The Ocotillo Fire Aftermath

June 3, 2020
   This is the view out our backyard toward the cave this morning. 

Burned Out And Bewildered

   As you can see, the fire went all the way across to the cave and then right up on top of the far ridgeline and scorched all the way over there and the saguaros in the foreground are burnt almost to the tops which gives you an idea of how high the flames were at its worst. Lots of classic old saguaros  obviously will be gone soon. That is the most tragic thing, to me.
   The roof line at bottom right is my neighbor, Tom Augherton‘s house which was spared, including all of his trees, which just defies logic. But I’m so glad for him.

   The word on the street is someone was welding a gate in the creek bottom at the Ocotillo Road crossing and a spark lit the fuse.

   Looking the other way, to the east, we see this.

Ratcliff Ridge In Ruins

      I never thought I'd live to see this, considering how many times I have photographed this great stand of saguaros.

Ratcliff Ridge In Coming Storm

   Last Saturday it was a different kind of storm, a fire storm. All that vegetation in the foreground is toast and I'm afraid some of those mighty saguaros will be falling down soon as well. Breaks my heart.

   So, I have finally got back to doing some artwork. What do you think I worked on first?

 

Daily Whip Out:

"El Pendejo Takes A Stroll In The Fire"

   Not really. That is a PTF (previous to the fire). Here is the first scene I did this morning.

Daily Whip Out: "In The Land of Brujas"

   "Brujas" is Spanish for witch. Full disclosure, I did do some fire scenes. Chalk it up to top of mind, or, fire on the brain. Some of those images tomorrow.

"The forest builds itself up and then it burns itself down. You can't stop that."
—Old Vaquero Saying