A U S . B U S H F I R E S

While exploring the many beautiful countrysides here in the "Gold Coast" of Australia, one has to come home to the grim reminder on the "telly" of what the rest of the county is going thru. Massive flooding in the north (Caines) with Billions in damage. And now the recent outbreak of these Massive Firestorms in the east. All the while wondering how close they were to my Host familys home I just recently stayed in (seems just days ago). Today I learned via email, just how close! Literally just down the hill, much of the town and I think the grocery I shopped at that 1st day - gone! At first I did not recognize the names of the towns. But by the TV news map - I knew better! Just last week, I had helped them load and box documents and photos for a "bushfire" that had not yet started. And now I know why. It just happens so fast and with no warning. Just frightning and devastrating! So now I know why all the preparation the hillside residents take: bushfire warning days, homemade mobile watertank trucks w/ hoses, etc. It brings back memories of our Oakland wildlands fire(100's dead, 1000's of homes lost) and that was a "firestorm" like Australia is seeing. We were not so prepared. Like ours though - perhaps this is their worst yet. You get these perfect conditions of super dry foliage from the recent record heat, high temps and winds - it just spells uncontrolable disaster! I know these are trying days/conditions for for all Australians - and I know many of us Californians can relate. But, when watching the news last night, of how people had no news of the fire and then escaping people were caught and burned to death - just brought back those very vivid memories of that dark October night in Oakland. And oddly, my conversation with my "Hosts" the other week of having a early warning system in place. Perhaps having a reverse 911(AUS 000) that calls every house in case of fire evacuation, like we do. She was going to talk about it to their fire Dept. about implementing it. Now looking at the chain of events on Sat. - I think that system could have saved lives. Problem is - more and more people have mobile phones instead of land lines. Maybe not the case here in Australia?

I have to say watching the news and seeing some coverage and stories, really is a very telling tribute of the character, spirit and and community commitment of Australians. Really quite moving from an "outsiders" perspective. But as a Californian - I can relate - you have to rely on eachother when facing mother natures' wrath. So odd - we both face many of the same natural threats - well - at least - they don't have to deal with the earthquakes! One nice thing!

Signing out for now from "Australias "Holiday Partytown"-Byron Bay". You would never guess that a good deal of the rest of the country is either flooded or in flames by the comings and goings here. Just unreal! It's 24/7 Party here! Very fun and carefree. We are enjoying our enjoying our stay tremendously. Our group Seakayaked yesterday, riding the big waves and treated to the breathtaking sights of nearby Seaturtles and Bottle-nosed dolphins. It was really a special treat. Today is surf lesson day- Oh to live the Australian Surfer dream - if just for a day.

P R A Y E R S T O A L L H E RE