We packed up our computers, some clothing, some food, important documents, and our camera equipment and headed to Del Mar. At right is a picture of the traffic heading west. The parking lot ahead of me is generally completely empty. This is the first time I have seen significant traffic on Del Mar Heights Rd. That stretch took about 20 mins.

We have been hanging out at my father's place in Del Mar. It's hot inside but we can't open the windows. Doing that would fill the house with ash.

It is hard to say how far the fires are from our house in Poway now. I just saw a graphic on television that made it look like the flames are right on top of the house. I guess we will know in a few days.

For now we are fine. Karin is napping. There are a bunch of people here who are in the same situation - SoCal Fire Refugees. We're watching the fires' progress on the tele.

And by the way, we are scheduled to find out if the baby's room is going to be pink and flowery or black and chrome this week!