Devastation

A day or near normality, a bit of gardening, a bit of washing (well actually a lot of washing), shopping, Hs for walkies and some cooking. In the afternoon I went to the fire affected areas to have a look. It is clear that the fire jumped the Pacific Highway and burnt out a service station near Nords Wharf. I believe some houses were also lost in that area although just down the road was a large sign by property owners thanking the Rural Fire Service for saving their house. The smell of a bush fire is something you don't forget. It is a strong smell probably from the Eucalyptus. I doubled back and then went to Catherine Hill Bay or Catho. It is a favourite spot of mine because of the long jetty which used to be moorings for coal ships. It has been disused since the 80's I think and now I think it will need to be pulled down. A fire swept over the headland and it caught part of the pier. To the left you can see the wooden supports in a heap, smouldering. Well you will have to take my word that two days after the fire they are still smouldering. The pier had two points of contact to the shore. The one closest here has come down. The other was supported by steel girders and has survived. There is such devastation around with the fire. I am surprised that so many houses have been saved in this area and no doubt the credit goes to the RFS. I passed them on the way out. They are all waiting around on standby as today was meant to be 38C but it didn't get there. A beautiful mines house that stood on the headland is ashes and only the chimney remains. Haze and smoke is everywhere. There is such devastation.