A Bit of Excitement

We started the day with a trip to Sydney to celebrate 59’s daughter’s 40th birthday. Had a lovely lunch and extended family get together.

Just as it was time to go we got a call from a friend in Blackheath to say she had just seen 3 fire engines with sirens on heading to the Megalong Valley. We didn’t have a siren but didn’t waste any time getting back home.

On the way we exchanged phone calls with our neighbours. One finished abruptly with the words “I have to go. My old shed is on fire”.
The other said they had packed up and left and that there were several trucks heading to our place to defend.

It was quite eerie coming down in the dust and smoke but very reassuring to see so many trucks and fire fighters at our property.
Then commenced a long evening. At one stage they thought the fire was 5 minutes away but nothing eventuated.

Most of the crew had been on duty and not eaten since a few sandwiches at lunch. Graham wanted to come down so we got him to bring sausages and provided a BBQ. I didn’t think we would be allowed but didn’t need to ask twice!
They were so grateful but good heavens, we were the grateful ones.

The crews have now changed over but are staying here for the night, as we are.
As far as we know no properties have been lost here and the weather looks good for the night.
Meanwhile some of other fires in the area are also causing concern with a hot week forecast :-(

I’ve put up quite few extras. No shortage of blips today!

An in joke for Aussie readers: the guy in charge here for the night happens to be the same one who was in overall charge of the Beaconsfield Mine rescue. When John pointed that out to Graham He replied, quick as a flash, “I thought that was Bill Shorten”. :-))