The past couple of months haven't been kind to the bush.
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Vast tracts of the countryside we love to explore, to walk and camp in, and to admire, have become blackened and disfigured landscapes.
But don't despair or be discouraged - there's still plenty of unblemished bush land to wander in, and lots of undamaged mountains waiting to be climbed.
During the bushfire crisis, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning's Forest Fire Management, CFA, RFS, Parks Victoria and other emergency services all worked tirelessly to protect and preserve as much of our beloved bush as possible.
On the Bogong High Plains, fire retardant was employed around some of the historic cattleman's huts, and at least two iconic huts - Wallace's and Cope - were wrapped in foil as a protective measure. At Mount Buffalo, the historic chalet was protected by a ring of fire retardant and a CFA crew was stationed there to provide further protection if necessary.
Happily, the grand old lady was spared the beast's fiery breath. Unfortunately, the news hasn't been so good in NSW. To January 28, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has confirmed that 14 huts and buildings have been destroyed by fire in Kosciusko National Park.
While the Abbeyard fire to the west of Mount Hotham continues to burn and is not yet under control, keen hikers can still safely stroll out along the Razorback and climb Mount Feathertop, Victoria's second-highest peak. Already, Parks Victoria has announced previously closed areas in national parks are now "open for business".
However, before you chuck a few things in your backpack and pull on your hiking boots, it's highly advisable to undertake a couple of safety checks.
Check the Bureau of Meteorology site for the latest weather forecasts for the area you plan to visit (www.bom.gov.au).
To find out where current fires are burning, and for advice, take a look at the Vic Emergency site (www.emergency.vic.gov.au).
If you are unsure whether you can actually access particular parks and tracks, check out Parks Victoria at www.parks.vic.gov.au and NPWS www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au where you will find updates on tracks and areas that are currently closed.
If all that feels a bit overwhelming, don't forget there are plenty of tracks and walking trails in the immediate Albury-Wodonga area that make for pleasant day walks. See www.visitalburywodonga.com/blog/tracks-and-trails/
So the message is, don't retreat to the couch beneath the air con. Check to see where it's safe to walk and get out and enjoy the beauty of the great Aussie bush.
