Hopefully the last fire update and the next blog will be about the fun we've had!

We woke yesterday morning to a smoke filled cottage and ash falling on the outside vegetation. This was just too much for us and we decided that it was too dangerous. We spoke to the owners who have refused to refund anything of our 9 night booking as 'it's their busy time and they need the money'. Never mind that the accommodation is hazardous to health!

We booked another cottage in town as accommodation is getting hard to find with another 1200 people evacuated overnight and the fire spreading. The perimeter is now 27 miles. We considered leaving the area but it's not as simple as it sounds because the airport was shut for some time yesterday and the road south is now closed because of the fire. The road north, which was open as we left the cottage, leads only to Picton and we just weren't sure it was the right way to go as we have a hire car from Nelson and flights booked out of here on Friday. It was, however, a back up option. The other way we could go is to Golden Bay. This takes us back past the cottage, up beyond the Abel Tasman and to a dead end at Farewell Spit. If the road past the cottage is shut (not at all improbable) then we could end up stuck in Golden Bay with the car.

As we waited for check in at the new place, a fire broke out on the hill immediately above the house! Honestly, you couldn't make it up! (Linda....are you sure Dan is at home??? ) We arrived at the house to find a fire engine outside and choppers with monsoon buckets overhead. Paul spoke to the fire crew who said we would be fine. The couple from the house were delightful and said not to worry if we wanted to leave, they understood completely. Sick to death of living out of a suitcase and the road north now also closed because of the new fire we decided to stay, unpack and try to get on with things.

The local fire was under control by dusk and this morning is still completely controlled by a ground crew. The main fire is still spreading and schools have now closed in that area so that evacuation can be done quickly and easily. The fire on Rabbit Island and the one here were almost certainly malicious which is beyond understanding as it takes fighters away from the main area and threatens homes and lives.

So, we are safe, rested and about to head out to meet friends at the market, have lunch and then out to a gig tonight. We are near the river and have a small unheated pool in the garden to jump in if need be...haha! The next time you hear from us will be packed with fun things. x