5/13/07 – Yesterday was a beautiful, quiet day here at Sawbill. The leaves grew before our eyes, birds were singing, light breeze played through the tree tops, and the sun beamed down on all. The nearby fire is on everyone’s mind, but in a funny way it, pulls people together. As always, the power of wilderness, both good and bad, makes us look at our surroundings, and our lives, with different eyes.
The Ham Lake Fire, now the biggest in Minnesota since 1918, has been relatively quiet for the last two days. In the absence of significant rain, it still holds the potential for growth. The Forest Service is expecting a tougher day today when the winds are predicted to pick up again. The winds have kept all trace of smoke and flame away from us – for now. There is some rain in the forecast for today and tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed. Here is the most current map of the fire perimeter. – Bill