despite still being on evacuation alert, we were not prepared for this.

we had seen the forest fire all day long, but there was absolutely no talk of it on the radio. we were listening as were two sets of neighbours. nothing was mentioned. so, we went about our business, enjoying being back at fintry, the kids racing around from one room to the next, jumping into the water, laughing out loud, relaxing and playing. it was truly joyous. friends were there. there was work to do, but it was just so good to be back. labours of love.

and then this. the provincial park right next to us is a temporary helicopter pad where the helicopters loaded up on retardant, and around 5pm, we saw they were concentrating on the fire right behind us. earlier in the day pam and i had walked over to the ess centre set up at the helipad and asked for information and we were told "we don't know anything about the terrace fire burning out of control." (left: smoke rising from terrace mountain as seen from the end of the dock at Fintry. Courtesy of our friends Robert & Wendy.)

yet, at 6.30 when pam, edd and i went for our walk along shorts creek, (which is nothing but rocks and mud), to watch the helicopters, it seemed the smoke was lessening in colour, becoming more a dove grey…yet we walked into the cottage and learned that we were on evacuation order. immediate order.

earlier that day i had amalgamated all the kids stuff and my stuff into one suitcase. millions of little sophie's choices there. so when the time came, the packing wasn't tough, it was just the rush. grabbing crocs and lining them up at the door. the kids were angels. they were eating their dinners and kept eating while the adults ran around them, packing and dragging. (left: team caldwell kids making the most of a crazy situation.)

rushing to the pantry, getting snacks. the fridge, getting water, lots of water. making sure i had the passports. everyone's medications.grabbing cookies from the pantry and pam and i leading the kids out to the front yard where just hours ago the kids had been running through the sprinkler and telling them to sit down and eat a cookie. loading the car. sitting down in the middle seat, holding sela and carys' hands.

and then driving. driving out of the evacuation zone and stopping. to try and find accommodation.  it is a long weekend and there was nothing. but somehow, we all knew something would turn up. i suggested mum call a B&B she stayed at a few years ago and they secured a room for two people. pam got a room at she had stayed at before and the really lovely people there said they would take as many as they could.

it was a 90 minute drive to vernon, the roads were closed. but we got there and into bed. all was well.

we read the news updates and couldn't believe the footage.

but we were safe.

even though leaving again was difficult, i am so glad we got to go back. and we will again.

thank you for your prayers and wishes.