I woke up with the strong hope that today would be the day I surfed again. Early morning conditions were promising, just needed the offshores to start up. Fan Palms was about 4 to 6 foot (faces) and rare sets were making it down into Moneys. I continued to feel positive that today I would remember what riding a surfboard was like...haven't stood on one since November the 8th.
Right at about noon, while I was checking the surf and committing to the reality that the late afternoon session is going to be best, Pak Tum from Raymond's camp pulled up on his old style 2-stroke. He was moving a bit quicker than usual and came straight up to borrow the 2-way radio. "Ada kebakaran permukaan jurusan sana," he says. Naturally I need to hear that one again. I figure it out and his quicker movements and whiter eyes all make sense. 'THERE'S A FOREST FIRE OVER THERE."
We've been clearing a fire break around the back of the camp for a few hours now and I want to run up the point to really see what's happening. We got close to the fire front at one point but then back-off for some reason. So I split during our break and went for a mission up the point with Molly. And as I did this, it all came together when I went past 1st point.
Offshores...clean, overhead Money Trees running....empty. WOW!!! "Are you serious," say's ME to me! No Reply by me. So ME thinks "it wouldn't be good to come back in to a burnt camp." Then I would definitely lose my place here. So we continue on up, I check it out and really learn how the fire moves, breathes, and easily incapacitates animals (including me). Molly hangs back.
By 8:00, there's about 20 firefighters and rangers here eating food. It can only mean one thing. Bobby's G-Land Surf Camp is still here for you.
