Hey everyone! Sorry my computer server has been off the air
for two days and could not check Emails or the Forum site.
I expected that the server had overheated because of the extreme
temperatures. I checked with my favourite Call Centre operator
and ended up hanging up on him. Had another try tonight and
finally had success.
What a couple of days. The extreme temperature and roaring wind
gave every indication of a calamity in the making. Sure enough the
sirens started and before long 104 appliances were despatched to
the start of the fire at Kilmore East. The fire was advancing South
of there to the small town of Wandong. My son and his family live
in the next area called Heathcote Junction.
I drove to the top of "Pretty Sally Hill" and took a couple of photos
along with about 50 others who had a good vantage point. I went
back an hour later and the fire had roared through Wandong,
mainly across the paddocks behind the main shops and homes
but nevertheless taking 30 homes and 4 lives.
My son and family were given orders to evacuate as they live in a
heavily forested part of Heathcote Junction with limited escape roads.
His next door neighbour and wife also took off with them and they
stayed at our home in Wallan for the next two days. Fortunately
the fire bypassed them but they were not permitted back until tonight.
The fire then advanced onto Mt Disappointment which we view from
our kitchen windows. Spot fires from embers, propelled by the
enormous winds, raced across the mountain into Upper Plenty
which is 5 minutes from Wallan. Friends of mine who owned
five acres of beautiful bushland in Clarke's Road lost everything.
Anyone who has travelled in there to their property, "Glenbillie
Gardens" would be horrified to see the ruins.
The fire then claimed more towns in its destructive path. Whittlesea,
Humevale,Kinglake, Coldstream, Marysville, Narbethong and others with a
massive loss of people, homes and livestock. Well known TV
newsreader Brian Naylor and his wife Moiree perished at Kinglake.
From our kitchen window we saw the mountain at Kinglake
roaring like a furnace and could only watch in amazement.
Many thanks to those who made enquiries re our welfare. The phone
has been ringing flat out from relatives, friends and the woodturning
fraternity. Thanks to Amos (Woodenink) and Noel (Watson) for
your calls and Emails from Barry (Hicks), John (Munruben) and
Ray (Wheelinaround). I appreciate the many comments from
other Forumites too.
Physically we came out of all this unscathed. Our
thoughts go out to all those who have lost loved ones and trust
they can successfully rebuild their lives.
Allan