Post-Fire Gathering
The Napa Valley fires in October of 2017 were devastating. I have never experienced anything that traumatic.
Over several days, new fires ignited and existing ones spread very quickly. It looked like the entire valley was engulfed in flames. Uncertainty and fear overshadowed hope most days. The fires were dangerously close to our vineyards, farmhouse and barn for three days (60 feet away). It consumed about 40 barren acres of our property.
We came very close to losing everything. In the end, we were fortunate as many of our friends were not as lucky. It was heartbreaking.
The red rectangle represents our property boundary.
The deep sense of community that residents, visiting fire crews and law enforcement felt was so uplifting. It is what fueled us to get through each day.
Thanks to the amazing local and visiting first responders, we did not lose our home, barn, or any vines. We are forever grateful.
Collectively, our immediate three neighbors and we emerged as “The Quad” as we helped each other through the fires. Our neighbors also experienced minimal loss because of the tireless work of the fire crews.
Our gratitude is still flowing today as The Quad takes turns providing lunches for our Dry Creek-Lokoya Volunteer Fire Department twice a month. We are replenishing our karma banks.
After securing our homes and starting repairs, we gathered in gratitude and friendship. There were guitars involved and lots of singing.
We drank wine from each other’s secret stashes. Some of the nibbles I offered were blistered Padrone Peppers, butter lettuce salad with pears & pecans.
After securing our homes and starting repairs, we gathered in gratitude and friendship. There were guitars involved and lots of singing.
We drank wine from each other’s secret stashes. Some of the nibbles I offered were blistered Padrone Peppers, butter lettuce salad with pears & pecans.
Our gratitude is still flowing today as The Quad takes turns providing lunches for our Dry Creek-Lokoya Volunteer Fire Department twice a month. We are replenishing our karma banks.