Return from the Land of Aaahhhs

Sorry I’ve been away for so long. The fires really whipped us, then the busy season at work kicked in while we also took an incredible trip to Boston and NYC. I’ll be posting some of those pix here even though they’re not Altadena…

Here are a couple from a recent art show, Art on Palm, held in one of the most beautiful enclaves here, Wildwood Park. These homes were built as hunting lodges in the ’20s by Henry Green and are still as charming as ever. It’s like walking into a national park. Fabulous place.

Breezin along

This was shot in a new vintage car built by my friend, John, up on Mulholland Drive, yesterday.

It has a Lancia motor and drives like a little dream. Took nearly 2,000 hours to build her from the ground up. Its debut was at the Monterey Historic Races and Pebble Beach Concours last year. My husband Steve went along for the ride, too.

Station Fire, or Altadena Fire as we called it…

Took this from the famous Pasadena Rose Bowl Sunday, August 30, 2009. This is called a pyrocumulus cloud, created from the heat and smoke of a fire. You can get an idea of the scale of the fire as of that day.

Mt. Wilson Cam is back!

http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~obs/towercam.htm#imagetop

Today’s Fire pictures

Shot a few from various streets just south of Loma Alta, the evacuation line, and from my roof again. Very close to the house today. No DC10 making drops here today, and that’s too bad because the fire is marching toward Mt. Wilson’s transmission towers. By morning it’s estimated the fire will have consumed 100,000 acres. But better now, in mild winds, than when the Santa Anas kick in during October/November.

Altadena Fire Pix from 8-29-09

Took these Saturday as I scurried about Altadena. The planes were amazing to watch. The fog moved in overnight so now the air is thick and choked with ash. Air conditioners required.

More La Canada Fire Pix

These were taken his morning. Fire is behing JPL and the LA Vina housing community.

The Meadows area has been evacuated.

This is very close to my home so we’re keeping a watch out. I didn’t even take a few minutes to color my hair this morning!

I took my field reporter’s (Bob) dog Buddy for him so they could get out quickly if needed. Thankfully there’s no wind. Unfortunately, water drops aren’t happening due to smoke.

More Fire Pix

From Bob's house on Canyon Crest afternoon of 8.28.09

This got them packing.

La Canada Fire–by Altadena

 

Here are some shots from my friend Bob’s house on Canyon Crest, along Altadena Drive, and from my front yard. WAY too close for my taste. Sorry for focus issues, monopod not as good as tripod. More http://www.flickr.com/photos/ohdebutaunt

Another Entry in the Gates Series

Camp area or residence?

 

Altadena is such a glorious mix of rugged and refined. I would swoon to enter past these sentries every day.