Hi David

Welcome to the Forum, I have been lucky in my Military service in the early 70's to have been involved in an exchange military posting twice to your country, the first time to Seatle and the the second time Illinois.

Managed to do a bit of travelling whilst over in the USA, really enjoyed the South especially the area's of the Civil War and Texas. Hope you enjoy our forum, and hope you all come back again.

Old Timer:rolleyes:

For months now I have been following your exchange of photos etc. with the Australian counterparts of like minded people. You would have read and heard about our bushfires last February and the number of lifes lost, we were very lucky we lost all our sheds and the complete dairy heard but it left our house and workshop behind the house untouched. Our elderly neighbour was not as lucky, it was about 3pm when I could smell we were in trouble so We just picked up enough to see us through if need be and we were going to my sons place some 10Ks away. I rang my neighbour and asked him if he would like to come into town with me or rather us, as he did not drive on the road anymore, he told me that his son was coming out to get him very shortly but thank you for the offer. When we returned the next day and saw what was left for us we were thankful for still having a home and workshop, they found my elderly neighbour burned and dead in one of his sheds, why did I not insist on taking him into town??
But all that is water under the bridge, we have been forewarned that this summer is going to be worse with the fires, most of us have started to get their farms back into some order, we have put up all new fences with barb and plain wire and build a new dairy, but have not restocked simply because we can not afford to do so yet as the Government is still holding onto thje money donated by all different people frms etc. the fires in our area was started by a male in his 40s he has been charged but has not gone through the justice (courts ) yet so until this is done they are hanging on tight. The person responsible, and we are all sure he was in our area had driven his car up into the bush, set his fires and made sure they were going but a change of direction turned the fire into the area were he had left his car and burned it, he than had the cheek to put in a claim to his insurance company for the loss of his car which was a complete give away as he had been seen driving into the bush and he had also started another small fire in another area as his car was once again seen in that area, He went before the Magistrate but not before some of our local people gave him a hell of a hiding (and the police bringing him from the police station holding cell to the Magistrates court left the locals at him for something like 10 minutes) before escorting him into the court.
He was charged and sent to Melbourne to keep him in safe custody.
Just say a little prayer for all the people in the Gippsland Victoria and all the others who could loose their homes and lifes this summer.

Bill and Dawn

The van you have looks rather large. What is the length of the van and what does it weigh. What is the towing capacity of the truck.

Hi Bill & Dawn,

Im surprised theres anything left to burn in your area,and im with you that xmas is hard enough in summer without the idiots. You talk about keeping him in safe custody in airconditioned comfort and great meals and a special xmas day for him no doubt. why is it that the crims finish up winning even tho theyve lost ?? Still thinking of ALL of you Bill,keep safe ok.

Hi David,
Guess youd be coverred in snow by now? Like you in the US we get a lot of xmas lights for the family to go and enjoy. Christmas for parents is in their kids faces at this special time of year.

Seasons greetings to you and Yours Bill,David & dawn.

cheers Rod

Wow! Sorry for being off the radar screen again! My day job has kept me busy! Old techo sent me an email and gave me a nudge which I greatly appreciate!

Welcome back Stuggy. I thought you may have gone into hibernation with the big freeze and needed a wakeup call. We down-under are mostly hot and bothered this time of year. Fortunately the bush fire season has been quieter than usual but we are not out of the woods yet... as you guys say. Another hot run with strong winds is likely before summer's end. Looking forward to your next set of wintry pics.

Regards