[aigel]

Oh man. I love the Owens valley and have spent a lot of time in that exact area hunting deer and birds and fishing for trout. I am thinking about that valley for a retirement location. Really sorry to hear of your friends troubles. First I hear about this fire too - shows you how dry the state is in Feb!

Like others, I don't get how you'd have all your savings at home. I just hope it wasn't much to start with, otherwise it would have been good to have a safety deposit box or two.

I hope you can help him out with some labor or lending him tools / trailer etc.

G