49 replies to this topic

[chris v]

 

Chris, that just sucks. I've been so sad all day and my attachment is nothing compared to yours. I can't begin to comprehend how you must feel. I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

I am so angry that this is happening!

 

It literally feels like a good fiend was killed... which in a way is true.  If no one objects too much, I'd like to post some photos...

 

These are all either in EDNF or looking towards EDNF.  Not all of these photos are areas that are affected by this fire, at least not yet.  Just a showcase of beauty.

 

Winter time (undisclosed location)

 

Looking towards French Meadows Reservoir from Duncan Peak fire Lookout.  The fire currently is coming up over the ridgeline behind the lake.

A pic of what was behind me... Duncan Peak Lookout

[chris v]

This is McKinstry Lake, which is on the south side of Hell Hole Reservoir... The fire is just on the other side of the ridge.

 

This is from the top of McKinstry Peak looking towards Loon Lake, Hell Hole is directly behind me about 3000' below.  The fire is creeping up the hillside behind me.

 

Union Valley Reservoir, the fire is heading towards this area...

 

Crossing the creek on a log bridge

 

Top of Bassi Falls... No fire danger at this time.

 

Sun Rock

[mac_convert]

Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. Tragic!

[cw68]

Those photos are gorgeous. I get a certain energy from the Sierra that I feel when I'm nowhere else. It could be that they are the only mountains I've ever lived by and have been able to spend significant time in, but for whatever reason, they are a little part of me. I have a little bit of the feeling that you must have, that they are a huge part of you.

May your friend get well soon and recover quickly.

[chris v]

Slab Creek Reservoir way up top on Cable Point, Poho Ridge is behind me, that has burned.

 

Brush Creek Reservoir, the whole surrounding area is gone, burned.

 

Stumpy Meadows, the whole area is gone, burned.

 

On top of the peak to the south of Stumpy Meadows, ironically there used to be a fire lookout up here.  Most everything in this picture is gone, burned.

 

[chris v]

And the last bit for now... This area is the Rubicon Canyon directly north of Stumpy Meadows.  There are no roads to this place.  It is a steep off trail bushwhack.  You descend roughly 2300' in about a mile.  Steep doesn't explain it.  Very dangerous and very dense forest.  Poison Oak everywhere.  Climbing back out the only thing we could use to hold onto was the poison oak.  Needless to say we got it everywhere.  This next set of pictures, none of this is left.  It is all burned, gone.

 

 

Look close and you'll see the waterfall

 

And the Rubicon River

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

Thank you for sharing those pictures, Chris. It's sad to know so much has burned already and the fire isn't yet contained.

[Howdy]

The El Dorado National Forest is where I grew up. I have spent countless days deep in the woods throughout my life since I was a child. I can honestly say I've been places there that are so remote most don't even know they exist. It was my playground. And now it's gone. I am devastated.

Yep....many many people loved going up to that area to spend time at Stumpy meadows, run the Hell Hole trail, Uncle Toms, and on up to the Rubicon. Nature will come back. Its not gone forever, just for our lifetime.

 

 

A recently retired former Senior CA USFS official commented shortly after leaving regarding our poorly managed Federal Forest lands compliments of burdensome EPA and other bureaucratic policies . . . 

 

"It's either coming out via logging trucks as a product benefiting CA commerce and jobs or it's coming out as smoke and devastation to life and property, which would you prefer?"

 

It is 5 decades of mismanagement created by the green movement hamstringing the land managers with lawsuits. I hope whatever frogs are left up there after this fire are happy. 

 

[Howdy]

Speaking of Stumpy here are some amazing pictures from Wednesday night. 

 

 

https://www.facebook...78807987&type=1

[4thgenFolsomite]

It will all be well recovered in ten years. And it will be much better within just five years. The Star fire wasn't that long ago and it has well on its way to coming back. Fire is a natural thing, although the intensity of this one was big. But it will come back!

[ducky]

Those photos are amazing, chris v.  Such a shame that's all gone.

[Howdy]

If people are interested this is probably the best and most current fire map around is constantly getting updated.  You can see the winds are currently blowing to the west. Blowing the fire down the canyons back into itself. Winds are expected to change direction later this afternoon and blow the fire back up the canyons. 

 

http://www.mappingsu...fires_basic.txt

[bordercolliefan]

Your pictures are incredible, Chris.  Since I'm not too rugged a person, I don't know if I will ever see such remote natural beauty--so thank you for sharing the pictures. 

[camay2327]

Speaking of Stumpy here are some amazing pictures from Wednesday night. 

 

 

https://www.facebook...78807987&type=1

Great photos.  Thanks.

[chris v]

Containment is rising. At 17% and still growing slowly at 82000 acres.