Before I go on to my photo I want to let you know that the Kincade fire is 70% contained. Almost all of the 190.000 people who have been evacuated have returned to their homes. Power has been restored, but some homes are still without gas. Almost 200 residences have been lost in the fire and many more structures destroyed. My heart breaks for those who have lost their home - while this is on a much much lower scale than back in 2017 when we lost over 5000 homes in Santa Rosa alone, it is awful for the people who did lose theirs.
Once again our community came together to help and support. The warnings this time came early and in an orderly manner - evacuating so many people within 24 hours is not a small feat. Our law enforcement did an excellent job - and the 5000 firefighters who helped containing this very large wildfire (more than 77,000 acres) and put their lives on the line are simply amazing and deserve all our gratitude.
A few days before this stressful week I came home from my grocery shopping. I had parked the car in the garage and wanted to take the bags out of the trunk when I saw this guy right across the street from my house. He was lying there at the edge of the driveway in the woods, relaxing in the sun. He stared at me, but never tried to run away even when I was crossing the street to get a closer look with my camera. Maybe he thought "ah, that's the lady with the wonderful salad buffet" (= my front garden) and knew that I didn't pose any threat to him.
About ten minutes later my neighbor drove up this driveway in his pick up truck and stopped when he saw the buck on his property. Even then, the buck didn't move a muscle - as if he knew that we would never harm him. His message was clear; "this is my place".
And rightfully so.
8 comments:
Glad to hear the fires are mostly contained. And hope it continues.
Love the buck, and am very, very glad that both you and your neighbour were able to leave him in piece.
The animals (and birds) also lose homes/habitat/feed in these dreadful fires - which makes my heart ache.
Glad to hear that you are safe, and that the buck survived the fires too. The toll on local wildlife must be devastating. I am happy that no one with a gun came along looking for a trophy for the wall. Now it is time to rebuild and for the community to restore normalcy as much as possible. These wildfires are becoming all too common,
Those wildfires look frightening and the number of them is scary. Your buck photo is amazing. I am glad he found a safe place to be. Happy new week. Hugs-Erika
Thank you so much, friend, for this update. I'm relieved that this fire seems to be contained but what we've been wondering about is where do so many people go when they are told to leave, the numbers boggle the mind!
But I'm glad you are safe and had this wonderful encounter with such a special, handsome guy ... the photo and story are incredible, that's what makes me love them so much, their trusting and curious eyes.
Wow - that is quite a buck! So beautiful. It is somewhat amazing that he stayed in place.
Those wildfires... I cannot even imagine. I wish those who lost their homes well. I am pretty sure that while I would be thankful for my family's safety, there would be a part of me that would feel so very devastated.
What a very special animal you saw in your neighborhood. The deer is precious, and he has always held a special place in my heart. So glad to hear that most of the people have returned to their homes after the evacuation. Yes, the firefighters are amazing, and it sounds like your town worked very well together during awful time. Beautiful photo, Carola.
~Sheri
What a handsome creature. Did you ever see the Helen Mirren movie, "The Queen"? There is a segment when she is by a stream waiting for help as her car has broken down and this beautiful buck comes over a ridge and stares at her. When I saw this, I thought of that right away -- not making a move. Beautiful.
I am so glad you and yours are safe and that they got the alerts and such in good order. But still, a great tragedy.
So pleased to read that you are safe, although my thoughts and prayers go to all those families who have been affected by these fires.
That is an amazing photograph of the buck.
All the best Jan
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