Well, I've just got back from Nariel and I could hav done with some of your snow, SINS; I took an afternoon nap in my tent and the sun came out and cooked me enough to experience serious heat stress. Fortunately, the two ex theatre nurses in our part of the camp (both excellent dancers, BTW) took no nonsense from me and dumped me in the creek; it has a wonderful "spa bath" section.

Most of my travelling from the New England to Nariel (and back) was controlled by a wish to avoid flood-blocked roads rather than anything to do with fires, most of which were well out of Nariel's way. In fact, our departure was hastened by a 40mm (1.5") drop of rain in two hours, starting at 4am after New Year's Day. My other tent, pitched for my daughters and friend, was designed for 4 people but 8 teenagers were in it when it collapsed under the weight of the rain. To their credit, they reorganised themselves into other tents and cars without waking any adults. But too much was sodden and the weather was unlikely to allow any drying so, to minimise mildew, we packed up and headed for home that day.

They'll all talk about the event until they're old and grey but the rest of the festival was great as well.

It looks like Sandra has kept you all well and truly posted on the various fires around the country. leaving me with little to say, for a change.

Happy New Year to you all.

Cheers, Rowan