Hi folks,
Quite a few Birding-Aussers have phoned and asked about how we have faired in Bundy. Hope it is Ok to use this medium to let you know.
Our home is on the banks of the Burnett River in Bundaberg. The 7.9m peak fell a few hundred millimetres shy of going through our home. 90% of our 1.5 acres was (still is in places) submerged by fast flowing flood water. The mess is pretty disgusting. We have the first home on this stretch of the river with a fence, so lots of rubbish has been deposited in the yard. We will know in a week or 2 whether our bush garden will be salvageable. At least we now have a layer of rich alluvial soil over the remains! My wife, Jackie flew back from our holidaying in Melbourne to help with preparations prior to the peak (and did a great job). Jack and I started driving back and broke down with fuel pump issues. The car is still in Merimbula where we borrowed Mum and Dad’s car. We only got home yesterday after roads had re-opened. Anyway all is Ok and thanks to all those who have asked about us.
Cheers and happy new year,
Bill
PS At least we saw the Stilt Sandpiper at the WTP before we had to try and get back home!
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We were greatly saddened to hear about these tremendous floods and to see the terrible images on TV, especially regarding Bundaberg, where we stayed briefly on our trip to Australia 17 years ago. We are glad to hear that you are doing well, all things considered, and wish the best for everyone affected by the floods. We look forward to our next visit in a year or two.
Eric & Lori Jeffrey Falls Church, VA USA