Being in Australia During the Bush Fires 2019

I haven’t posted anything like this yet... as I’ve wanted to show everyone how beautiful and amazing Australia is... and it is. But one very big thing I forgot to mention (or show) is... it’s BURNING. And it’s ugly and smoky and eerily post-apocalyptic looking on the very bad days. On the good days, everything is beautiful and blue and sunny and great, but when it’s bad, it’s bad. And as much as I don’t want to admit it, it really effing sucks... and on days like today, it’s hard to even be outside as it’s quite literally “snowing” ash. I’m currently in the Blue Mountains National Park, a 2-hour train ride from Sydney. A beautiful part of New South Wales, known for its “fresh mountain air” and pure rugged beauty. I couldn’t wait to finally be here, hike the iconic trails down to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints and take in the pure Australian mountain air. But, after arriving less than 24 hours ago, I’m soon headed back to Sydney... because the smoke is just too bad here. Not to mention the fact that ALL of the hiking trails and scenic spots are closed due to the close proximity of the bush fires. So yeah, it’s a bit of a bummer to say the least. But, hey, it’s a pretty good reminder that 1. Things don’t always go as planned and you have to go with the flow 2. Things aren’t always as they seem... even if social media makes it look like it. 3. CLIMATE CHANGE IS REAL. Sure, Australia’s always had bush fires, but never like this, and never this bad. So friends, this is what’s happening here down under. And as much as I want to say that everything here is just great and dandy. It’s not. But that’s ok. Because that’s life (even when we’re traveling and everything’s “supposed” to be amazing 🙄). But these fires are NOT ok. In fact, they (along with the other devastating effects of climate change and deforestation) have nearly killed off all of the koalas at this point, and they’re 🤏close to becoming extinct. So here’s a not so great update on what’s happening on this side of the world. But on the bright side, we are learning about the effects of climate change more than ever before, and slowly, but surely things will start to change. Because we have no other choice.