Kijabe Fires

It is so dry here.

This weekend we could see fires on Longonot. On Monday fires started up on the hill just above Kijabe. For the past two days we've watched smoke pour out of the trees as the fires eat away at our already-suffering forests. At night we can see flames in several areas on the hillside. Obviously it's not like California forest fires here but it is sad to see our trees go. And there is no way to put out the fires, not water, no fire brigade . . . and no road up there even if there was water.

Tonight Matt and I were headed down to visit a family and say goodbye before we take off this Friday. On our way we passed a smoldering pile . . . apparently someone had tried to burn leaves earlier the day but had unsuccessfully put out the fire. After contemplating the strength of the fire, we decided that the dryness of our area and the fires raging for the past two days definitely required some intervention. So we formed a two-man bucket brigade and that little fire is no longer a danger to middle station. We can sleep peacefully tonight. And we looked like Jack and Jill with our buckets when we finally showed up to hang out with our friends.

While we were there, the fifth grade teacher showed up to ask for a medical opinion. He'd felt sick today so he asked Dr. Congdon to check out his throat. The living-room diagnosis: strep throat. So guess who's subbing next door tomorrow afternoon? Matt! I'm highly amused by this little turn of events.

Just thought you might like a glimpse of some of the events of our day.