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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Heartbreaking day in N. California

Posted by: MrKona Oct 10 2017, 10:08 PM

Hey All,

I haven't been around as much these past few years as other life priorities drew my attention away from the 914. But it was always patiently awaiting my return - Until yesterday, when my house in Santa Rosa was destroyed by the Stubbs fire. The 914, along with my '88 Scirocco are no more.

In the big scheme of life, it's just stuff. My family is safe - and that is what matters most. But like all of you, I poured my heart and countless hours into this car - I knew it inside and out. And my tools... it took me years to acquire and restore many of them. All that effort equates not just to "stuff", but rather, it's a reflection of who we are and what we know how to do. I held it together until I saw the garage remains.

It'll be a long time before life settles back to normal; but one day, I can only hope I find another project that will give me as much satisfaction as did my 914.

- Bryan




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Posted by: Rand Oct 10 2017, 10:10 PM

Sigh. So horrible. I have to commend you on a great attitude perspective about it. This too shall pass.

Posted by: Jeff Bowlsby Oct 10 2017, 10:13 PM

So very sad to hear, thank you for sharing. Glad your priorities are strong and life will go on. Look for another opportunity when life gets back to normal for you, if you feel the need.

Posted by: falcor75 Oct 10 2017, 10:15 PM

Oh that really sucks. :-(
I agree its just stuff but when you've spent hundreds of hours or thousands with that stuff you get emotionally attached to it and seeing it like that must hurt.
Regards from another 914 owner and previous Scirocco owner.

Posted by: MrKona Oct 10 2017, 10:17 PM

I'm amazed at how hot this burned. As I study the pictures, I notice that not only are the aluminum Brembo brakes missing, but so are the five lug fuchs. I sorted through the ashes, and literally found nothing worth salvaging. Multiply this scene by 2000 times, and that's what is happening here now.

Posted by: Larmo63 Oct 10 2017, 10:18 PM

Wow. Just wow.

Can we help? Is insurance going to make you whole again?

Wow.

WTF.gif

Posted by: MrKona Oct 10 2017, 10:19 PM

QUOTE(Larmo63 @ Oct 10 2017, 09:18 PM) *

Wow. Just wow.

Can we help? Is insurance going to make you whole again?

Wow.

WTF.gif


Thanks. Will be contacting them tomorrow, and hope it all goes smoothly.

Posted by: bbrock Oct 10 2017, 10:29 PM

This sucks. I've been getting updates today from a friend who is a cop and lives in Petaluma. The situation sounds incredible and I don't understand why it isn't getting more national attention.

Posted by: echocanyons Oct 10 2017, 10:33 PM

I am so sorry to hear and see this sad.gif .

Sorry for your loss

Posted by: ndfrigi Oct 10 2017, 11:33 PM

Thank God your safe and your family! I’m sure all materials will be replaced! Good you have a nice view/thinking to be strong and being positive in life! Take care and I’m sure God will provide everything!

Posted by: MrKona Oct 10 2017, 11:55 PM

As I look at these photos, I have to remind myself that these are mine. It's like this stuff always happens to someone else. And today, that someone is me.

QUOTE(bbrock @ Oct 10 2017, 09:29 PM) *

This sucks. I've been getting updates today from a friend who is a cop and lives in Petaluma. The situation sounds incredible and I don't understand why it isn't getting more national attention.

Posted by: Cairo94507 Oct 11 2017, 12:04 AM

I am so upset to see those pictures. Thank God you or your family were not injured.

Posted by: Krieger Oct 11 2017, 12:36 AM

Sorry my brother. Tonight is my night to wait and see. 2 of my cars are far away and one 914is behind. Of course on Jack stands.

Posted by: JRust Oct 11 2017, 12:58 AM

headbang.gif So sorry bud. Words can't express

Posted by: Gatornapper Oct 11 2017, 01:11 AM

Bryan -

We cannot begin to comprehend your loss, and we will be praying for you and your family that God's grace and love will be poured out on you in abundance, and that you and your family will be drawn close together and kept.

Your attitude in such loss is nothing short of amazing. You, as I wish we all would be, know that stuff is just stuff, and family is everything. So glad you and your family are ok.

Probably too soon to do this, but some day in the future read "The Shack" by Paul Young. Where is God when trajedy hits? Incredible book, NYT #1 best seller for over 2 years, over 20 million copies sold. Editor/Publisher Wayne Jacobsent (Clovis, CA) is a close friend and I got to spend a day with the author. Never seen a modern book that helped more people, especially those who are suffering and the last thing they need is religion.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

God bless - and may all from here be upward and onward.........

GN

QUOTE(MrKona @ Oct 10 2017, 10:08 PM) *

Hey All,

I haven't been around as much these past few years as other life priorities drew my attention away from the 914. But it was always patiently awaiting my return - Until yesterday, when my house in Santa Rosa was destroyed by the Stubbs fire. The 914, along with my '88 Scirocco are no more.

In the big scheme of life, it's just stuff. My family is safe - and that is what matters most. But like all of you, I poured my heart and countless hours into this car - I knew it inside and out. And my tools... it took me years to acquire and restore many of them. All that effort equates not just to "stuff", but rather, it's a reflection of who we are and what we know how to do. I held it together until I saw the garage remains.

It'll be a long time before life settles back to normal; but one day, I can only hope I find another project that will give me as much satisfaction as did my 914.

- Bryan


Posted by: Porschef Oct 11 2017, 04:11 AM

Jeezus, Bryan. At a loss for words. sad.gif



Hopefully insurance will prove to be worthy, and help get your life right side up at some point.

Posted by: Spoke Oct 11 2017, 04:22 AM

Wow. At least you and your family are safe.

You're right about your stuff. Stuff can be replaced; people cannot. Good luck with the clean up.

I'm not sure how these things work. Will you stay at the same address with a new house? Just buy another house?

Posted by: Old Yella Oct 11 2017, 05:01 AM

Bummer man.





Posted by: Mark Henry Oct 11 2017, 05:03 AM

sad.gif That sucks. but like you say just things. I'm glad you and your family are safe.

Posted by: Coondog Oct 11 2017, 05:16 AM

So sorry for the loss of your home and personal items. Those in time will be replaced, thankful that you and your family are safe.

Posted by: Big Len Oct 11 2017, 05:18 AM

How did it happen that you couldn't move them before the fire hit? I've seen the horrible news reports of the situation, but is it that it moves so fast there isn't time? But you're right, material things mean little compared to life itself.

Posted by: Racer Chris Oct 11 2017, 06:40 AM

So sorry to see that. sad.gif
Good luck Andy.
I'm on one of the wine forums constantly, waiting for word that Napa Steve's property is out of danger. He and Carol evacuated yesterday.

Posted by: JOEPROPER Oct 11 2017, 07:04 AM

Man that really sucks! I don't know how you do it, but have to get thru this and move yourself and your family on. There will be other houses, cars etc... but your family being safe is silver lining. Good Luck! flag.gif

Posted by: ValcoOscar Oct 11 2017, 07:06 AM

Bryan-

That hurts...please remember that you are not alone... We are always here for you.

Stay strong my friend....

Oscar

Posted by: barefoot Oct 11 2017, 07:17 AM

Our newspaper here in Charleston commented that there was very little time to evacuate for many and that the fires were so hot that metal tire rims melted and left cars sitting on their axles.
Arial photos of before & after of Coffey Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa showed the dramatic destruction of many blocks of homes and at least 17 deaths.
Thank god you got out in time.

Posted by: rick 918-S Oct 11 2017, 07:18 AM

So sorry for your loss.

Posted by: saigon71 Oct 11 2017, 07:22 AM

Sorry to hear and see this...but glad you and your family are safe.

Posted by: Edward Blume Oct 11 2017, 07:28 AM

Sincere and deep condolences for your losses. Grateful you and your family are OK. You will rebuild your life and if a 914 is a part of it, let us know.

Posted by: sb914 Oct 11 2017, 07:37 AM

So so sorry!

Posted by: 76-914 Oct 11 2017, 07:58 AM

sad.gif And yet the houses directly across the street appear unscathed. Tragic!

Posted by: Dion Oct 11 2017, 08:04 AM

So very sorry Bryan. Incredible disaster. Happy to hear your family is safe.
Hopefully insurance will ease some of the difficulties.

Posted by: tygaboy Oct 11 2017, 08:08 AM

Bryan - Words fail but know that many from 914 World are here, if you need anything. I'm in Petaluma and have room if you need a place to stay.
Chris

Posted by: rhodyguy Oct 11 2017, 08:09 AM

Why couldn't they be moved in a timely fashion? A fire that is 20 miles away being pushed by 40mph+ winds is on top of you in a half hour or less. There is NO time! Condolences for your sorrows.

Posted by: 914 7T3 Oct 11 2017, 09:03 AM

Its pretty hard to view those photos and so sorry that this has happened. At least you have the right perspective as far as keeping safe.

Hope you are insured for full value of the home and contents as well. Also hope that you will find comparable replacement vehicles that you can enjoy in the future. Hang in there.

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 11 2017, 09:13 AM

It makes the heart ache to see that. Let us know how we can help when things settle down a bit and you figure that out.

Posted by: Elliot Cannon Oct 11 2017, 10:37 AM

Very sorry about the house. Glad you're OK. I know it's kind of cliché but, it could have been worse. sad.gif

Posted by: mmichalik Oct 11 2017, 10:39 AM

Glad to hear that you and your family are safe, that's the most important.

As for the cars, I can completely empathize with your posts and someone else had said, "this too shall pass".


Posted by: defianty Oct 11 2017, 10:46 AM

My heart sank when I saw the photo, awful to see, so sorry - I can't imagine how you must have felt. Glad to hear you and your family are safe and well though.

Posted by: SirAndy Oct 11 2017, 10:50 AM

sad2.gif No words ...

Posted by: NeunEinVier Oct 11 2017, 10:57 AM

OMG, so sorry about your loss Bryan, but very glad your family is okay, that's what matters.

Posted by: wes Oct 11 2017, 11:27 AM

So happy you and your loved ones are safe! Very sorry as said above many times for your loss, no words can bring it all back to normal.
We’ve been feeling safe here in Ukiah although the winds are redercting our way so we are getting ready for whatever as the Redwood complex is 9.6 miles away, seemed safe but now you just don’t know!

Posted by: DM_2000 Oct 11 2017, 02:54 PM

Ack.

Aluminum burns when hot enough.

I'd think that a part or two could be removed and kept so there is still some connection to the cars. Or maybe even a part that is reusable on the next project to keep some of previous cars alive.

Posted by: cuddyk Oct 11 2017, 03:11 PM

So glad you and your family are safe.

We're here for you.

Posted by: JawjaPorsche Oct 11 2017, 04:16 PM

The image is a stark reminder how hot it got. Your 914 really looked good too. So sorry for your loss. Wow.

Posted by: Justinp71 Oct 11 2017, 06:08 PM


Sorry for your loss, but good to hear you and your family are OK.

I hate to see this area burn up, its an amazing area that is like no other in the world... very sad. Hopefully these fires get put out soon.

Posted by: Woodside914 Oct 11 2017, 08:44 PM

Collectively, that is our worst nightmare!

That is so difficult to see.

Sincerest condolences, not only on the loss of your beautiful 914, but for the rest of the house & everything in it, as well.....

Posted by: Big Len Oct 11 2017, 08:57 PM

Funny how the houses behind you don't look to be touched.

Posted by: euro911 Oct 11 2017, 09:31 PM

Oh man, sorry to hear this sad.gif

Hope it doesn't take too long for your and your family to get back on an even keel.

Posted by: Alapone Oct 12 2017, 06:25 AM

So sorry to see this, very sad.

Stay safe

Posted by: Puebloswatcop Oct 12 2017, 10:31 AM

So sorry for the loss you have suffered. Glad you and the family are safe.

Posted by: mbseto Oct 12 2017, 12:15 PM

Glad to hear your family is safe. Condolences on the cars... I think I know what you mean about losing the tools, something that you've held so much it feels like a part of you. Hang in there man, hope you are made whole before long.

Posted by: 914dave Oct 12 2017, 12:36 PM

My sympathies for your loss. Glad you are the family are ok.

Posted by: LowBridge Oct 12 2017, 12:50 PM

wow, not really sure I have any words other than thank god you are your family are safe. good luck on the recovery.

Posted by: napasteve Oct 12 2017, 01:16 PM

CalFire C-130 just dropped a red load on our house. Hallelujah.

Posted by: SirAndy Oct 12 2017, 01:29 PM

QUOTE(napasteve @ Oct 12 2017, 12:16 PM) *

CalFire C-130 just dropped a red load on our house. Hallelujah.

unsure.gif

Posted by: davehg Oct 12 2017, 01:50 PM

The devastation in Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Rosa is disheartening. So many objects acquired over a lifetime consumed in seconds. Rebuilding will be painful and hopefully financially you will be covered.

I spent the day yesterday with a good friend, a car designer and co-founder of the RGruppe, and we were looking at some amazing 914-6s. When I heard about some of the cars he had owned and sold, my initial thought was "how could bring yourself to part with these?" His answer may help you find peace here - he said that he considers the journey to be far more important than the objects. He describes the cars he's owned and parted with as a series of great experiences, and when he's done with the experience, it's time to move on to new ones, which keeps him excited and engaged. (That also explained why we found ourselves in a garage in rural WA looking at a slightly decrepit Austin Healy Sprite to consider).

When I think back on the cars I've owned and regretted selling/crashing etc, I'm at peace when I think of my friend's perspective. What I've enjoyed more than owning them is experiencing them. However they leave my life, the experiences (and the friendships and discoveries) are the best part of the journey.

Yes, the fire burnt your possessions but it didn't consume your journey or your experience - it just created the opportunity to find a new experience. Hopefully that will bring you some added optimism especially as you and your neighbors are surrounded by devastation.

Toasting not your loss but the beginning of your next journey!





Posted by: napasteve Oct 12 2017, 04:49 PM

I like what you wrote Dave and right now I don't know if my Olympic blue still exists. I'll post when I know.

Posted by: 914-300Hemi Oct 12 2017, 05:04 PM

So sorry for your loss. Glad to hear that you and your family are okay.

Posted by: dcheek Oct 12 2017, 05:14 PM

My father had one great line:

"Things always get better"

He grew up during the great depression, so you can see where that thought came from.

I can't tell you how many times I repeated that phrase to myself when I was in the depths of depression over some the many calamities in my life. It gave me hope for a better future. Life is a series of highs and lows. Rest assured that this low will be followed by a high. It seems impossible now but, it will come.

Dave

Posted by: napasteve Oct 12 2017, 05:16 PM

Please understand: our house may have burned but we don't know. We may know soon.

Posted by: Marty Yeoman Oct 12 2017, 05:34 PM

Waiting is a bitch!!

Posted by: SirAndy Oct 12 2017, 07:08 PM

QUOTE(napasteve @ Oct 12 2017, 04:16 PM) *
Please understand: our house may have burned but we don't know. We may know soon.

sad.gif

Posted by: napasteve Oct 12 2017, 07:39 PM

House and 914 still intact. I'm about to start drinking. It's been a helluva day. Pictures soon.

Posted by: turk22 Oct 12 2017, 07:45 PM

We have been following the devastation from here, and can you tell you that is incredible and disheartening to see the devastation over such a wide area. I cannot imagine the feeling to see you home and everything in it disappear.

Hope you come out the other side in tact....

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Oct 12 2017, 08:03 PM

Wow. Just. Wow.

Everything that isn't steel melted to slag.
Zach

Posted by: 914_teener Oct 12 2017, 09:01 PM

QUOTE(Vacca Rabite @ Oct 12 2017, 07:03 PM) *

Wow. Just. Wow.

Everything that isn't steel melted to slag.
Zach



Water boils at 212 F.

There is no way to stop this with the winds the way they where blowing.

I had friends living on St. Johns USVI and now this.....

I feel like doing something.

Posted by: Valy Oct 12 2017, 09:46 PM

I'm glad you and your family are safe.
Sorry about your loss.

Posted by: Krieger Oct 12 2017, 11:35 PM

QUOTE(napasteve @ Oct 12 2017, 06:39 PM) *

House and 914 still intact. I'm about to start drinking. It's been a helluva day. Pictures soon.


Thank God! piratenanner.gif Tonight was a two beer night for me.

Posted by: Big Len Oct 13 2017, 06:28 AM

Is this your neighborhood? Jesus, unbelievable.
https://gizmodo.com/drone-video-shows-postal-worker-still-delivering-mail-i-1819394101

Posted by: Racer Chris Oct 13 2017, 07:39 AM

QUOTE(napasteve @ Oct 12 2017, 09:39 PM) *

House and 914 still intact. I'm about to start drinking. It's been a helluva day. Pictures soon.

I'm hanging with you Steve.
A map on my browser is centered on your property showing updated satellite data of the nearby fire line and hot spots. That's way too close for comfort with a hot spot at the bottom of the hill and the fire line along Mt Veeder Rd.
Praying that good conditions today will mitigate any threat from high winds returning this weekend.

Posted by: MrKona Oct 13 2017, 11:13 AM

Thank you all for your thoughts and encouragement. I'm still having trouble coming to terms that this happened to me. It really does suck. I know it will get better, but it sure sucks now. I've been looking for a silver lining and one of them is that my waiting is over. My house is gone. Unlike others, I do not have the stress of anticipation. Yesterday I was helping a friend of mine in an evacuation alert zone to clean up his yard and wet down the perimeter of his still intact house. He has feeling a stress that I do not have.

My neighborhood is currently off limits so I have not been able to visit the house again. I feel better than I did a few days ago, but I'm sure when I do get back in there it's going to hurt again, but a little less.

The thing is, it's not just one or two houses burned. It's blocks, neighborhoods. It's crazy what has happened, and I wonder how many years it will take to rebuild these places, and what it'll take to get there.

Posted by: MrKona Oct 13 2017, 11:29 AM

QUOTE(barefoot @ Oct 11 2017, 06:17 AM) *

Our newspaper here in Charleston commented that there was very little time to evacuate for many and that the fires were so hot that metal tire rims melted and left cars sitting on their axles.
Arial photos of before & after of Coffey Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa showed the dramatic destruction of many blocks of homes and at least 17 deaths.
Thank god you got out in time.


I was not home... had flown to Atlanta on Sunday. My wife called me at 3am PST and told me they were evacuating. Our neighbor across the street woke my wife to alert her of the glow on the hill over our neighborhood. My wife banged on other neighbors' doors. People were honking car horns to wake others. Another neighbor went to my house and asked my wife if she was ready to go. My young son got dressed, wife rounded up three cats and fled with another family. Must have been quite a scene.

Posted by: MrKona Oct 13 2017, 11:31 AM

QUOTE(Big Len @ Oct 11 2017, 07:57 PM) *

Funny how the houses behind you don't look to be touched.


Yeah... we were right on the edge. Houses across the street were not touched. Here's what my backyard looks like.


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Posted by: MrKona Oct 13 2017, 11:35 AM

QUOTE(davehg @ Oct 12 2017, 12:50 PM) *

The devastation in Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Rosa is disheartening. So many objects acquired over a lifetime consumed in seconds. Rebuilding will be painful and hopefully financially you will be covered.

I spent the day yesterday with a good friend, a car designer and co-founder of the RGruppe, and we were looking at some amazing 914-6s. When I heard about some of the cars he had owned and sold, my initial thought was "how could bring yourself to part with these?" His answer may help you find peace here - he said that he considers the journey to be far more important than the objects. He describes the cars he's owned and parted with as a series of great experiences, and when he's done with the experience, it's time to move on to new ones, which keeps him excited and engaged. (That also explained why we found ourselves in a garage in rural WA looking at a slightly decrepit Austin Healy Sprite to consider).

When I think back on the cars I've owned and regretted selling/crashing etc, I'm at peace when I think of my friend's perspective. What I've enjoyed more than owning them is experiencing them. However they leave my life, the experiences (and the friendships and discoveries) are the best part of the journey.

Yes, the fire burnt your possessions but it didn't consume your journey or your experience - it just created the opportunity to find a new experience. Hopefully that will bring you some added optimism especially as you and your neighbors are surrounded by devastation.

Toasting not your loss but the beginning of your next journey!


Thank you kindly for this interesting perspective..

Posted by: frankiec@outrageous.net Oct 13 2017, 12:07 PM

Please don't forget Mendocino County. I'm on the coast, thank God! My 14 is well but inland it is an inferno. Drove up yesterday from Santa Rosa and you could see the fire burning from the 101 all the way up. sad.gif

Posted by: MrKona Oct 13 2017, 12:12 PM

QUOTE(frankiec@outrageous.net @ Oct 13 2017, 11:07 AM) *

Please don't forget Mendocino County. I'm on the coast, thank God! My 14 is well but inland it is an inferno. Drove up yesterday from Santa Rosa and you could see the fire burning from the 101 all the way up. sad.gif


True. There are so many fires burning it's hard to keep track. Best of luck to you!

Posted by: napasteve Oct 13 2017, 03:11 PM

I'm just back from a trip to our house. House still there. Porsches both in garage and ok. All of my brush removal/fuel reduction efforts seem to be paying off. Fire has burned around most of the house on the ground but has not gotten into the tree canopies. I'll add some pics if I can figure out how to do that with my iPhone. EDIT: I'm too dumb to post pics from my iPhone. Strong north winds forecast for tonight are worrying. We're still hoping for the best.

Posted by: tygaboy Oct 13 2017, 03:36 PM

QUOTE(napasteve @ Oct 13 2017, 02:11 PM) *

I'm just back from a trip to our house. House still there. Porsche both in garage and ok. All of my brush removal/fuel reduction efforts seem to be paying off. Fire has burned around most of the house on the ground but has not gotten into the tree canopies. I'll add some pics if I can figure out how to do that with my iPhone.


Thoughts and prayers, my friend...

Posted by: Racer Chris Oct 13 2017, 03:55 PM

QUOTE(napasteve @ Oct 13 2017, 05:11 PM) *

I'm just back from a trip to our house. House still there. Porsches both in garage and ok. All of my brush removal/fuel reduction efforts seem to be paying off. Fire has burned around most of the house on the ground but has not gotten into the tree canopies. I'll add some pics if I can figure out how to do that with my iPhone. EDIT: I'm too dumb to post pics from my iPhone. Strong north winds forecast for tonight are worrying. We're still hoping for the best.

Thank you for that update. The map I've been watching shows fire all around you.

Posted by: ConeDodger Oct 13 2017, 04:21 PM

Steve, I didn't realize. You must live along the Oakville Grade? I have friends that lived on the Sonoma side and had a vinyard and winery. Just recently sold their property. The Spann's.
If you need anything let me know. I'll be down tomorrow. If the road is still passable, we could put your cars down at my shop.

Posted by: tygaboy Oct 13 2017, 04:31 PM

Steve just called. He was able to get up to his place (I'll let him fill you in on how he was able to do that!) and get some pics. He asked that I help get them posted.

So, here's yesterday (Thurs) morning looking north from the top of his property


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Posted by: tygaboy Oct 13 2017, 04:32 PM

The arrow is pointing to Steve's home.


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Posted by: tygaboy Oct 13 2017, 04:33 PM

Yesterday (Thurs) shot from the ridge top about 1.5 miles NW of them. Same as the last pic.

Bomber dropping retardant.


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Posted by: tygaboy Oct 13 2017, 04:35 PM

Radar site that lets you real-time track air traffic. This is the spotter plane path that circled Steve's place for hours on Thurs.


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Posted by: tygaboy Oct 13 2017, 04:36 PM

Tanker drop just south of Steve.


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Posted by: tygaboy Oct 13 2017, 04:38 PM

This is Steve's place, Thurs ~ 6:00 PM. The fire has burned the ground fuel but, thankfully, didn't get into the canopy. Yes, this was extinguished after the pic was taken.


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Posted by: tygaboy Oct 13 2017, 04:39 PM

300 feet down the driveway from Steve's house. Ground burned, trees not.


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Posted by: tygaboy Oct 13 2017, 04:40 PM

9:00 this morning...


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Posted by: tygaboy Oct 13 2017, 04:41 PM

Remains of a 3000 gal water tank.


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Posted by: tygaboy Oct 13 2017, 04:42 PM

Another from this morning. Sprinklers aimed at the house.


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Posted by: ValcoOscar Oct 13 2017, 04:54 PM

Steve-

Pictures speak volumes...you are very fortunate.

Best of luck to all northern cal teeners.

All of you are in our prayers.

Oscar

Posted by: Tjmrfe Oct 13 2017, 05:19 PM

QUOTE(davehg @ Oct 12 2017, 11:50 AM) *

The devastation in Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Rosa is disheartening. So many objects acquired over a lifetime consumed in seconds. Rebuilding will be painful and hopefully financially you will be covered.

I spent the day yesterday with a good friend, a car designer and co-founder of the RGruppe, and we were looking at some amazing 914-6s. When I heard about some of the cars he had owned and sold, my initial thought was "how could bring yourself to part with these?" His answer may help you find peace here - he said that he considers the journey to be far more important than the objects. He describes the cars he's owned and parted with as a series of great experiences, and when he's done with the experience, it's time to move on to new ones, which keeps him excited and engaged. (That also explained why we found ourselves in a garage in rural WA looking at a slightly decrepit Austin Healy Sprite to consider).

When I think back on the cars I've owned and regretted selling/crashing etc, I'm at peace when I think of my friend's perspective. What I've enjoyed more than owning them is experiencing them. However they leave my life, the experiences (and the friendships and discoveries) are the best part of the journey.

Yes, the fire burnt your possessions but it didn't consume your journey or your experience - it just created the opportunity to find a new experience. Hopefully that will bring you some added optimism especially as you and your neighbors are surrounded by devastation.

Toasting not your loss but the beginning of your next journey!


Well said, brother....
There is peace in that reality.
As for our brothers ordeal....
What’s real is the sense of loss, So we will support you in a shared empathy. Know that collectively we feel your despair and share our heartfelt condolences. I believe with the strength you’ve already exhibited here, you and your family will be ok. Share, With us your journey to the new place and we will applaud you and be inspired by that.
Peace to you and your family.

Posted by: napasteve Oct 13 2017, 05:37 PM

Thx Chris for posting pics for me. Tonight's winds will test our fortune..... thx Rob for the offer but it's way too scary to go there now.

Posted by: PanelBilly Oct 13 2017, 06:27 PM

Just stay safe.

Posted by: Marty Yeoman Oct 13 2017, 09:09 PM

Good luck with the winds tonight Steve. Please do post in the morning how you faired.

Posted by: napasteve Oct 13 2017, 09:40 PM

It might be a while before we know anything but I will post as info comes in.

Posted by: Ed_Turbo Oct 13 2017, 11:01 PM

QUOTE(MrKona @ Oct 10 2017, 09:08 PM) *

Hey All,

I haven't been around as much these past few years as other life priorities drew my attention away from the 914. But it was always patiently awaiting my return - Until yesterday, when my house in Santa Rosa was destroyed by the Stubbs fire. The 914, along with my '88 Scirocco are no more.

In the big scheme of life, it's just stuff. My family is safe - and that is what matters most. But like all of you, I poured my heart and countless hours into this car - I knew it inside and out. And my tools... it took me years to acquire and restore many of them. All that effort equates not just to "stuff", but rather, it's a reflection of who we are and what we know how to do. I held it together until I saw the garage remains.

It'll be a long time before life settles back to normal; but one day, I can only hope I find another project that will give me as much satisfaction as did my 914.

- Bryan


I would probably cry dude. Love my cars more than anything 212.gif

My condolences man. Tough to recooperate after a disaster like that for a homeowner.

Posted by: somd914 Oct 14 2017, 05:58 AM

Lived in Idaho for a short while and experienced range fires up close, but nothing like these. As others have said, those affected and posting here are safe and will rebuild, however it is still an emotionally difficult road.

I've never lost a house or worldly possessions, but I have been through a few traumatic times, but in the end I realized there were silver linings. In those cases it was the outpouring of assistance from friends and strangers, and rebuilding old friendships along with forming new friendships from those who assisted.

Best of luck to all of you, and also to those who suffered losses from this devastating hurricane season.

Posted by: tygaboy Oct 14 2017, 06:18 PM

Pics just in from Steve. These are just south of his place.
He thinks their house is still there and they may have some eye witness info soon.
Thoughts and prayer and fingers crossed...


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Posted by: napasteve Oct 14 2017, 06:24 PM

Thx Chris for posting the pics. There's quite an air show going on just south of us. Sikorsky Skycrane sucks up 3500 gallons of water from an irrigation pond in 15 seconds. Getting real on the ridge top.

Posted by: SirAndy Oct 14 2017, 08:12 PM

QUOTE(napasteve @ Oct 14 2017, 05:24 PM) *
Getting real on the ridge top.

According to the GeoMAC real time fire map, your house is now in the middle of the fire.
sad.gif

Posted by: euro911 Oct 14 2017, 08:41 PM

If you have Google Earth, check out this site ... https://maps.nwcg.gov/sa/#/%3F/38.3094/-122.4481/14

Posted by: napasteve Oct 14 2017, 08:47 PM

Fire has surrounded us for 2 days.

Posted by: ConeDodger Oct 14 2017, 11:07 PM

Tried to go to the smog shop today. Nope. Road shut down just a block or so away. Mandatory evacuation since 3am last night. Everyone in Sonoma is wearing a mask and the smoke is in the air, though not terrible. I could see smoke up on a ridge behind the shop. Probably 2 miles away? The old Stornetta Dairy buildings are mostly burned down. Much of the grassy area around Nicholson Vineyard is charred, though the actual vineyard seems ok. 1/4 mile from that intersection two homes have burned to the ground. In one, the carcasses of two fairly new cars are sitting on their bellys. Tires burned right off.

This is fuched up. sad.gif

Posted by: napasteve Oct 16 2017, 06:50 AM

Yesterday I went to our house and it and the 914 and 993 are fine. So our years of vigilance and work preparing for a fire paid off. I'm not going to post again on this thread. Once we're back home and my computer is up and running, I'll start a thread in the sandbox that tells the entire fire story. I feel terrible for all the people with losses. Our 2 closest neighbors (each about 1/2 mile from our place) lost there homes. We have a 2 mile long fenceline that's in need of repair or replacement and we lost approx 0.2 acres of grapevines. I probably will need to replace some plastic culverts as well as other infrastructure repairs. I think we were very lucky.

Posted by: green914 Oct 16 2017, 09:23 AM

sad.gif

Posted by: StratPlayer Oct 16 2017, 02:18 PM

My son is a firefighter here in utah. He left saturday for calif. to help fight the fires there. Utah firefighters left taking 31 fire trucks with them.

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