Karenn Loc: Sydney Australia.

Our trip to Cape York (The most northern point of Australia) became very frightening, eventful, scary, smokey and unforgettable. Half way through the Old Telegraph Track (disused now only for 4 x 4 drivers) we came upon a few spot fires which we thought was very strange. We proceeded along the track only to be stuck between two fires a hour later. So one fire behind and one roaring in front we were getting concerned. The narrow track held no protection and we came upon a clearing by a waterhole. It was on dusk and we decided to stay put. We did not set up camp in case we had to make a run for it. The river/waterhole we had to cross was very deep and crocodile infested but offered us some protection. There were 5 cars in our group, 3 with campervans we had a quick meal before the fire got too close. We fought the fire through the night and once it passed around 2 in the morning we sleep seated upright in our cars (not very comfortable) till morning. We pushed on through the river crossing with water over the bonnet of our cars and we were all very tired and exhausted but all safe to continue travelling the next day. The fire had been deliberately lit and not a authorised burn.

The is how close we were


Palm






The next morning.


Life survives (taken the next morning)


The river crossing.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Great photos.

As an American hunting in Zimbabwe a few years ago I noticed there were large fires burning in the Bush with many areas already burned over. When I asked my hunting guide if we should report the fires to the authorities he said it was the authorities who had set the fires to clear the Bush.

Glad you are safe,

Dennis

jtknikon

Wow! Close call! The bloke with his arm in the water was fishing for a saltie breakfast?🙉🐊

donrosshill Loc: Delaware & Florida

WOW, you had one scary adventure. I know this was difficult and you were in fear of your life. But, it is an adventure you will never forget.
Great images. Don

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Very dramatic and beautiful photos.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Scary, but you got great shots

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Wow! That IS scary. Nice fire photos.

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

Absolutely striking pictures and taken under less than typical circumstances too! Under those conditions, I'm not at all sure photographing the surrounding activity would have been very high on my list.

Glad you and your friends made it out OK!

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

Glad you and your friends made it ok. Dramatic photos

Sarge69

Dr.Nikon Loc: Honolulu Hawaii

As a fireman caught in a huge LA brush and structure fire that burned all the way to Malibu ... I brought my fire truck up into the Canyon chased by flames .. saw an injured deer on the roadway .., I had to back up and run over him to put him out of his misery and proceeded into a staging area where I deployed my lines and engaged the pumps .. at one point having to relieve the guys at the end of my hose .., fighting a structure and had one hose trained on me and the other on the structer so I wouldn't burn up .., with a bulldozer on fire and one LA fire truck already on fire .., finally we were ordered by the captain to lay on the ground and let the fire go over the top of us passing from the top of a gully to the next top of a gully ... we did 20 .., of us ..., I thought I was a goner .., I was burned on my hand ..., but lived .., two of the turn out coats straps burnt and the coats were lost and my cantina on the seat exploded from the heat ....., I look at my small scar from time to time and remember how close it came .. my then wife said .., "that's it" .. you quit or I will .. wanting to stay married .., I left the fire dept ...best fun job I ever had ...

So I can relate to your adventure and wonderful pictures ..., thnx so much for sharing ..,

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

The first 4 are beautiful images of a hazardous situation. I enjoyed the survivor bird, also.

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

Such a harrowing experience, Karenn and glad all are safe!

GWR100 Loc: England

Brilliant set, glad you managed to get through it all ok,

Geoff

Karenn Loc: Sydney Australia.

Thanks but if you notice the fire burned low and did not touch the canopy of the trees apart from a few palms going up like candles. How couldi miss these photos.