Heartbreaking day in N. California, 914 is no more Options

[tygaboy]

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

[tygaboy]

The arrow is pointing to Steve's home.

[tygaboy]

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

Bomber dropping retardant.

[tygaboy]

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.

[tygaboy]

Tanker drop just south of Steve.

[tygaboy]

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.

[tygaboy]

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

[tygaboy]

9:00 this morning...

[tygaboy]

Remains of a 3000 gal water tank.

[tygaboy]

Another from this morning. Sprinklers aimed at the house.

[ValcoOscar]

Steve-

Pictures speak volumes...you are very fortunate.

Best of luck to all northern cal teeners.

All of you are in our prayers.

Oscar

[Tjmrfe]

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.

[napasteve]

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.

[PanelBilly]

Just stay safe.

[MartyYeoman]

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

[napasteve]

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

[Ed_Turbo]

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 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/212.gif)

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

[somd914]

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.

[tygaboy]

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...

[napasteve]

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.