UPDATE
Fire near Trout Lake! It happens regularly. July and August is fire season around the world. Only covid shut us down so far in twenty years of retreats. I’m going and my immortal stalwarts are going too, come hell or high water because we like adventure!
OK. Enough enthusiasm. Let’s get real, or unreal, as the case may be. There are upsides and downsides just like life. You stay home to save your sorry asses and you miss the satsang of the century. I busted my sorry ass preparing a real blockbuster. So sad. On the other hand, you get to watch the videos in the comfort of your own home and save a lot of money. Smiley. And I can do it somewhere else at some other time. Smiley here too.
Dave spoke with the rangers at the park service. So far, they have pretty good control of the fire, they say. 100 people fighting it. It all depends on the winds. Apparently, the mornings have been quite severe regarding air quality, orange skies like we had in Spain a few years ago.
Starting a few hundred feet north of the gas station, towards the mountain, they are at level three evacuation which means go now. The Rangers said that some people are still in the danger zone taking care of their houses. In any case, where we will be staying and in the park is still at level two. As long as it stays that way we should be fine.
There is a Thien Buddhist Abbey with a large air-conditioned room with comfortable chairs and a beautiful view of the mountain that we can probably rent. They are closed on Sunday, but we will call on Monday to find out if we can use it, if smoke is a problem. Remember we have a week to go. The way things are going, a week is a long time.
We had a look at the Youtube. Someone posted a good video of the fire but keep in mind what I have to say before you get excited. It clearly showed that the fire was basically only burning brush, skipping the trees. It’s a problem, however, if high winds develop and the fire get in the trees. The video was filmed several days ago so most of the fuel around in the south end of the danger zone has probably already been consumed. Keep in mind also that the area in the safe zone #2 has never burned. It is full of 200 year old trees. There is also a very strong financial incentive for locals to put pressure on the fire suppressant helicopter guys to keep the fire away.
Here’s the link with the best info, with maps etc. You can study it.
You can also call the general store. They are always very helpful.
OK. So what’s the spiritual view? Isvara is dharma and adharma, so doubts are possible. But why would Isvara frustrate Itself by cancelling something It so obviously wants? I had a false PET scan and cancelled Berkeley! I could easily have gone since I am fine. So, I’m betting this fire is a false positive as far as the satsang goes. Here’s why I don’t think the situation is particularly dangerous.
The temperature has been gradually decreasing the last few weeks across the Pacific Northwest, which is normal for this time of year. It is called Indian summer in these parts. The forecast for Trout Lake this coming week is 70-80 degrees with a 47 percent chance of rain. Even ten minutes of light rain would improve conditions greatly. The smoke factor is the only wild card. This trend should continue for the next two weeks. So, the situation is definitely NOT life-threatening. Just a bit inconvenient perhaps. Remember forbearance, the little pinpricks of life, are gladly tolerated by qualified people. J
But if you’re the mousy type, I recommend living dangerously! As Krishna emphatically states “Fire doesn’t burn it, water does wet it, the wind doesn’t dry it.” You’re Immortal. Don’t chicken out! Join us. Love, James.
We will keep you posted!
Om Tat Sat
