Silver Fire and Silent Valley Club Part II

We spent Wednesday night in a very uncomfortable Motel in Hemet. I would like to say the bed felt like a board, but that would be insulting to the board.

We got no sleep, probably the fact that we did not know if we would still have our home on wheels did not help. We decided to go for breakfast after checking out of the motel. When we are in a place we are unfamiliar with and do not know where to go for breakfast I usually check the Mr. Breakfast website. It has NEVER let us down, and did not this time either. We found a small little cafe at the airport called "Hanger 1 Cafe". Awesome food at great prices. If I am ever here again we will eat at the Hanger again!

The fire has continued to grow. As of this time it has grown to 16,000 acres and only 25% contained! This picture was taken at the Cafe over one of the hangers.

Smoke Cloud

After eating we decided to go to Hemet high school where one of the two evacuation centers was. We thought maybe we could get some information there. Unfortunately although there were a few Red Cross volunteers there, there was no evacuees there. The volunteers had no info and suggested we drive to Beaumont High where there was the other evacuation center. There was more action there and a better chance of getting information.

Beaumont was in fact the spot. They had cots laid out, they were supplying razors and toothbrushes, and even 3 meals a day.

Unfortunately still no information. We were encouraged to check-in and have some lunch. The Red Cross was contracting to the school cafeteria to supply the meals. We had a burger, salad, fruit and chips and surprisingly it was good. 

A young man running for city council is the city liaison. As of yesterday afternoon he had not slept since the fire. He recommended a small Rodeway Inn in Beaumont. The bed was much better and the room was clean! 

We went back to the center for diner, Teryaki Chicken, and then went to Walmart to buy some more essentials since we had only gotten out with one extra pair of clothes.

Teryaki Chicken with Fritos

The most frustrating part is not knowing when we can get up the hill to retrieve our home. James has offered to have us stay with them until the road gets opened up. We greatly appreciate that. If we knew it would be two or three more days, we would be there. But if they allow escorted trips up the hill to receive the trailer today or tomorrow we want to go get it.

The fire is almost to Palm Springs, so it seems that they could open up the 243 on a limited basis, but I guess they know better then we do, I mean we don't know anything because nobody is saying anything! That's all we want is some information so we can decide what to do!

Having said all that, we are truly blessed, last count there are 26 homes that are destroyed, peoples lives are changed because of this fire. We believe that our home on wheels is fine, we are just a little inconvenienced. 

We were talking with a couple from Twin Pines who did not know if their house was destroyed but seriously believed it was. NBC interviewed them. During the interview the wife lost it and started crying. They probably lost everything but cannot go up to find out. 

I don't much care for the media and especially NBC but I want to give high praise to this reporter! He said he was going up to her area later and he took her address and phone number and said he would call her and let her know the condition of her house! 

Patty hugged her after the interview and tried to console her. What can you tell someone who may have lost everything. Sometimes a quiet hug is all you can give!

That's our update for today,

God Bless you and pray for those impacted!

Brian and Patty