05/24/2025
Then it got wild.
Wednesday started out about as good as hump-day can.
The horses had been at their camp location for a few days, and they all settled in seamlessly. We decided it was a good day to get them on the trails they'd be carrying YMCA campers over for the next six weeks.
Picture perfect.
Under the bluest skies and perfect temps, we got most of the horses ridden before noon and familiar with their new routine. Then it was time for lunch, and for me to say my final goodbyes for the summer. Goodbyes are the worst.
Less than 3 hrs later, Jamie called to let me know they had 17 horses loaded in trailers, and they were being evacuated from the place they'd all call home for the summer. The place they'd all just settled into, so seamlessly.
A wildfire, called Cody, was headed their way. If you live in AZ, by now you know it well.
It blew up to 500 acres in no time at flat. They left swiftly, and urgently, the entire time taunted by smoke and flames.
They're a level headed crew, these women I spend so much of my time with! Some of the calmest humans I've ever seen in the midst of any crisis. They didn't break stride, they never do. And on Wednesday their level-headedness carried through to the horses. In less than 25 minutes they successfully and safely caught and loaded seventeen horses into two separate trailers and drove away. Not exactly sure where they were going. Not exactly sure of their next move.
I'm impressed beyond measure by all of them!
That fire has since grown to over 1300 acres with minimal containment.
Wednesday could have unfolded a million different ways. It didn't. Thank God.
Jamie's parents don't live too far away. And believe it or not, have the facilities to harbor 17 horses and three extra humans. For the time being. Brenda Myers and Randy Myers a million thank you's for sharing your little slice of heaven with 20 temporarily homeless humans and horses. All of this would look very different without you.
Time and circumstance only allowed them to move horses. Everything else, still sits up at camp. Hopefully, safe and untouched by wild fire.
To all the men and women who fight and manage fires for a living, thank you for keeping us safe!
