Contrasting climates, Penicuik and Oz.

I enjoy this view of the Knightslaw Tower standing just inside the Penicuik Estate through the gates at old Tymphony Lodge entrance ( now the public car park) and at the bottom of Lowries Den.   This tower (built as doo cot) was hidden by trees and only exposed a couple of years ago,  not long before this photo was taken (no snow so far this year).   Penicuik Estate and Penicuik House, well worth a visit, although the cafe at the Old House is closed at the moment to allow work to upgrade and extend the facility, so walker remember and take a flask if you like your cuppa.

Big contrast geographically here today compared to the fire devastated areas of southern Australia, still burning today after several weeks of wildfires caused by extreme high temperatures, high winds etc.   Australia, like areas of California, Spain, and France have regions which are used to annual outbreaks of wild fires with varying degrees of damage to wildlife and property, but not to this extent for a long time.    I see comments on FP about how £600 million was raised within days to help towards the repair of the fire damaged Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris !!!    So far, I wonder, how much has been pledged to help the Australian victims.     Nice to see that Queen Elizabeth has sent a message of support to Australia, and I am sure that had she been able sho would have been one of first to go and visit with moral support to the victims and the overstretched fire and emergency services personnel.