2009AUG222048
0700
Leave time, fuel up and go.
0800
Early drop-in to St. Andrews market to pick up some tomatoes, mushrooms, bread and scrolls then left. Boy was it cold there. Freezing.
0815
Over the rise is Strathewen. Bikers ahead training no doubt for the big ride happening on 10th September through Yan Yean through to Kinglake.
0830
Local vineyard and paddocks.
0832 - 0835
Local trees and farms, fencing, sheds and trees.
0840
Arrived. Moose isn't there. Take a few shots & start moving wood. A couple of minutes later saw a tribe of *high viz* jackets moving down the hill. Had a quick chat. It's the fencing team. Great stuff. I saw last weeks effort. You can tell the locals. They dress differently, are a bit older and ask the questions. I let 'em know Moose is still coming and I can't help them source the fencing kit. So I go off and do some more clearing till Moose rolls up about 20 minutes later.
0840 - 1130
Moose arrived. Checked out the fencing crew & had a chat to the locals. Went up the hill to thank and check on a neighbour who had cleared the fenceline of trees. Organised some fencing details. Setup a gate b/w the properties, then walked back down the hill to let the fencing team know what had changed.
I don't think the fencing team, all volunteers really understand how appreciated they are. There is no way the locals can get the fencing done in the time they can. Depleted by what has been going on for the last six months. The locals are reduced in numbers not only be the fires but by youngsters leaving the area.
The biggest boost you see in the area is the gradual rebuilding of the area. You have to understand this is one of the hardest hit areas and has been till now underresourced. I got word that last week ABC Radio had set up a mobile studio and interviewed some Strathewen locals on what was going on and the problems being faced. So whoever organised the fencing teams (Lions club I suspect) are ahead of the ball. Well done.
next >>>
2009AUG222048
0700
Leave time, fuel up and go.
0800
Early drop-in to St. Andrews market to pick up some tomatoes, mushrooms, bread and scrolls then left. Boy was it cold there. Freezing.
0815
Over the rise is Strathewen. Bikers ahead training no doubt for the big ride happening on 10th September through Yan Yean through to Kinglake.
0830
Local vineyard and paddocks.
0832 - 0835
Local trees and farms, fencing, sheds and trees.
0840
Arrived. Moose isn't there. Take a few shots & start moving wood. A couple of minutes later saw a tribe of *high viz* jackets moving down the hill. Had a quick chat. It's the fencing team. Great stuff. I saw last weeks effort. You can tell the locals. They dress differently, are a bit older and ask the questions. I let 'em know Moose is still coming and I can't help them source the fencing kit. So I go off and do some more clearing till Moose rolls up about 20 minutes later.
0840 - 1130
Moose arrived. Checked out the fencing crew & had a chat to the locals. Went up the hill to thank and check on a neighbour who had cleared the fenceline of trees. Organised some fencing details. Setup a gate b/w the properties, then walked back down the hill to let the fencing team know what had changed.
I don't think the fencing team, all volunteers really understand how appreciated they are. There is no way the locals can get the fencing done in the time they can. Depleted by what has been going on for the last six months. The locals are reduced in numbers not only be the fires but by youngsters leaving the area.
The biggest boost you see in the area is the gradual rebuilding of the area. You have to understand this is one of the hardest hit areas and has been till now underresourced. I got word that last week ABC Radio had set up a mobile studio and interviewed some Strathewen locals on what was going on and the problems being faced. So whoever organised the fencing teams (Lions club I suspect) are ahead of the ball. Well done.
next >>>