Tuesday 21 August 2018

IN WHICH BEAR PEERS THROUGH THE SMOKE

I'm not going to explain my unplanned absence except by saying "intense pain" and "dodging smoke."

I'm thinking about the fire reports from British Columbia (also knows as British California for its location and sometimes temperament.) At last record, there were firefighters from Australia and New Zealand helping out — those are not exactly our "next-door neighbours."

The last picture I saw was of a giant smoke cloud rising to 25,000 feet. I looked initially like someone had set off a small nuclear bomb. Certainly not a time to be travelling by aeroplane.

(I would show you a picture but I can't get it to transfer from where it is to here. 😢)

Now I'm sure you realize that is a long way from Bear's home. About 1577 kilometres (or 980 miles). But the smoke from there is getting all the way to River City! But that's just the beginning. The smoke goes all the way to Northern Ontario. (In US terms, Ontario is mostly north of New York and Michigan.) That's about 2,520 kilometres or 1,600 miles east of River City. 

And the smoke is dangerous. We received a warning:

### Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk. People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.

Time to take health concerns seriously. A lung specialist I heard on tv was saying people react to the smoke like it is an intruding infection — developing inflammation and other responses. This adds up over time, leading to things like lung cancer. 

So, I've been busy trying to dodge the bad air. Keeps a Bear busy! Sadly, I have not been very successful. My throat and chest feel pretty uncomfortable at 1,500 kilometres away from the fire. Not good for a former firefighter.

Maybe I'll feel better tomorrow. 

Blessings and Bear hugs, friends!


Tonight's Weather Report
Going down to 8C overnight, then up to 25C tomorrow. No clouds to speak of, but continuing small-particulate smoke.

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