Reality check

[Grant Bunter]

I'm dismayed that there seems to be any tiny excuse to bring out antipodeans and their supposed sexual proclivity for ovines (sheep) in threads.

I guess some get their jollies from such things, and I'm sure that occurs in every country in the world.

I've said it before, this is AFU.
Us antipodeans will be the first to engage in light banter with our brothers from around the world. You might notice we don't make a habit of making otherwise offensive remarks about people from other countries.

Anyway,
Here is a reality check.
We're in the middle of a heatwave, with Temperatures over 40 degrees C, I think that's about 104F.
I spent 12 (gruelling) hours last night at a bushfire 60k's (37 miles) away, that's been burning for 5 days, has claimed 550 hectares (1375 acres) and killed countless stock. One stock owner lost 1000 sheep, I believe about half his flock. Or half his livelihood.

100 people are unaccounted for, after terrifying fires in Tasmania.

After trying to recuperate from last nights efforts, I got up to hear an emergency evacuation order for a fire near Oura (100k's or 60 miles away). 400 hectares (1000 acres) burnt in about 15 minutes. Total wildfire. Don't know about lives or stock lost yet.

It would be easy to think that these distances away from where I live and the property I run shouldn't be an issue for me.
There have been a number of fires in the last decade here that have covered these distances in about 1 hour or 2.

So the last thing on our minds is fucking sheep, other than when it concerns a fellow countryman's livelihood.

I'm not overly religious, but do unto others...

[Bas Gooiker]

I've seen the news about the terrible wildfires in Tasmania, i did not know the same thing is going on in Australia. I hope you, your family and your farm will be safe.

In our country we have a habbit of complaining about the weather. But at when i see news like this im am thankfull for our dull and often moist climate without the extreme temperatures and drought, or icy winters.

[Grant Bunter]

Bas,
Tasmania is an Australian state.

[Harley]

Bas,
Tasmania is an Australian state.

Classic!

Grant, you know that whilst Kiwis and Aussies always pour the borax at each other at any opportunity, whenever we each have tragedies ( such as your bushfires at present ) or an outside threat, we're together in thought spirit and action. No doubt some firefighters from NZ and some cash dontaions are already on their way there to help out, as you guys always do the same for us ( eg Christchurch earthquake ).

My thoughts are with you for this difficult period.

[Grant Bunter]

I know, Tasmanians have been trying to argue the same thing for years.
Not a flippant comment, some maps and icons over the years never showed Tasmania, only the "mainland"!

Harley:
Spot on, it's all friendly jibes (mostly lol). As fast as we open our mouths we hold out a helping hand when it comes to our two countries. Even if it never existed prior, the ANZAC spirit cemented this ethos in our lives, hopefuly for ever.

Bas and Harley,
Many thanks.

I just want to make it totally clear, this is not about me or what I've done or what I'm doing.
This is about others casting dispersions on antipodean countries when we don't do the same.

This is to try to stop total

[BassMe]

Its all pretty grim at the moment ain't it grant. My wifes old primary school got burnt down in Tas. Definitely feeling for everyone who have lost their homes and livelihoods. We can just hope no one loses their life.

To bring some cheer, I figured I would share this:



All the best.

[Bruce Weldy]

antipodean

To prove my utter backwoods hickness......I had drag out Granny's 1939 Funk and Wagnall's to look this up.

And I want to say that I ain't anti - podean. In fact, if I'ma understandin' right....the only podeans that I know is right'cheer on this forum. And I likes 'em.

So, I'ma sayin' right here and now..... I is PROpodean.

[Grant Bunter]

Sounds like a new name for a piece of sound gear right there...

[Charles Jenkinson]

...this has been brewing since I read your post this morning. I can't hold it any longer.

You're a top bloke Grant, and if you're wounded, I'm wounded. Thank you for all the contributions you make on here, and may God add His might to the strength of your arm in all the endeavours you make for your neighbours at this difficult time and beyond.

Best regards,
Charles

[Bruce Weldy]

...this has been brewing since I read your post this morning. I can't hold it any longer.

You're a top bloke Grant, and if you're wounded, I'm wounded. Thank you for all the contributions you make on here, and may God add His might to the strength of your arm in all the endeavours you make for your neighbours at this difficult time and beyond.

Best regards,
Charles

Amen Charles.

[biggerrigger]

Grant, Stick in there brother. Mother nature is sure to help before too much longer. I am sure that it is the same in your community as it is in mine that your actions do not go unnoticed during times like these. From one Fire Fighter to another keep up the good fight. And remember to stay hydrated!

[88h88]

Like Charles said, I love the various characters on this particular forum and the boys down under seem particularly awesome. There's no hate at all here gentlemen.

[Grant Bunter]

Thanks all.
Appreciated.

Mother Nature is conspiring against us, 35-40k/hr gusting to 80. Staying hydrated is a problem.
Or is that lack of sleep, I dunno.

Please just do us a favour and remember that the fires and myself aren't really the point...

[Boyd]

Good on ya mate!

Damn scary how fast those fires can move. I lived in Oz for 3.5 years - always seems to be either on fire or under water!

Keep up the good work -Hope you get some rain soon to help you out.

[Grant Bunter]

Since I called it reality check...

If you're interested:
Here's the current fires in NSW:
http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=683

"Elvis" has left the building (again). For those that don't know, Elvis is a Skikorsky Skycrane chopper set up to fight bush fires, dropping 9000 litres (2377 US gallons) on a fire hot spot(s) in one hit.
Elvis has bothers and sister here in the Australian summer.
Elvis flew to Victoria (from NSW) today, for a "bad day" tomorrow.
We have about 140 active bush fires across the State, varying in severity and size.

Victoria fires:
http://osom.dse.vic.gov.au/public/osom/ ... obile.html

Queensland Fires:
http://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map.html

South Australia fires:
http://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/news_medi ... idents.jsp

Tasmania fires:
http://www.fire.tas.gov.au/Show?pageId= ... tBushfires

That about covers most of it, today, anyway.

Australia reckon they are expert when it comes to bush fires and fighting them.
So the US sends us Elvis and his rels, in their fire season, we send to the US seasoned professionals in bush fire fighting...