Natalie asked if the last photo of the gorge was the view from our house. No, but our view is pretty ok even so. This was taken on one of the hot nights last week. I was hoping that in some way a photo could reflect the relentless heat but as you can see, it doesn't.This was taken looking North West up the coast. It's very hard to see against the glare of the western sky, but there is ocean there; well, gulf waters anyway, we're not on the southern ocean.
Here's a better one that shows the sea.
This picture in the previous post was taken across the road and over the lip of the Gorge. Our house is up the slope to the right of where I stood to take the photo.
The bushfire risk is real and we live in a constant state of 'denial'. It will never happen. We are in a shocking spot if a fire did start below us in the Gorge as fire travels fastest uphill.
We have a massive gum in front of the house and three on the boundary overhanging the roof. I don't know if you're aware of the flammable nature of eucalyptus (gum) trees? The oil in the leaves tends to explode in fireballs when a fire really gets going. Our gutters are constantly full of leaves and although Himself assures me that palms don't burn very well, the proximity of the large palm to the wall and roof at the front of the house, with all its dead foliage, does not auger well for our chances should worse come to worst.
We don't really keep a packed bag by the door (see the previous statement about denial) although we have a 'fire plan'. Mainly it consists of grabbing the document folder and driving like hell. They actually have fire people who can come out and advise you on your best options regarding a fire plan. Ours probably would be to stay and fight. The house is double brick and two story, built into the hillside so pretty solid, so we would probably need to stay and keep water on the roof and put out spot fires where they caught. Eucalypt fires often move fast which means if you can prevent the flames from catching in the first instance the fire will be over us and gone while we shelter in the lower story. Sounds so simple doesn't it?
But, fire risk aside, the weather is NUTS. Melody reports a record breaking WINTER day in Texas with warmest temps ever. Brittany and Blueberry were under 28" of snow in Ohio the other day and we are entering our 15th day of above 35c temps. With more forecast.
Our new Govt has ratified the Kyoto Protocol and we are being urged to participate in National 'Turn off the Lights Day' or whatever its called.......but our State Govt has decided to extend the amazing display of lights on North Terrace, in celebration of our Bi Annual Festival of Arts, for another 2 weeks.
Wonder what the carbon footprint of that decision looks like? A Yeti perhaps?
6 comments:
You may recall that the 2006-7bushfire season posed a real threat to The Cleavage. Fires had reached the Mirimbah store.
The CFA demanded I cut down the Christmas tree next to the house--pine trees also run flammable sap, as Canberra's experience shows. It broke my heart to do it, but there really was no choice.
Luckily, as you may recall, the weather changed on December 23rd--I think it even snowed on Mt. Buller!--so the firefighters could take a break for Christmas. May the universe (if it's listening) be thanked for that!
It really does make me a bit edgy about returning to Australia long-term. Climate change affects the entire planet, but I think Oz is specially vulnerable. Could the wide brown land be made almost uninhabitable? I don't like the look of the Murray.
We hear of a "burn ban" here everyday due to lack of rain but it doesn't seem an serious as what you could have. Yikes.
It IS a gorgeous view! Probably worth the risk.
Swim in the pool or ocean for me and I will build you a snowman! :)
No one likes the look of the Murray headbang. Nevertheless we are hoping to get a free houseboat trip next weekend for easter. Fingers crossed. Aaaaah...all that muddy brown water. Lovely.
Such a gorgeous view, such an interesting commentary on our world when we think of it through the lens of our bloggy friends and their locations.
Here on the coast of Connecticut in the US, two hours north of New York City we haven't had significant snow in more than four years. A few inches here or there, but no lasting snow, it warms up too quickly!
Post a Comment