In all of our years of travel we have been quite lucky. No bad accidents or illnesses have struck while on the road and very few mishaps. We had a couple bikes stolen from the back of our motorhome once, but that is why we carried cheap ones.
Yes, we try to take precautions. So when preparing for our recent trip to Cuba we decided to leave several things in our apartment that we normally would have carried with us. Our best computer, back up drive, some beloved antique family jewelry, and most of our credit cards stayed behind. We thought that they would be safer there.
Goes to show you never can tell. Here is what happened to our building while we were gone:
A wildfire raged through in the predawn darkness of last Tuesday and completely destroyed everything we had except what was with us in our carry-on bags and backpacks.
Because internet access was scarce, and we spent our days on our bikes with the Backroads tour that we were on, we didn’t find out until over a day later.
At that point we had to decide whether to leave behind the fantastic tour of Cuba we had so looked forward to and head back to California to see if anything could be done, or try to ignore things and stay for the duration of our trip.
Ultimately we concluded that we simply couldn’t possibly appreciate or assimilate the rest of the trip while wondering what had happened to our home, so we cut it short and flew back.
That in itself was heartbreaking because the three days that we did get to spend on the island were incredible, and yes, we will have stories about that soon.
We returned to total devastation, which put us in the odd and uncomfortable position of victims. Frequent visitors to GypsyNester.com will know that we are inclined to post ways to help when disaster strikes, perhaps sometimes too much. (BTW, there is still help needed for the hurricanes of this past summer.)
When we made our way up the hill to where our home once stood, we found the complex reduced to nothing but ash by an inferno beyond anything we could imagine. Firefighters were still on the scene pouring water on stubborn hotspots days after the blaze.
Fortunately everybody got out safely, but the stories we have heard from our former neighbors are of terrifying escapes in pitch blackness, with only minutes to spare. Some had to flee so frantically that their cars were left behind.
The speed of the fires caught everyone, including firefighters, completely by surprise and electricity was out to the entire city of Ventura. Perhaps we were lucky not to be there; avoiding the trauma, but another side of us can’t help but think that we may have been able to save a few cherished keepsakes.
Our vagabond lifestyle had already reduced our worldly possessions down to the famous 16 Boxes that we wrote about in Going Gypsy, so we are not mourning the loss of a great deal of “stuff.” Unfortunately, that means what little we did hang on to throughout our many moves were the truly important, irreplaceable, sentimental items.
Photo albums spanning four and five generations, adorable baby clothes, favorite toys, and revered books held in hopes of future grandchildren, the emergent works and grades of our offspring as they strived from class to class in their studies, souvenirs gathered from across the globe, and the relics and mementos of our previous careers have all been wiped away forever.
Processing that loss will take some time. It may be years before we stop recalling some treasure that was once tucked away in what we thought was the safety of our closets. Or maybe that will never go away.
Meanwhile we are faced with the daily tasks of recreating something resembling a normal day-to-day life. In that sense we are better off than many, we have a place to stay temporarily and friends and family have been unbelievably helpful and supportive.
To help those who are not as fortunate, here is a good list of resources that can certainly use any and all donations.
One thing we are trying hard to embrace is graciously accepting the help that has been offered by so many, including complete strangers. Our inclination is to decline and feel that others are more worthy of aid.
A dear friend wisely advised us to stop that, not only for ourselves and facilitating our recovery, but for the people who genuinely desire to help. We should not deny them that opportunity.
With that in mind we are passing along this link to the GoFundMe page that our wonderful children have set up for us.
They felt helpless scattered across the globe in Paris, New York, and Alaska and did this as a way to connect, assist, and show their love and concern.
It is incumbent upon us to gratefully accept that assistance.
Most importantly, we say thank you.
David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com
Oh Victoria – I’m so sorry for everything. But I am happy to hear that Gypsy Nestor is back. As far as backup – I use Mozy – it backs everything up in the cloud. I recommend it. You will get through this.
Helen
sorry – I meant Gypsy Nester.
Hi Helen. Thanks. We are getting back to normal now. Took a few weeks to shake off the shock but we have found a new place and starting over.
The thing I worry about losing the most is the photos. I know what you are going through. Several years ago I was in a flood a lost everything. Worse, my mother was also in the same flood and lost all her pictures of us growing up, years of slides and movies of all the polaces we had visited. I’m so sorry. From a faithful fan who hopes my husband and I can emulate your traveling lifestyle soon.
So true Mary. So many of them are irreplaceable. We are going to try to piece together as much as we can from family and friends but it will never be the same, as you know. Best of luck with moving into the gypsynester life.
I am so sorry to read this! So sorry for your losses. Sending my best wishes to you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your loved ones.
Thanks, we are pulling through.
I’m so sorry about what happened but am also glad that no one got hurt and that everyone is safe. Sending love and prayers to you both
Thanks Izy.
I am so sorry that this has happened to you and that you lost things that you cherished. Saying a prayer for you right now as you are trying to process this loss and recover.
Thank you Cathy.
I’m very sorry to learn of your loss. It must be heartwarming though to know you have such a strong support system. Take Care.
Yes Patti, the support has been great. Thanks.
I am so sorry that happened to you especially while you were away and couldn’t do anything about it. California has had a horrible fire season. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and everyone who has been affected.
Thanks Rebecca.
Hi Veronica! So sorry to hear about your sudden and devastating loss. What a great reminder to us all that every day is precious. May you find all the support you need during this time. ~Kathy
Thanks Kathy, the support from everyone has been great.
Really sorry to hear about this devastation. Hope your insurance company will give you support!
Wish we could say we were covered, but we didn’t really have much stuff like that. It is the irreplaceable sentimental keepsakes that hurt to lose.
You certainly brought home all we have watched on the news. I am truly sorry for the loss of your precious keepsakes and heirlooms, and your sense of security. Your lives could be that of any one of us in a natural disaster. Again, I am so sorry.
Thanks Marilyn. Feels strange living in the middle of a news story.
I’m so sorry to hear this. Treasured mementos are a difficult loss. I’m glad you are both safe.
Thanks Carol.
My heart goes out to you both. Having lost my home in the Oakland fire in 1991, I fully appreciate the pain associated with these losses. If you want to have a conversation, please let me know. Wishing you strength in the coming days, weeks, months…
Thanks so much Risa. Hard to imagine unless it has happened to you. It’s only been a week but we are beginning to pull things together. Found a new apartment yesterday.
OMG, so very, very sorry to read this. . .we’ve watched random reports of the fires here in Greece and while in Egypt, often saying that the scenes were the things horror movies are made of. . .so sorry to read of your loss. You’ve got a lot of us around the globe sending good thoughts your way!
Thanks Jackie.
OMG, Veronica! I am so sorry to hear of this. I can’t imagine the horror you and Dave have gone thru. I am sending healing vibes and prayers your way and hope that 2018 will bring you much love, happiness, and good fortune.
Thanks Doreen. We are certainly looking at a new beginning in 2018.
So very sad to hear this has happened. It must be aboslutely jdevastating for you. Thinking of you and wishing you well as you rebuild your lives.
Thanks Jo, it is a huge upheaval but we are slowly making progress.
So sorry for all that you have lost. I can’t inagine how frightening it must have felt, especially while you were away. But glad you are safe. That is the most important thing. Sending healing hugs your way.
Very true Judy, thanks.
So sorry to read this. After living through Oakland Hills fires (our house was fine) and then seeing the devastation of Coffey Park in Santa Rosa I am wary of California wild fires. Was watching the glow of fire from above LAX on a flight to SFO Sunday night. Thinking of you both. Nancy
Thanks Nancy. The fires are just insane. Smoke is still really bad here.
I am so sorry to read this! Thinking of you and knowing that the positive attitudes you’ve always possessed, and your innate sense of pushing forward will carry you through.
Thanks Mindy, yes, we will make it through.
So very sorry to hear this sad news. You , as well as all affected by these wildfires,continue to be in my prayers.
Thanks Beth.
I’m so very sorry for the trauma and loss that you and your community are experiencing.
Thanks Julie! Still very smokey here in Ventura, but the danger has moved on. Hopefully not into Santa Barbara.
You have both been in our thoughts and prayers since we heard the news. Sending you all our love and strength.
Thanks Sue, it really does help to know people care.
Really no words can express how sorry I am that you have had this happen to you home and community.
Sending my best vibes to you.
Thanks Vicki, we are pulling through.
I am so very deeply sad and sorry for you both. And ALL in the path of the fires.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers as you come to terms with the unimaginable loss and replace the bits you can.
Thanks Lisa. We are just at the beginning of what will no doubt be a long road, but we are OK.
Always expecting such a thing can happen on our travels. But at home?! I‘m so sorry for your loss of all these treasures of the past. ?
Yup, feels like an attack on what was supposed to be our safe place.
Oh my…. I am so sorry! Glad you are safe, but things like this really make us appreciate what we have and what is really important. I pray that things fall into place for you guys and you are back to “normal” as soon as life allows.
Thanks Sara. We will make it through.
So many prayers and love..,you two have such an adventurous life goals… and you’re attitudrs are amazing… please reach out if there is anything I can do…. Janee in wichita, Ks❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Janee.
How terribly sad. Hopefully, your photos that could be backed up were and found on the cloud. And hopefully your renters insurance will help replace the concrete items that can be bought. Another great way to recover is have your friends and family start collecting every photo you sent them and make copies for you to keep. I can’t imagine how you must feel. So sorry for your losses.
Unfortunately we decided to leave the backup with the computer… I know… pretty dumb! Family has already offered to start digging through old photos and we will be OK.
My offer stands. Dave and I are probably near the same size. If clothing is needed. Call if there’s anything, please.
Thanks Dave. You, along with so many others, have been great!