Over this past year, my close friend, Bert, has worked hard to overcome some serious difficulties including an accident, extended disability, health issues and more. He hasn't been able to work for a long time, and has been staying at my house, with a focus on getting better.

Bert's 10 year old daughter, Paige, stays part-time with her dad and was looking forward to her first "big" family camping trip that was set to begin yesterday morning. The trip was to be 10+ days and she was excited to meet up with her older brothers, their friends, her Auntie and three cousins, and her Grandma (Bert's mom) -- all planning to drive down from Oregon.

Bert packed the truck with supplies for the entire group: outdoor gear (tents, blankets, coolers, stove/grill etc) and food and recreational equipment (kayak, life vest, fishing poles) etc. The works.

This trip was especially symbolic. It represented Bert's values of family spending happy times together. He wants to "provide" a good life for Paige. Not based on buying "things" but on experiences that provide lifelong memories.  

Unfortunately the "not things" part became a big part of the story only a couple of hours into the trip.

Around noon, near Templin Highway, the engine of Bert's truck (with new tires) started smoking. He pulled over and immediately realized a roadside grass fire had started. He tried to prevent it from spreading -- realized he needed to move his truck -- tried to back up and was flagged down by passerbys that his truck was now in flames. He and Paige escaped and watched the truck and its contents burn to the ground.

It was scary, sad and surreal.




They lost everything including his wallet and cash for the week, an expensive camera,
most of Paige's clothes, her childhood blanket... Just stuff. But a lot of stuff.




Meanwhile the dry brush and hot temperatures ignited into a 30 acre fire that was not contained for hours. The blaze was big enough to require helicopters and many trucks. But the firefighters were awesome and overcame the threat.

The melted down remains of the truck was hauled away. The trip was over the same day it began.

Bert and Paige made it home by bedtime. Tired. Disappointed. Relieved. Filled with gratitude for being safe.

Today they tried to figure out if they could still make it up to Oregon to see their family. It was hard to coordinate all that goes with recovering from this kind of situation and thinking about new plans. But they both stayed positive and thankful for their well-being.

I have started this campaign to help my friend and his daughter. They could use money -- but also donations of clothes/gear, or equipment for a future camping trip. (It doesn't look like the insurance policy covers the whole of his contents. My homeowner insurance may cover my things but possibly not Bert or Paige's.)

If anyone wants to take over the camp site reservations (Camp Edison at Shaver Lake) - let me know-otherwise he'll owe the $500 for the two weeks reserved.

If anyone is driving up to Oregon with room for two (and almost no luggage!) and could offer a ride -- that would be great!

Or just send thoughts and prayers and well-wishes.

Thank you for reading!