this weekend that has been the highlight of my summer since January - and overnight moonlight rafting trip with dozens of rafting friends. I considered forgoing the trip due to the circumstances, but after talking with those close to me and who know the events of this week and what we've been through, they (and I too) feel it is a good idea for me to get out of town for a couple of days. The devastation and terror we have felt over the last few days have been overwhelmingly exhausting. I need to regroup.
Sarah will be here in the Springs with Campi taking it easy and relaxing. She has made several friends here who are available to her at a moment's notice and she is looking forward to an uneventful weekend. I will have limited reception on my phone, but might try to post some pictures of beautiful Buena Vista, CO where I'll be in Brown's Canyon.
I know reality will be waiting for me when I get back, but I am sincerely looking forward to a day of smokeless air, white water, good friends, and sunshine.
Sarah and I are settled in Brandon's apartment. What a God-send! It was perfect for us to have some space to think, breath, have some quiet, and paint our nails. I can't tell you how amazing we felt after only taking a shower and painting our nails- a normal, girly, every day task.
So for today... it's been an up and down kind of day. I came in to work late. I didn't have the energy or the motivation to get up until 9. Sarah went to a job at 8:30. All morning we have been texting each other how we feel cloudy, dazed, and can't describe how we feel - if we feel at all - numbness actually describes it pretty well.
When I got to work, my friend Julie had found a map showing the effected burn areas - my neighborhood was considered gone. Although I had prepared myself for this - seeing it on an official site still made my stomach sink.
Everyone at work has been SO supportive, loving, and caring. It is so amazing to feel such a sense of community and support here.
Later this afternoon, I received an email from my mom... my cousin had found an arial photo from the Denver Post of our neighborhood... I prepared myself for the devastation, which there was plenty of, but miraculously two houses remain standing on Courtney Drive - and one of them is 2210!
In the picture below, the red arrow points to our home on the corner. Unbelievable! My friends somewhat teased me about running back into the house during the evacuation to turn on the sprinkler system... I can't say that it helped... but I like to think it did. :)
There is no telling when we will be allowed back into the evacuation area - likely days, maybe weeks. I still feel the need to prepare myself for whatever is there. Although the structure of the home still stands, with all the burning that went on around it, it's anyone's guess as to what type of smoke and heat damage has been done - or even water damage considering they were fighting these fires all of Tuesday night and into Wednesday.
As more information becomes available - I will certainly keep everyone posted. Until then please continue to pray for the firefighters as they still battle this growing fire over Blodgett Peak, the Peregrine Neighborhood, and the US Air Force Academy.
Please pray for the families in these neighborhoods that have lost their homes. I have only lived in this neighborhood a short time, but most of the families were residents for up to 20 years. I can't imagine the loss they are suffering.
Pray for our community. Though this is a tragic and devastating event, the beauty that I've seen in the amount of selfless support, compassion, and generosity has been overwhelming. It is truly an amazing thing to see a city rally around it's people in every way possible.
Love to you all!
MJ & SJ
PS - My fish, Laredo, was not remembered in the chaos of the evacuation... I'm saying a little prayer the guy is still there! :)
Day 1 as evacuees. We will be sure to to give better details in the next few days, but I wanted to get this blog up and started as we have had many requests for a central place to update our friends and family.
We were very quickly evacuated from our neighborhood yesterday. We did have a little notice as a pre-evacuation status to get some things packed. To let those of you who aren't sure know there are three levels of statuses. The lowest is "Pre-evacuation" which is, "hey, you might want to go home and start getting a few things together. "Voluntary Evacuation" is next. This is like, "Go home and get together your valuables. There is a slight chance that your area MIGHT be threatened, so be ready in case you do have to evacuate." Finally, we have "Mandatory Evacutaion." This is just as it sounds... cops drive through the neighborhoods on their loud speakers saying something along the lines of, "This area is under mandatory evacuation. Please leave the area immediately. It is no longer safe to be in the area. Leave your home immediately."
This was what we expereinced yesterday. I went home about 2 pm to pack some things. I had a glass of wine to relax a little and very calmly just started gathering things of value. I was in no rush, no hurry. It was a PRE-Evacuation notice. Some friends came to help... we were chillin, relaxing on the couch wacthing the news, packing things and joking non-chalantly...
Then, the cops... the loudseakers... people rushing round the neighborhood in a panic. Neighbors were hugging and crying... it was surreal. We walked outside the house and looked at the ridge just behind us. The sight we saw was by far the most terrifying thing I have ever seen in my life. Flames consuming the ridge within minutes. The fire and smoke that was so far away Saturday through Monday was now in plain sight. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up... the heat from the fire blew in my face. That was when I knew... this is for real and we have to leave NOW.
We quickly grabbed everything we had packed, locked everything up, and joined the hundreds trying to leave the neighborhood. Of course reality set in and I started to cry... to panic even. I drove in our little caravan with me, Sarah, and my friend Ted as we entered the bumper to bumper traffic leaving the Mountain Shadows neighbohood. As we sat in our cars, I was crying. I looked to my right and a guy in the car next to me looked over and gave me a little shrug and sympathic look as if to say, "If we weren't driving, I would totally give you a hug right now... yea, this sucks."
I can only imagine what happened to our neighborhood from that point. All I know is of the smoke. It consumed the entire city... where we were sitting in traffic, the smoke was so thick that it made the sky look like night. Ash and embers were raining down all around. Businesses were closed and parking lots were empty. Surreal... that is the only word I can think of to describe it.
We of course got split up in the traffic and ended up meeting at Colorado Mountain Brewery to regroup. We had to just let it sink in. There was optimisim in the conversation. We tried to encourage each other that surely the house would be ok. After a beer, a delicious meal, and some quality time with friends, we decided we better get settled in somewhere for the night. We stayed with Ted's very gracious parents in their guest rooms. I think Sarah and I both wanted to cry... but shock was set in... and numbness and exhaustion was about all we had.
A sleepless night and some strange dreams later, we started day one. Woke up to news and pictures of the devastation of the Mountain Shadows neighborhood. The optinism diminished by far.
We've settled in today in a friend's apartment. I am SO BLESSED to have such generous people in my life. My friend Brandon works in construction and is only home on the weekends. He has offered to let us stay here for as long as we need.
This evening has been strange. As we settle in, we have moments of, "Oh my gosh, I left this..." or "Crap, I forgot to grab..."
There's nothing we can do. Sarah, Campi and I are safe and together. Aside from that, we have lost some things and been displaced, but all in all we are OK.
I have had so many messages, phone calls, and texts from friends and family all over the country and I am overwhelmed by the willingness and generosity to help.
I can say that right now prayers are the best thing. Please pray for us to have peace of mind and clarity as we continue to work through this. Secondly, pray for those who are evacuated and living in shelters. Pray they find comfort and solace in the community around them.
Pray, pray, pray for our firefighters. They are working around the clock battling a very large and unpredicatable fire. It has consumed 18,500 acres so far and is only 5% contained. They are working so hard to protect the homes and landmarks in our beautiful beloved city of Colorado Springs.
As far as any needs for Sarah and myself... I'm really taking things one day at a time. We packed some clothes and a few other items. If the house is truly gone, we will eventually be in need of things like furniture and houshold goods, etc... but I can't even get my mind around that right now. This is day one and right now we are coping, processing, and greiving. I am sure that in a few days we will begin to plan and take steps in a direction but for right now we are just existing and that's ok.
Bottom line, "Thelma & Louise" are in this together for the long haul. No matter what we are going to come out on the other stronger, closer, and better friends than ever.
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