A country side reborn (Aust)

[Downunder Dave]

On a recent trip into the Victorian high country we witnessed first hand the devastation caused by the black Saturday bush fires in early Febuary this year. These fires blackened everything in there paths destroying entire communities and sadly claiming nearly 200 lives.

The township of Rawson had a lucky escape with the fires burning to within a mile of the town. Saved from disaster by last minute wind shift, it is yet another reminder that nature does command a certain kind of respect.
It was great to see the bush recovering with new growth emerging amid the blackened landscape.

Cheers Dave and Bernie
http://picasaweb.google.com/david.cox19 ... directlink

[hiker chick]

Mother Nature is incredibly resilient.

The firestorms were a horror to observe, even from the other side of the world.

I remember well the photo of the fireman giving water to a Koala Bear.

So much suffering and damage.

Thank you for these remarkable photos.

[Miriam C.]

Great pictures Dave! The contrast is amazing. Will the trees come back or have to be cut down?

Thanks for sharing them.

[Downunder Dave]

It is hard to imagine that for so much destruction that so much beauty emerges. Some of the fallen timber will be cleared by the loggers or provide new homes for the wild life, but most will regerminate. The Australian bush relies on the heat from a fire to germinate new growth and clear away the forest floor. These bush fires were often started by the native aborigines or just lightning strikes. It just not good when it involves homes and peoples lives.

More pics of Aust to follow.
Cheers Dave