Flinders - 38° 26' 41" S 144° 57' 38" E

The smoke and sunset contributing to this stunning, but scary scene.

And January rolled on, the days became hotter and drier, the paddocks dried off to summer brown and bushfires became the leading news.  Towns that had once been just a sign on the highway became headlines - Harcourt, Longwood, Ruffy, Gobur, Natimuk - as the fires roared through destroying homes, farm buildings, livestock and fences.  Surrounded by tinder-dry paddocks, we had our fire plans in place and kept a close eye on the emergency updates.  And we were fortunate and we did not have fires close enough to be of concern.

Our hearts go out to those who lost their homes, their livestock, their livelihoods.  And especially to the family and friends of the gentleman who lost his life.