The Peewink Mountain Fire

On Friday, September 17 around 4:20 p.m. The Peewink Mountain, on the Northeast side of Nederland, Colorado, started to burn.

The infamous and nearby Fourmile Canyon Fire had just been declared the most destructive fire in Colorado's history after incinerating 169 homes. This fire had just been declared officially extinguished.

Very moderate, but very hot and very dry winds were blowing from the Northeast. Soon the mountains were misted with smoke and all could smell the fire.

It was the eve of Yom Kippur, the most sacred day of the Jewish Calendar, the culmination of the days of awe, the time when Jews are called to mystery, the time when Jews are called to examine the existential parameters of the Human Condition.

I am Jewish - but only on my mother's and father's sides of the family. I am appalled and disgusted by all organized religions, including Judaism. Organized religions are horrible parodies of spirituality.

And yet, The Peewink Mountain Fire caught me at a strange time. For the first time in many years I am somewhat materially vested.

Around 5:30 p.m. a terrible mistake was made. For some reason a reverse 911 call told residents they had to evacuate town. Soon after the call I ran into Michigan Mike Torpe, of Nederland Music Festival fame. He told me to tell everyone I saw - to flee.

People freaked out. Heavily loaded SUV's and pick-up trucks could be seen racing out of town.

And suddenly I was in the presence of Mystery, I was examining the parameters of the Human Condition, I was making an evacuation plan.

Soon after, I was told that Boulder County officials were saying there was no evacuation order, and that the fire was mostly contained. Three air-tankers had quickly responded and had bombed The Peewink Mountain with slurry.

People stopped thinking worst-case-scenario. People chilled.

I went food shopping and organized a celebratory feast. All present were invited.

And after feasting I accepted the Mystery's invitation to the fast, and I accepted the Mystery's invitation to examine the existential parameters of the Human Condition.