The Ranch is roofed in heavy cement tiles, so when Mom called to have some replaced because they had blown off, she wasn’t really a surprise to hear that only winds above 90 mph can make them budge. The tile guy wanted to know when our last hurricane had hit! We recently had another big “wind event”, just on Monday, that rearranged semi-permanent objects.
It blew the horse trailer out of position, leaving a deep gouge in the concrete pad. It also moved the fence that separates the girls and the boys. It was only a temporary fence, but it was heavy and sturdy.
But far worse than any of that, it fanned the flames of wildfire burning in the nearby foothills. The ranch is not in any danger at all, but having lived through many a terrible fire season, including one year where both our home and our cabin were close enough to the flames to see them glow, our hearts go out the folks who’ve lost or been forced out of their homes. Here in Colorado, we are privileged to live without fear of earthquake, hurricane, or tsunami. Just about the only natural disasters on our radar are wildfire and the occasional tornado. Given the drought conditions we are experiencing now, and how early in the spring this fire started…well, I’m afraid things may get worse before they get better.
I haven’t asked, but I bet Mom has a disaster plan. She’s usually prepared for just about everything. If you haven’t thought about what you would do in case of a natural disaster, where your animals would go, how they would get there and what you’d need to take with you, maybe now would be a good time. I’m not trying to be a Debbie downer (apologies to all the Debbies out there), but there’s no harm in having a plan you never have to execute.
Cliff House Alpacas 
I completely agree with having a plan! In fact, if we can’t get to their crates, I know that Kink and Onyx would both get put into pillowcases and we would exit through our bedroom window. I also have “treats” in my bedside table to entice them if needed. Ever since Katrina struck and all the images of lost pets and animals circulated through the media, I’ve had some sort of escape plan, hopefully that will never be executed, like you said. I can’t wait to read the inevitable post about the Ranch’s plan! (hint, hint, haha!)
Good plan! Especially the treats. Cats are trickier, a little harder to manhandle than dogs (what with the claws and all). It’s always the fish that I wish I could figure out how to save. There is no easy way.
The fundamental problem at the ranch is that I’m not sure how we’d move the horses AND the alpacas at once. As long as we had enough time…but sometimes that’s exactly what you don’t have right? I know Mom and her other horse friends all have each other’s numbers, so that they can all rush with trucks and trailers to whoever needs evacuating.
I’ll ask her next time I talk to her.
Well said Kirsten.
Thanks, Jacque. I kind of lost my lighthearted tone, but sometimes you just have to be prepared for bad things.
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