There have also been several fires burning, including one at East Killara and another at Berowra. Whilst both are in bushland, they are very close to housing and sudden wind shifts could be very threatening. Other fires are also burning in rural areas, including the Morton National Park near Bundanoon, an area you probably remember visiting. There have been no fires in the Blue Mountains, but we are reciving frequent warnings about being prepared.

Ottawa and the Blue Mountains – you have written of the bleak midwinter; here it is the scorching midsummer. If it were possible, we would be happy to give you some of our degrees, perhaps about ten. We would both be a little more comfortable.