Bushfire

[wbute]

I will be honest. I am feeling survivors guilty. All is perfect on my farm. I have to get on with running my business just as I did last week. My neighbours and friends up the road today get up from someone else's bed, in someone else's house. Go back to their farm and use borrowed tools and equipment to rebuild everything they owned. Not only that, they have to try and stay afloat business wise with a business that is burnt to the ground. How can they do that? Insurance if you have it only covers so much. No one can afford to insure fences, stock or pasture. That's pretty much the guts of a farmers business.

[playwme]

It's a cruel old bitch of a world. At least the ones who've lost everything have a few guys like you around that are still able to lend them some tools so they can get a bit of a start back. I know it won't be easy but if there's anyone who can handle that stuff, it's gotta be the Aussie farmer.

We had one swoop through here yesterday. I don't run stock or anything on my property and was safe in the city but spent the afternoon watching the updates as it got closer and closer to my place. Looks like it reached within a couple of kms and seems to be under control but it's a surreal feeling sitting back helplessly not knowing if all the uninsured tractors, cars , caravans and equipment will still be there next time you see it.

[wbute]

Glad you missed that Playwme. Surreal is the word. There one moment. Gone the next.

[SLR_dave]

Having been off the site for a while it's saddening and moving to read this thread. I have the highest regards for your efforts in protecting your community James. Survivor guilt can be haunting, its a very strange feeling.

As I understand it, and I hope it remains the case, no human lives were lost which is either close to a miracle, or, more likely, down to very good preparation, and the brave work of those defending properties where they could. I hope you get some decent rain soon.