Ah, Catalina

My folks sent us a lovely anniversary card this past weekend (12 years on May 13), and Janet had written "Ah, Catalina."

As some of you know, that is the island off the southern coast of California where Tim and I were married, and where we celebrated my birthday back in February.

What you may not know was that it suffered a horrific wildfire this past weekend, and the town of Avalon (where most of the 3000 island residents live) had to be evacuated. Fortunately, only a couple homes and commercial buildings were lost: LAFD and the Coast Guard and Camp Pendleton all rushed to the rescue of our little island getaway.





The scarring to the island is dramatic, and it will take decades to fully heal. But nature works in its own way, and the fire will hopefully bring back some of the island's native plants that have been eaten or choked out by non-native animals and plants. Meanwhile, residents have been allowed back home to the island, and visitors will be allowed very shortly.





The link below offers brief coverage:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WEATHER/05/11/socal.fire.ap/index.html

Linda