An exhausted SES (Special Emergency Services) volunteer tries to call home. Monday, February 9th, 2009 – DAY THREE 8:25am We sleep solidly, despite lightning in the area (a big risk for additional fires). I snap awake with a start, with very little transition between my peaceful dreams and the stark reality of our smoky motel [...]
Looking directly at the sun is no problem with the smoke as thick as it is. Sunday, February 10th, 2009 7:00am We receive a text message from Melbourne that they are getting heavy rains. They sadly have not come yet here in Mansfield or any other affected area. Taggerty held off the fires last night [...]
It’s so hot today, even the candelabra has melted. Saturday, February 7th, 2009 We are prepared for a forecasted day of dense sweltering heat. Temperatures in excess of 48 degrees are on tap. Although I love the heat, I am also keenly aware that with forecasted winds of 100 kilometres per hour, this is heat [...]
Things have been crazy in Victoria, among the raging bushfires that seem to be everywhere. We are still safe, but have not yet returned home and don’t know when we will or what we’ll return to. We are now stationed in Alexandra, where we are coordinating clothing, toiletries, linens, bedding, and whatever else we can [...]
Hi All. This is a quick note written while I steal some precious internet time. Between the thick smoke, power outages, and overuse of limited mobile and wireless resources, access is limited. The State of Victoria is on fire. Yesterday I evacuated my home with my laptop, passport, and clothes on my back and don’t [...]
I got what I asked for, in spades. Heat, heat, and even more…heat.
This lovely creature was spotted living just outside my front door below the roof. It is about three centimetres long (a little more than one inch), and looks mighty scary. Anyone? Anyone? (crickets chirping)
A question asked of me recently by a reader, and possibly especially pertinent now that we are looking at staying in Australia or even longer, may be: “Do we still consider ourselves to be travelers?” You may wonder how I can satisfy the title of The Professional Hobo if I am in essence “settling down” [...]
