Lo and behold, I opened the local paper this week, only to discover that recently Anthony Bourdain and his “No Reservations” television crew were in Alexandra, Victoria (the nearest town of any girth, about 20kms away) shooting an episode.
Why, oh why, Anthony, didn’t you call?
Don’t you know that I love you? Don’t you know that [...]
Although this image of charred ground may not look dramatic, you may think differently if you knew what it looked like before.
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 – DAY TWELVE
The pleasant distractions of last night end when I cough and sputter my way into reality from a solid sleep; the smoke is thick and full. [...]
In addition to the hundreds of pumper trucks coming in and out of the Alexandra staging area, armoured personnel carriers are now part of the flotilla. These guys are serious.
Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 – DAY ELEVEN
Apparently we are not the only ones living out of our car…we pile our belongings into the car [...]
There are over 400 tents pitched at the showgrounds, with over 600 emergency workers sleeping in shifts. (And this is not the only base camp established in the area). That’s allotta fire fighting going on.
Monday, February 16th: DAY TEN
As we pull up to the DSE/CFA base camp in Alexandra for breakfast, I see yet [...]
Saturday, February 14th, 2009 – DAY EIGHT
Happy Valentine’s Day! Love is in the air….or is that smoke?
The situation at the relief donations warehouse is out of control. We receive countless truckloads of generous donations, and despite requests to the contrary, lots of it is still used. Gently used clothing is one thing; bleach stained and [...]
One of the many trucks of donations being unloaded at the warehouse for sorting and distribution to those affected by the bush fires.
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 – DAY FIVE
7:00am
We are heading back to the show grounds for another real meal to start off our busy day at the relief donations warehouse. We are amazed [...]
Kelly sporting a pair of pants donated for bush fire relief…exactly who will benefit from them remains to be seen!
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 – DAY FOUR
7:10am
I sleep like a log on the floor of a back room at the local pub in Alexandra. It is amazing how we can make a home anywhere when [...]
An exhausted SES (Special Emergency Services) volunteer tries to call home.
Monday, February 9th, 2009 – DAY THREE
8:25am
We sleep solidly, despite lightning in the area (a big risk for additional fires). I snap awake with a start, with very little transition between my peaceful dreams and the stark reality of our smoky motel room [...]
Looking directly at the sun is no problem with the smoke as thick as it is.
Sunday, February 10th, 2009
7:00am
We receive a text message from Melbourne that they are getting heavy rains. They sadly have not come yet here in Mansfield or any other affected area. Taggerty held off the fires last night by [...]
It’s so hot today, even the candelabra has melted.
Saturday, February 7th, 2009
We are prepared for a forecasted day of dense sweltering heat. Temperatures in excess of 48 degrees are on tap. Although I love the heat, I am also keenly aware that with forecasted winds of 100 kilometres per hour, this is heat [...]
