October 13, 2008
Home, Unimog and FWC gone.
At 5:30 AM we were ordered to evacuate immediately. Loudspeakers on police cars were screaming at us to get out. Sirens blaring. People yelling. Emergency lights flashing. Helicopters roaring overhead. Smoke burning our eyes and ash falling like dry snow.
All that survived of the 2002 Four Wheel Camper which was parked on jacks in the RV slot next to our home.
The remains of my 1961 Mercedes Unimog.
Below are a few of my favorite photos of the "Mog" in better days.
photo by Ron Pinkerton
We spent a enjoyable three days driving this challenging trail.
photo by Ron Pinkerton
My 1961 Mercedes Unimog imported from Germany ten years ago. I used it for off-roading on difficult trails like the Dusy-Ershim and was in the process of designing a mounting system for the FWC in the Unimog's bed. We owned three vehicles and a motorcycle and my wife and I were the only drivers.
If I had it to do over again I would have left my Tacoma and driven my Unimog to safety. A Tacoma would been have easier to replace.
You have to admire my wife because through all the chaos reigning around us she still managed to make the bed.